For many people, a New Year brings some perspective on what’s ahead for your career. You’ve seen so much in the past year or two: A global pandemic, remote work trends, and the Great Resignation. Employees everywhere are taking stock of their work and their lives, with an eye toward improvement for each. In this blog we help you reassess your career, helping you ask some of the hard questions that will set you up for success in 2022.
New Year’s Career Resolutions
Workers around the U.S. are thinking hard these days about making changes. This summer, more than four million Americans left their jobs. Why does it seem like everyone around you is thinking about a new job? There’s some polling data out there that shows the number one reason for quitting is to find better working conditions. But that’s not the only reason people are fed up and reassessing their work life. A Harris Poll recently showed people are quitting their jobs because:
- 32% want a better environment at work.
- 30% say they are burnt out.
- 29% want higher pay.
The poll also showed about 70% of participants said they are planning to move on between now and February, with the remaining percentage setting a goal of a new job by November 2022.
If you’re one of those people fed up with your current role, we recommend a reassessment process designed to help you figure out where you want to be a year from now. The market is so volatile, undertaking this kind of career planning and deliberation should happen at least once a year. That way you can go into the job market with your eyes wide open and your goals already carved out. Here are some important questions to consider as you’re thinking about 2022:
- Are you happy in your current job? This is a basic question that may draw an immediate, “No,” but we also urge you to consider that every job has its downside. This question, while simple, should get you thinking about all of the time you put in. Are you happy most of the time in your job or is every day just a drudge? Is there one element in your job making you unhappy and is it something you can change? If the answer is “no” to all of it, you know exactly what you need to do.
- Do you have the skills you need to make a change? This question can be answered with a little market research. What skills are emerging in your industry? Check the job boards for jobs related to your current role. What are the skills, technologies, and experiences that employers are most looking for? Consider targeting anything that seems to be in high demand—but that you don’t currently have. If you need to take a class, there are several good resources out there today for free training. There are also plenty of organizations that offer certification. If you need to up your skills to enjoy a better job and better life—now is the time.
- Where do you want to be a year from now? The next step is to set some goals for where you want your career to head in the future. If you’re goal setting, it’s critical to make these goals obtainable. Recognize that life changes and job improvements can happen incrementally, so don’t assume that your goal for a year from now is the end of where you’re heading.
The first step toward obtaining your goals for 2022 is to call PrideStaff Thousand Oaks. Our work with candidates is completely free. Find out how we can help by calling us today.
