Get Your Career In Gear! " The Joy Of Finding Your Life's Work" By Cecile Peterkin At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Part of having a successful career is managing it. A vital component to any successful career plan is a clear understanding of your personal and professional interests, values, attitudes, skills, behaviors, etc. - and how/if they are changing. A successful career path makes the necessary adjustments to keep your work goals in balance with these other important areas of your life. Fall brings us back into routine after the often lazier days of summer and vacations. Now is an excellent time to take stock, and adjust accordingly - from small tweaks to large changes. Developing and Managing a Successful Career PlanHere are 5 key points to keep in mind when managing a successful career. Keep all of these on your radar, no matter what stage you are at.

1. Introspection - Evaluate yourself closely and honestly to find out what you enjoy doing. Finding work you love that helps you transcend yourself and your life. Take the time to understand who you are, what you like, and what you need to do and how best to keep balance while you achieve your goal and move forward in your career.

2. Assessments - Assessments tools are very valuable to help clarify who you are, and what you want. There are numerous assessments available online (and on paper) that will provide you with information about your personality, vocational interests, skills, values, personal interest, personal and professional strengths and weaknesses, and much more. Everyone has special talents. Some people are great with numbers and focus their career in finance. Some people are extroverts and focus their career in sales. Use your talents to the best of your ability to serve you and others, and you will find yourself well positioned for a long and successful career.

3. Company fit - Find the right company that provides you with opportunities to do the things you like - a company that fits your background, abilities and aligns with your own personal values. For instance, if you value monetary rewards, make sure the company you choose does not tie performance only to titles or reward special achievements with gifts and time-off. Or if you value family make sure the company you choose doesn't reward long hours in the office. What type of organization do you want to work for? Know what you need from the company that will make it a good fit for you.

4. Your next position - What do you want to gain from your next position? More flexibility, better pay, work/life balance, less travel, team environment, etc.? What are the things you cannot give up, and what are the things you can be flexible about? What do you feel you need and desire in your next position? What do you want in a boss,manager or supervisor?

5. Education/Training - Assess your skills. What training do you need in order to move forward in your career? Are you staying up-to-date on current trends in the industry, keeping your skills sharp, attending training programs, being involved in professional associations?

Awareness in these 5 areas will allow you to make solid decisions that help you to grow and move your career in the direction you want. You control your own career destiny. Knowing who you and what you want is as important as knowing what you want to achieve.

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