We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it – but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor. Oliver Wendell Holmes
A choice implies movement, options, and change. It involves a willingness to risk, evaluate, and visualize. You need to know when the time has come to make a committed decision and feel confident about this. Sometimes that takes courage, sometimes it takes faith that everything will work out, sometimes it means living outside of your comfort zone, and sometimes it leads to compromising. This is what “owning” your career and its pathway means.
In general, what are your hopes and practical expectations for this coming year? Here are some major and minor work choices you could make in 2014 that could have a long-term impact on your career:
- changing careers
- beginning a professional development activity
- seeking a promotion
- volunteering in your local ASTD chapter
- starting a business.
However, you don’t need to limit yourself to these obvious alternatives; be creative and think outside of the box. Below are some actions to take to help you think through and understand some of the factors to consider in making your choices.
List any personal or family life events that have occurred within the past year. For example, did you join the sandwich generation, became a parent or an empty nester, or have changes in your marital status? If so describe how these event have affected your professional life. For instance, you may find you have more work anxiety, need a larger salary, or are now ready for a job change or career shift.
List any professional life events that have occurred with the past year. For example, did your company go through a reorganization? Did you receive a master’s degree, a certification, or get a new manager? Again, describe the events and their impact on your professional life. These could include more work stress and pressure, a new role, or changed responsibilities.
Assess and evaluate your options. Write out the pros and cons of each alternative or option. Select the top three best (for you) options. Then take the following actions:
- Describe how you feel about the choices available to you based on weighing the pros and cons of each in terms of satisfaction level, attitudes, and the emotions you are experiencing. Then make your choice (s).
- Establish timelines to develop an action plan to turn the selected option(s) into realities. Write out this time schedule, including interim reviews.
- Describe the possible consequences and impact on your and your family's lives if the “status quo” continues.
A final thought – the old adage is still relevant: “He who waits, waits; he who doesn’t, does something about it.” Be confident, take chances, and most importantly, trust in yourself, the choices you make, and the resulting outcomes. You may very well surprise yourself with your success in taking ownership of your T&D career and its pathway in 2014.
