Career-Oriented Goals Make Good Resolutions
By Kevin Smith Staff Writer© Pasadena Star-News, January 7, 2007
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, weight loss and general fitness often top the list.
But career-oriented goals - like moving up the ladder at your current business or finding a new job - will likely have a deeper impact on your day-to-day happiness and well-being, according to one workplace authority.
John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., a global outplacement firm, said many people mistakenly put career goals on the back burner while concentrating on fitness, personal growth or personal finance.
The prospect of addressing career goals may seem daunting, he said, but the key is to focus on smaller steps - reasonable objectives and deadlines that will help get you where you want to go.
"Additionally, it is important to focus on things you can control and act on personally," Challenger said in a prepared statement.
"Resolving to get a promotion requires your employer to take action. Resolving to keep your supervisor regularly updated on your accomplishments and joining a workplace committee are actions that you can take that will help you for a promotion."
Gary Kaplan, president of the Pasadena-based executive search firm Gary Kaplan & Associates, said people generally don't like the idea of changing jobs.
"If you could remember in vivid detail what your first day on the job was like you'd never change jobs," he said. "You didn't know where the pencils were, you needed to know how to order business cards and you didn't know where the men's or ladies rooms were. There is something to be said about a comfortable environment - even if it's a less-than-ideal environment."
Kaplan also noted that many job seekers are already employed, which can make it tough to find the time to research and land a new position.
"You have to think `How do I take the time to craft a resume and do the research necessary to determine which companies I'll look at?"' he said. "And if you do all that and start to get called in to interviews, when will you find time for that? The higher up you get, it's not a matter of just scooting out during the lunch hour. Sometimes you have to devote several days to this and it may involve long-distance travel."
Kaplan offers some proactive advice that should make the process easier.
"You should be thinking about your career a little bit all the time instead of thinking about it a lot all at once," he said. "The worst possible time to begin this process is when you absolutely have to."
A little networking - like scheduling breakfast or lunch dates with people who have additional industry contacts and influence - can go a long way toward getting your name out there, Kaplan said.
"You can also get on the board of a nonprofit or go to other functions," he said. "That way when you do starting looking around, people may be calling you instead of you having to call them."
Gary Brainerd, a licensed clinical psychologist in Pasadena, said the workplace is an important component of our lives.
"If you stop to think about it, the ideal workplace is a place where there is a certain amount of love with people you consider friends," he said. "There needs to be an atmosphere of warmth and the work needs to be something you feel comfortable with and view as being significant."
Challenger offers several tips for people who are looking to make a career move:
Start a MySpace page: More companies are searching the Internet for information about candidates, so create a professional looking page that tells them you are exceptional.
Meet your boss's boss: At the next company event, go out of your way to meet those at least two rungs higher on the corporate ladder. They are the ones who can advance your career.
Get involved with a community service group: This is a great way to build your network as well as hone your professional skills.
Join a company committee: Whether it's a committee developing new workplace policies or simply planning the holiday party, joining or volunteering can help you build relationships with others you work with.
Join a professional/trade association: These groups can provide training and education opportunities, and most hold networking functions every year.
Find and/or become a mentor: Mentoring and being mentored provides perspectives and new ideas about career goals and how to achieve them.
