What company
was the first place you ever considered "home"? For those of you who
have worked for a few companies in your career, you know what I mean. Home
is a settled feeling, knowing that you can shrug off the worry and hesitation
about where you will go next, or when you will find a place where you can start
to plant roots. The catalyst that helped me to make this decision was the
fulfillment I found through connecting technology to business strategy.
If you are
searching for the secret to career success, this is an individual process that
has many factors, including your definition for "success". Even
before defining your career aspirations, knowing who you are, your values, and
the "why" for it all prior to creating a career plan may minimize
disappointment later for your decisions. For some of us, it can take time
before finding your path and place is apparent.
Several years
ago, many of my peers were "jumping ship" to accept great offers at
other companies. With opportunities appearing to be limited where I was during
that time, the thought crossed my mind as well. At the very moment when my
future appeared bleak, I encountered a career coach who asked me why I thought
I had to leave my employer to find "my place". A five-minute
conversation with her gave me a perspective that changed my approach. She
simply asked:
- What role was I interested in?
- Could I obtain that job where I was employed?
- What am I willing to invest to realize my goal?
At that
moment, I understood the challenge was not where I was physically, but rather
where I was mentally. I had to find my niche, understand the value I brought to
my current role (not waiting for the "right" job to show value), and
how to demonstrate and communicate my value. I concluded this was a formula
specific to me, so gaining employment with another company wasn't going to
solve my dilemma. I would have been in this mental prison wherever I went until
these three simple questions liberated me. Thinking differently about
what I was thinking about helped me to discover the answer that was there all
along. So often employees are waiting for their ultimate role to show
their value. The reality is, by demonstrating your value now (regardless of
your title) and investing in yourself gives you the ability to move to where
you are trying to go.
If You Are
Challenged By Your Career:
1) First, know
what you want and don't want in a career.
2) Determine
if you can do it where you are.
3) Know your
value, strengths, and areas for improvement.
4) Decide what
investment you will make in yourself to achieve your goal.
5) Start now.
For
more career insights, check out my new book "50 Essential Tips To Getting & Keeping The 'Right' Job"
or at StaceyRivers.com.
