5 Tips For Setting Career Goals
Whether you are entering college, are already in the work world or somewhere in between, it is never too late to set career goals. In fact, doing so will make your work life more enjoyable and satisfying. Here are 5 tips for setting the effective goals to guide you on your career path.
Follow your passion What kind of work is most exciting to you? Is there an area of study or work that you would love to pursue? Even if your current job is mundane, can you find something in your line of work you can be passionate about? You may have to request a transfer to a new department or take a different set of elective classes than you originally intended. Yet, if you follow your passion, you will get greater satisfaction out of your work. To make this work, you must… Know the market While following your passion is vital to getting the most out of your career, it won’t do any good if there is no market for it. Do your research and determine which direction to go. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is available online and can give you some idea of the direction your chosen career is headed. Also, talk to others in the field to learn whether it is growing or shrinking, prospering or struggling. This is where you will have to… Be realistic If your passion is beekeeping, it is going to be more difficult to make a full-time career out of it than if it is research or chemistry. So, as you are setting your goals, keep in mind what you have learned in your research about the market for your chosen field. Of course, you don’t want to chase only the money. Even if the market isn’t strong, it doesn’t mean you should give up. Just re-adjust your focus and… Keep it simple Your career goals do not have to be extensive and complicated. In fact, you should be able to condense them into a sentence or two. Something such as “I want to have my own legal practice,” or “I want to travel the world as a flight attendant for a small, private airline.” The simpler you can make your goals, the easier they will be to reach. This isn’t to say that you should settle for less than your dreams. Rather, it means that you should boil those dreams down to their essence and pursue that essence. The rest will take care of itself. But you first have to keep yourself accountable and… Write it down There is power in the written word. Studies have shown that writing down goals gives you a greater chance of reaching them than just “keeping them in your head.” Having written goals keeps you focused. Write your goal on an index card and keep it in your wallet or purse. Read it daily. More than once a day is even better. Change it up as you grow and your goals shift.
These tips can help you to choose career goals that fit your lifestyle and the workings of this world best. By doing so, you have a greater chance at success. Real success that doesn’t cost you your happiness.
By: Mary Klaebel
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