Gone are the days when employees spend their entire career at one company. Today’s employees aren’t afraid to move on if their role isn’t what they hoped it would be. Whether it’s taking a new position within the same organization or joining a new group, it’s time to take control of your career path. You don’t need to suffer in a job or company that isn’t right for you.
Know What You Want
New grads often start in a field they thought they were interested in, but soon realize it’s not right for them. Some stay the course, motivated by salary or potential growth. Others may feel stuck. If you are unsure that you’re in the right field — or you've lost sight of your career goals — it’s time to reassess. Take a step back and think about what you want. Consider factors such as industry, level of responsibility, and work/life balance. These are key in determining the next step along your career path.
Know When to Say No
Many companies are trying to do more with less, which means employees are feeling stretched. You may be asked to take on additional projects or responsibilities. When such requests fall outside the scope of your role, or you truly don’t have the bandwidth, it’s OK to say no. Your focus should be on your primary responsibilities, and if these new tasks take too much time away from those, you need to speak up. If your manager is not receptive to your feedback, it might be time to look for other opportunities.
Communicate
Don’t assume your manager knows what you want in your career. Unless you clearly articulate your goals, they may not realize you’re interested in managing a team, learning new software, or shifting into another area of the organization. Have an open dialogue and share your career aspirations. A good manager will be receptive to these conversations and help position you to reach your goals.
Use Your Network
One of the most powerful tools you have to propel your career is your network. Whether you are actively looking for a new role, or simply interested in seeing what else is out there, your network can yield numerous opportunities and connections. Small interactions, such as congratulating others on their professional achievements, supporting their endeavors, and simply checking in will help keep you stay visible. Then, as they learn about an opportunity that fits your criteria, they’ll be more likely to think of you and pass along the information.
Don’t Be Afraid to Move On
While the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it’s important to resist inertia — don't be tempted to stay in a job because it's safe. Part of taking control of your career path is being willing to move forward on your own, even if that means leaving your current organization. Put yourself out there and find a role that’s rewarding.
Taking control of your career may seem daunting, but it also can be exciting. Find a role and organization that fit your needs and align with your career goals. Making a move may involve self-reflection, difficult conversations, or exploring multiple opportunities, but the right fit is out there. Take your time and go through the process — you’ll thank yourself for it.
ON TOPIC
A Is for Attitude
Wherever you are on your career path, having the right attitude can make all the difference. Whether you’re considering making a change or you're happy in your current position, here are some tips to ensure you’re maintaining — and projecting — a winning attitude.
Be a confident teammate. Being approachable is important, both when looking for a job and once you are part of an organization. You want to be a team player who listens and collaborates rather than one who argues and dictates. It's also important to maintain a level of humility. Be confident, but don’t tell everyone how great you are. Instead, show them your value through consistent, quality work.
Be friendly. A smile goes a long way when building rapport. Keep interactions with your coworkers upbeat. When your team is overwhelmed, be a voice of optimism. Remember that your contributions to the company matter and conducting yourself in a positive way can influence others to stay focused.
Take the high road. It’s easy to get caught up in gossip and negative stories about managers and colleagues, past or present. Don’t do it. Reliving frustrating moments doesn’t solve anything. In fact, in some cases it can cause a toxic, unproductive environment. Channel the childhood rule, “If you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything at all” — it’s the mature, professional thing to do.
