The very mention of career goals makes one shiver, even as the forehead shrivels with worry. Since many of us have landed jobs at a time when we do not know very well what we want out of our lives, the cause for worry isn’t unfounded. It is true that it takes some of us years to understand what we would like to do and why we are at the place where we are. There are others who know what they want out of life from the word go. How do they end up being so sure of themselves? How come they know exactly where they have to go and how long it will take them to reach? Are they the kind of people who can read their future? No, they are, in fact, people who make their future. They are the ones who sit down, from time to time, and ask themselves as to what they want out of their lives, particularly out of their careers. They assess and take a hard look at the way their lives are shaping up and form long and short term goals. They also know how to handle their finances and how to increase them. These are the people who prepare themselves for higher responsibility as if it were already offered to them. In short, they set their career goals and act according to them. This makes their lives easy and the climb much more planned. Here’s how to set career goals.
How To Set Career Goals
Here’s how you can set your career goals:
Do Your Paper Work
Writing is symbolic of taking your thoughts about your career and its direction to the next level. Also, writing symbolizes action, because it tends to make you take the whole topic more seriously. That way you will be able to pinpoint exactly what you want and what you are willing to do for it. Begin by setting a yearly goal for yourself. For example, if you are making an x amount of money in a year, and have the promise of a raise or more money for effort, write down the bigger figure on a piece of paper and tape it at eye level above your desk in your cubicle; this will serve as a reminder. Instead of just thinking of it on odd days, you will be reminded you have to work harder to get what you want. If a yearly goal sounds too big, list ten smaller goals you know you can achieve. Build momentum.
Think Finance
Think about where, in the future, you would like to be financially, who you want to work for and how many hours you need to put in to get there. Remember that money has to be treated as the bottom line; you will have scores of bills to pay, you have your rations to stock up and several other daily incidental expenses such as fuel for the car, upkeep of your home, investments, and maintenance costs. Since money was the prime reason you joined, you will know better as to what your personal financial goals are. If you still do not know, then this is the time to ask yourself, get to know what it is and work towards it.
Mental Perspective To it
Now that you are done thinking about money, take a serious look at your state of mind. If you are the kind of person who seems to get a panic attack almost every day then your chances of getting a raise decrease. A better mental state means a better relationship with your colleagues, which will get you more responsibilities and thus, better pay. It will also bring with it a sense of contentment about where you are and how you came about there. There is no point in making career goals if you are mentally unhappy. Put happiness and peace of mind at the top of your list.
Plan Long Term
You must never forget that hard work is the surest way to ensure long term success anywhere. Since you are willing to work hard, you can dream. If you are working a job while attending college, pick the field you would most like to be in. If you are a fresh graduate working at a BPO, you might even want to save some money to earn yourself a little more education, say a Masters degree. A career isn't just about money or happiness; it's about proving that your hard work can pay off.
