A summer vacation, no matter how brief is always a good to time for a bit of reflection. Although I change my daily pattern very significantly when I'm up at the lake, a bit of rest always has me reflecting on my career, what I'm doing, how I'm using my time, and what might be more valuable long term.
One subject that always comes up after the first week is how do I keep my career moving forward. I seem to be able to think big picture far more easily when I'm rested. If you're like me, here are three suggestions.
- Expand your options. A major source of career power is the ability to create further options for yourself. In a tough business climate like this one, that can be daunting. But in the worst of situations there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Look for it and don't get caught up in the gloom and doom.
- Make yourself useful. There's no reason whatsoever to be limited by your job definition. That's a death sentence. When you see something needing doing, especially when it looks interesting, take it on. And oh god, get over the "asking-permission" business. Just do it. If someone of importance doesn't like it, you can always ask for forgiveness. You'll learn rather quickly, however, that it's rare to have to ask for forgiveness. Rewards come to the self-starters.
- Create some personal boundaries. Even in this economy, you don't have to accept every task that comes to you. I've had clients wonder how they're ever going to get their work done what with all the extra tasks that come their way as a result of cutbacks. That's usually a sign that they didn't manage their likes and dislikes with the boss, didn't get her to prioritize or have forgotten how to delegate. When too many jobs come your way, as politely as possible, get creative and collaborative and get others to help explore how to finish the task without stretching yourself too thin.