Smart ways to improve your career this 2019
"New year, new me," right? January is a good time to start applying positive changes to your life, but remember that everyday can be Day 1. That means you can promise to let go of negativity and hit refresh on how you live at any given point, as long as you have the will to do so. While most of the time, our resolutions revolve around leisure, maybe this year, you can focus more on resolutions that can help you achieve your career objectives. This 2019, you can resolve to:
2. Learn new skills
Although overtime seems to be the norm in most jobs, it is still a choice. Put a cap on the overtime that you render. In some companies, they don't even allow their employees to render overtime beyond 9 pm. If overtime cannot be helped, perhaps you can designate one or two days in a week where you will go home on the dot. If overtime is due to deadlines, better planning, close coordination with teammates and time management are crucial. Now, if you lack any of these skills, the next resolution is for you.
You might be struggling at work because you lack certain skills. Coordinate with your supervisor and HR to help you determine what you need for the job and the best training program you can follow. Employers are generally keen on getting you trained because your growth will also benefit them in the long run.
In any relationship including an employer-employee relationship, communication is key. Perhaps, you feel that your current position is not a fit and you yearn to try out another role. Speak with your direct supervisor and HR to explore opportunities within the company. You might be allowed to shift immediately or be lent to another department for exposure during the slack season. Make sure to keep an open mind as your options may not exactly be what you expect.
Are you uncertain on where your interest lies or you’re starting to feel burned out by the routine of your daily work? Get a change in perspective by signing up for ad hoc projects or extracurricular activities. Ad hoc projects may arise from management or company directives like cost-saving initiatives or process audit and documentation. You might also want to volunteer for extracurricular activities such as the sports fest or CSR programs. It’s a good opportunity for you to use your skills for a different purpose or to bond with other people at work.
5. Explore your passion
You may be at work from Monday to Friday (or Saturday), nine to five but you still have after office hours and weekends to explore your passion. Enroll in a seminar, class or workshop. Join a club. Take up a sideline or raket. These activities will allow you to master a craft, expose you to people with the same interests and get a glimpse of its earning potential.