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While self-evaluation is very important, I think more emphasis should be placed on whether the organization you are in is really appropriate for you and your aspirations. Currently working for a manager who doesn't seem to appreciate anything we do, is somewhat demoralizing. Sometimes a change of scenery is the best way to seek individual fulfillment and job enjoyment.
Lloyd,
I agree with you that we must find that motivation inside. This is what sustains us through the obstacles & barriers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The first step is Self-Motivation. It is something you want for yourself and you want others to see your abilities. Yes I will admit that you should make yourself a list, but the list is Not what is going to get the job done. It will definitely help you stay focused; which leads back to Self-Motivation. At times you hear people mention that fact that it first needs to be something your passionate about, but truly deep down because of the Self-Motivation you probably will already be doing the things your passionate for and you’re looking for that extra to advance. Please do not get me wrong for what I am writing and I am not putting others down about the way they go about their management skill sets, this is only what I feel is the most important step in Personal career management.
I feel that the first most important step in personal career management is to make a commitment to that career. Without a commitment, then, I feel, you are not 100% sure that this is the career you want. Some examples of a commitment is to ensure that you have the proper training, enroll in a degree program within that field, shadow someone in the field to ensure it is right for you, or so research on the career path.
I think begininning by identifying strengths and weaknesses is a good place to start. Also, Identifying personal values and what is most important to receive from work as well as current expectations.
Jennifer,
it's thrilling to hear that you have found your passion, this really is key. And you are right, that once we've found that all of our career goals should be focused in that direction.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The first step for me in my personal career management is passion. It took me a long time to discover my true passion for teaching and once I did, I set all of my career goals in the area of teaching. In order to be successful in life, I do not feel for me, it is about money or material things, it is about waking up every morning looking forward to going to work. I like to make a difference in the lives of students I educate and the patients whose lives we take care of. For me, the most important step in my personal career management is passion.
I believe the most important step in Career Managment is defining your values. Skills can be developed to help you with specific jobs but it seems the people who go the furthest and those that I love to work for are those with clear morals and ideals and take the time to teach them to everyone.
John,
this is definitely a great spot to be in & wonderful that you have an opportunity to move within the company if the need should arise.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have to agree here. I am in a company I love working for but have been in the same position for over nine years. I love what I do and I like the fact that I get to continue learning new things all the time. When I am no longer excited about my current position I like that my company has oppertunities for me to make moves in different directions that hold my interest.
Patricia ,
this is definitely a concern & it must be weighed carefully. Remember you can always change positions. One idea might be to see if there is a way you can temporarily try on the higher position through some sort of developmental opportunity.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree that your career should yield you a lifetime of professional satisfaction, excitement and fulfillment but would bet that not many people have found this place in their life.
I thought I had figured out what I wanted to do and what I am doing is great and I love it but I want change. Maybe a different field or different company???? Are there any good career testing sites to use to help see a more clearer path to moving forward?
I love my job and what I do each day but feel that I have reach a "glass ceiling" and due to the small company size I am unable to move up the ladder. With that being said I am sometimes worried about moving to a higher position as I am afraid it won't turn out to be as satisfying as the role I am currently in? Any ideas?
Kimbely,
this is so true. It is key that we know our own sets of strengths, development areas, interests, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think the first most important step in career management is knowing your skill set. If a person kn ows thier skill set, they know what type of career path they can take. If they know how to read and write very well and enjoy being along, then a career as an editor may be good. If a person is athletic and has a natural skill for playing ball, then he/she should try out to be a ball player.
Yamil,
this is definitely true. At the same time, there may be occasions where we have to work at a job we don't ultimately love to pay the bills; the whole time looking for that career that really excites us.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Hi, this is exactly what I state in my initial post. Knowing yourself is the most important first step. You need to know what makes you excited and not be bored doing something you hate.
Hi, I completely agree with you. However, just because you are not in the right position doesn't necessarily mean that you are in the wrong company. It is possible to be in the wrong position in the right company. Therefore, it is best not to leave your company if you find yourself in the wrong position.
In my personal opinion, the first step in your career development is knowing what makes you excited. You really don't want to do anything that you don't like regardless of how financially rewarding it is.