No matter what you do for a living, it is important to make sure that you understand the difference between a stagnant career and a potentially thriving career. A lot of people get these two thoughts confused, but I hopefully will be able to help give you some guidelines to help you decipher between the two.
I have spoken to many candidates over the last 19 years and interestingly enough, I find that they do have positions that one can thrive in, but do not take the steps to do so. In other words, I find people who like their job, but never can make it something more. In my opinion, this is caused by:
1) Listening to career advice from family, friends and co-workers. This is the kiss of death if you are trying to get ahead in a job you believe in. Only you know how you feel about the company you work for and your own potential. If your job is positive and others around you are negative, this can and does have an adverse effect on you staying on a dedicated career path. Co-workers who talk negatively about the company may have a different opinion on the direction a company is headed. Use your gut and talk with your managers on how to get ahead. Remember, some of the best jobs start out as some of the worst. The situation to solve issues and help the company strive will increase your value much quicker than going to work and complaining!
2) Not understanding your career path. If you get into a company and after a few months get a good “lay of the land” to where you want to go with your career, the solution is simple. Find the individual who has the job you would like in the company and take them to lunch. If you are lucky, they may become your mentor! Ironically, they will feel good that you reached out to them to seek career advice.
3) Make sure that you get the training and additional education to grow in your career path. A lot of the larger Central Florida companies will sponsor your additional education. The smaller companies will usually help you in some aspect finically, but you need to ask. Whatever you do, take courses that directly will help you in your career. Don’t waste time taking a film course if you are trying to excel your career in law enforcement. (Take the film course on your own time)
4) Make sure your company is keeping up with the latest trends in your industry. All around the country in the last five years, thousands lost their high paying manufacturing jobs to technology advances that replaced them. A lot of them knew the possibility of this happening, but didn’t do a thing about it. With all the research you can “Google” these days, keep up with the trends in your industry. Who knows, you may even be able to make your own company aware of the future possibilities!
Finally, I know that not everyone out there is looking to climb the career ladder. That is why a stagnant career can also be a good one. You know what you are getting and hopefully enjoy your work. But if you are looking to move your career and are not, it is time to move on if your current company can’t support your career needs! Send me your comments or questions.
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