Getting a job is very difficult these days. Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on the economy in the past one and a half years. Most people are struggling to retain the jobs they already have as companies are going for massive layoffs. In this post, we have highlighted some of the important career goals to set for yourself.
In such an environment, if you do manage to land a good job, it is understandable that you will be very relieved and in a celebratory mood.
However, once you are done celebrating, you should sit down and figure out your long-term goals. You see, if you don’t start planning long-term, you could end up being stuck in your current position forever.
A lot of people like to “go with the flow” or “live in the moment”. Though such sayings can be helpful in some aspects of our lives, they should not be taken seriously as far as our careers are concerned.
In your career, it is essential to plan ahead. There will be lots of obstacles and troubles you might have to face down the line, and if you don’t have a plan charting your path forward, you could end up lost in mediocrity.
To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, set realistic career goals for yourself. You should always be working towards something.
Here are some career goals that you can set for yourself:
Finding Your Calling
While most people are motivated by money and simply want a career where they will be able to live luxuriously, some people look for career fulfilment. In the early stages of your career, you should search for the job that you will be most passionate about.
After all, this will be your job for the next few decades, and you don’t want to get stuck in a job you hate. If you are interested in your work and passionate about the industry you are in, you will feel satisfied and content with your job.
This feeling of fulfilment is very important. Hence, you should explore your career options before settling down in one field.
Develop Various Skills
These days, promising career opportunities are available for those who have a wide skill set. Companies are looking for candidates who will be able to fulfil different job responsibilities even if they are hiring for one specific position.
This means that you should be working on developing different skills instead of just sharpening the skills you already possess. If you have a diverse skill set, you will never have to worry about finding a job.
You should definitely work on your public speaking and writing skills, and these two skills will always be invaluable for any company.
Set a Timeline for Yourself
If you don’t have a specific timeline for your career, you could end up trapped in the same position forever. Whether you are going for a short course to improve your skills or settling into a new job, set a timeline for yourself.
This will help keep you on track and ensure that you don’t unconsciously end up wasting away precious months.
For instance, you should have a goal in your mind regarding your next promotion. If you are planning to go back to university, you should have a specific timeline in your mind about when you will be able to get your degree and re-join the workforce.
Distinguish Yourself in the Workplace
If you want to get ahead, you should be visible in the workplace. A lot of people do excellent work but never seem to get ahead in their careers. This is because they don’t push themselves to be more visible to their bosses.
Just doing good work is not enough. Your work should also be clearly visible to your bosses and the higher-ups. It is only when they notice that you will get better opportunities at your workplace.
Networking can help open doors for you everywhere. Make sure that you connect with people in your field and leave a lasting impression on them. You never know when someone will come in handy in the future.
Focus on Your Life Goals
A career isn’t everything. To have a fulfilling career your whole life, your personal life must be sorted as well. When your personal and professional goals align, you will be able to find the most satisfaction and contentment.
Many people make the mistake of letting their personal lives go haywire while focusing solely on their careers. While in the short-term they might get good results, long-term, everything will fall apart.
Similarly, you can’t focus too much on your personal life as well. Balance is key. Get that balance right, and you will be happily settled with a good job and a sorted personal life.
Have you set your career goals? Do they align with your personal goals as well? Let us know by writing in the comment section below.