It’s tough to make progress in your career when you have no clear direction. So, here’s a template for career growth, based on my personal experiences.
Some background
I started working part-time, in a store, when I was in high school in Tampa, Florida. Over time, that job became near full-time hours during my years as an undergraduate. Then, while an undergrad, I spent four quarters as a co-op student in Washington D.C., working at NASA headquarters.
After college, I worked in wholesaling, retailing, and direct sales for the first twelve years of my professional career. Locations included Tampa, Miami, and Winter Haven, Florida.
Later still, a mid-career change took me to graduate school at the University of Georgia for a Ph.D. After that, on to a 30-year academic career at Miami University and Georgia College. That academic career was split half and half between being a faculty member and academic administration as an associate dean and dean.
A template for career growth
All that said, my comments here about a career are based on that lengthy professional career.
However, my perspective is from that of a retiree who has repurposed to sharing what I learned during my work life through a weekly blog and daily posts on LinkedIn.
So, in no particular order, here’s some advice about work life.
Passion is good but purpose is better!
Yes, it’s important to work hard and be focused.
That said, it’s best if you have a very clear sense of life purpose at each point in your career.
Actually, purpose can change over time, for sure. But, don’t simply work hard without a clear understanding of what your God-given purpose is for that particular stage in your life.
Always be growing – personally and professionally
Professional growth is often a given. Your employer will offer various types of training.
Therefore, become an expert at whatever it is you are doing at the time.
More importantly, be intentional about finding personal growth resources. Then, intentionally apply that learning into your professional life.
More specifically, start your personal growth journey very early by investing in yourself.
I was very slow doing this. One excellent starting point is to master Covey’s 7 Habits, especially the first three habits. Another resource is a mentor who can make constructive, and sometimes painful, suggestions about where you need to grow.
In my study of Proverbs, I’ve been able to combine spiritual growth with professional insights, as well as with personal growth. That’s a great way to make the most effective use of the time you invest in growth.
Be sensitive to needed changes
Hard work and focus can cause us to lose sight of needed changes in ourselves and in our careers.
Consequently, be observant enough to recognize when it’s time to move on.
Is a career transition hard? Absolutely.
But, not changing, or waiting too long to change is equally stressful on both you and your family. Making these changes is a “first thing” in life that must not be ignored.
Build a network outside your job
I realize how hard networking is because I’m an introvert. Nevertheless, when it’s time for a change it’s simply too late to start building a network of supporters.
Instead, spend time developing interests and contacts outside your immediate sphere of influence wherever you happen to be working.
Here’s one simple example. When I was associate dean I was encouraged to become involved in the local chamber of commerce. Those contacts were certainly valuable. But, the experience itself as board chair was of even greater value to my professional growth.
Be true to yourself
Truly, a critical aspect of personal growth is growing in self-knowledge.
Knowing who you are enables you to make better informed choices about your strengths and weaknesses. As a result, your career choices are much more closely aligned with your WHO.
Thus, know your WHO, then be true to that person.
Yes, you must move outside your comfort zone to grow, but you are highly unlikely to be successful trying to be someone you are not and never will be. I learned that from personal experience early in my career.
Proverbs 14.8 notes that we exhibit wisdom when we think critically in regard to discerning our way, that is, where we are going in life.
Apply This Today!
We should think deeply about who we are, where we are going, and why we want to go there!
Being proactive should begin with our career planning – work intentionally!
Above all else, know yourself and be yourself.