“If you don’t know where you are going then that’s where you will end up” proverb
Managing your career is a little like taking your self on as a project..
It is useful to know where you are and which way you are going.
It’s useful to understand the information and resources you might need and the available options.
You also need to check in occasionally on how things are going and make any necessary changes.
Most of us humans tend to manage our careers when some change happens to us
Classic changes that sparks some reflection and planning
Start of a family or other significant family change
Returning to work after a break
Dissatisfaction with current role or company
Decision to relocate
Possibility of work reorganisation or restructure
You will note that pretty much all of these are reactive
This probably wasn’t such an issue in the past where a “job for life” was more of a reality for some. In effect our employers looked after our careers.
Now no one is saying you don’t have a job in the future but with immense technology, political, environmental, social changes taking place who could predict what it might be like to work for Genesis Energy in 20 or even 10 years time?
At this stage you might be thinking “Exactly, so why bother to plan if the future is so uncertain?”
The simple answer is because:
Planning puts you in control and gets you ready for opportunity.
All projects, large or small, holidays etc. benefit from proper planning and management. The most important project you will ever be involved in is your own life. Your career is a major part of your life and it therefore follows that you should properly plan and manage this aspect.
Planning:
• Gives you more flexibility
• Allows you to anticipate some change
• Gives you a chance to react more quickly to unexpected changes
• Makes you feel like your driving and not being driven by others
Oh yes, these one more reason and tremendous benefit to you career planning , no one else is doing it for you right now!
There is always a large element of opportunism in career development – the right person at the right time finding the right job. Although unpredictable elements exist, planning and personal initiatives can play a major part in creating opportunities for development and advancement. You should try to shape your career rather than simply react to events.
