At some point in your life, you will feel sick and tired of depending on other people for your career advancement. But here’s a piece of good news for you– YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON IN-CHARGE OF YOUR SUCCESS.
Do you feel trapped in a job you hate, regret accepting the job offer because of insulting pay and a bad boss? If you ever relate to one of those struggles, this is a sign to start taking control of your career. Start here, start now.
Here are some ways you can take to start taking ownership of your career today:
List All of Your Skills, Abilities, and Expertise
To quickly rundown your skill sets, ask yourself these questions: “What am I known for?”, “What are my finest qualities?”, “What accomplishments am I most proud of?”, “What are my best skills?”
Assess and take some time to list your skill sets and think of how your qualities will be an asset to the organization. It is good to set concrete examples of how your qualities have boosted your previous employer’s productivity and other examples of competencies that made you stand out.
This information will aid you in building your brand, and how you are aware of your strength will you to market yourself as a business-of-one to employers.
Be Proactive In Your Career NOW
There is a saying, “Be a creator of circumstances rather than just a creature of circumstances.” and this goes hand in hand with taking ownership of your career– you need to stop being reactive and start being proactive now. This applies to these career activities but is not limited to standing by for your promotion, sitting still while employers email you back about your resume, or waiting for recruiters to reach out to you with fresh opportunities.
Did you notice that all of these “job-hunting activities” relate to the word “waiting”? Here’s the truth: Waiting doesn’t get results but taking action does.
Instead of waiting around, try to set up a discussion with your boss to talk about your advancement opportunities, list down your target companies that you want to work at, engage with their recruiters, and maybe even arrange informational interviews.
Submitting a cover letter and resume to an actual person is also essential for job applications, and it is best to communicate with the hiring staff for a follow-up.
Build and Maintain Your Professional Network
“Professional networking is not about just connecting with people. It is about connecting people with ideas and people with opportunities.”
You can always ask for a hand and get by with some help from your career friends. Give an effort to build your professional network. Start conversations and forge relationships with new people within your industry and target companies.
Even if you are not up for a career change or new job yet, having these connections on the side as professional contacts, references, and mentors will significantly help you. They can give you practical tips and realistic insights and even hook you up with a job. Just be sure to help them in exchange!
Explore Opportunities Outside your Corporate Job
You’ve spent your entire career in a corporate job that provides you with a steady income and predictability. But is that all you want from your job? Do you want to spend the rest of your life working in the corporate world, or do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?
Allow yourself to explore if you are dissatisfied with your current situation. Be willing to examine various aspects of yourself and to listen to your intuition.
Have you always wanted to start your own business and get out of your rabbit hole?
How do you know what business is “right” for you?
As a Career Ownership Coach, I help franchisors to connect with passionate, hard-working people LIKE YOU looking to have ownership over their future and, ultimately, their success. Let’s connect, and I’ll assist you in going on your own path.