What to do on your winter break

For parents and students everywhere, the last week of December symbolizes a great empty expanse into which all the hopes and dreams of a season can be stuffed. This wonderful week without school (and perhaps without work obligations) represents the ultimate luxury: Time to do whatever you’ve been wanting to do.

For those who are listmakers, the line items might include practical things such as annual dentist visits. But it would be sad if the list didn’t also have something fun, such as visiting with old friends or perhaps just sleeping in for five days straight. Not to clutter up the week, but if you’re wanting to reach more goals before the new year starts in earnest, inspiration can be found in the world of careers. Following are a dozen things to consider tackling so you can have a stronger start to 2019. If you find one or two on the list to call your own, that’s more than enough for this “free” week – you still need time to hang out and relax.

Update your resume. OK, so maybe this doesn’t sound like fun — that’s probably why you haven’t done it lately. Allow yourself just an hour or two so the task doesn’t swallow up the week. The main things you need to revise: your current or most recent job description and any new entries in your training and volunteer sections.

Catch up on LinkedIn requests. If you tend to put off accepting requests to connect on LinkedIn, here’s your chance. This is another of those one-hour tasks. Find your password, sign in and zoom through the requests and other bits that have been accumulating in your account. Do you want extra credit? Take a few minutes to learn another feature of the system, such as uploading your resume to your profile, or sharing articles.

Invite a colleague for coffee or lunch. Now we’re getting to something more fun. A review of your email will probably reveal at least one person from your work life with whom you could enjoy a relaxed conversation. This kind of no-pressure networking is the best because there’s no awkward “ask” hanging in the air — just an opportunity to know someone better.

Visit a friend at work. While you’re setting up lunch, why not arrange to come in the door and meet your friend’s co-workers? If the logistics aren’t too awkward, you may discover that it’s a no-pain way to expand your professional circle.

Update a skill with an online podcast or video. Have you mastered the software you use? Perhaps there’s a tool or piece of equipment you’d like to understand better. Whatever you can imagine learning, someone has probably recorded a tutorial or instructions that you can review.

Read a book in your field or catch up on related publications. It can’t hurt to end the year a little smarter than you started it. Even scanning the headlines of industry newsletters will help update you on developments in your field.

Review training programs to pursue in the new year. Speaking of ending the year smarter — what’s your plan for 2019? Decide to take at least one class or workshop, and don’t forget to ask your employer to help with the tuition.

Update your computer or phone. This is one of those tasks you either love or hate. If it’s the latter, chances are good you’re using outdated equipment. It will pay off later if you ensure you’re not cutting yourself off from useful programs and features by delaying needed updates.

Organize your computer files for better efficiency. For job seekers especially, the computer desktop can become a clutter of multiple resumes, half-written cover letters and downloaded tipsheets. An hour spent labeling file folders might be all you need to start the new year right.

Clean out your vehicle. Do you use your vehicle for work? Now’s a good time to grab all the paperwork and receipts floating around the passenger floor. While you’re at it, gather the parking change into one location. Extra credit? Figure out how to work the radio.

Tour a manufacturing business. If you can find a local manufacturer that offers public tours, you’ll be surprised at how much you learn. Whatever processes they’re using, you’re bound to be impressed by the clean and efficient workspace and the hum of business. Extra credit? Bring your kids.

Send out thank-you notes or new year’s greetings. Thanking those who have helped your career this year is a great way to start January with a clean-slate feeling. It’s also an important part of “paying back” — those who help do it for the reward of doing good, so thanking them helps close that circle.

Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 626 Armstrong Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102.