What do tax day and your Career have in common?
Today is the final day to file your taxes for 2008. Once you or your accountant finishes your return, you sign it and it officially puts 2008 in the record books. It also gives you a snap shot of what you earned and how much of that money you actually took home. If you are like most Americans, especially in this economic time, this year’s tax form or “career financial report card” may tell more of a story then how much money you made.
So what can your tax return tell you about your career?
1. Did you get paid enough for what you do? Are people at other companies that do the same thing you are doing making more money? (You can find this out at Salary.com)
2. Did you increase your income from 2007?
3. No matter what you made, did you like your job?
4. Does your current job have a future?
5. Is your line of work going to be around in 5 years or will you be replaced by newer technology or products? (Remember raters in the insurance industry?)
No matter how you answered your questions, it is time to evaluate your career. Like the old saying goes, if you do the same thing every year, you will get the same results every time. Careers are no different. The challenge in this economy is to evaluate your current job and make some changes.
You spent hours doing your taxes. Here are some tax day tips that will help your career!
1. Use your tax refund to have your resume written professionally. I am always surprised that many of the resumes I come across are poorly written. In today’s economic market place, employers have choices and if your resume doesn’t “fit” the position, you may not even get consideration
2. Career Coaching. Wouldn’t it be great to meet live with an expert in getting jobs and giving career advice? NBA players have agents, why shouldn’t you for your career? Career coaches can help you with identifying your strengths, career paths, live interview skills and many other things that will give you a major advantage in any career situation. (Visit Yocomo.com)
3. Develop additional skills by taking classes at local colleges. For example, get into the healthcare industry. Many schools and colleges will train you in very specific skills that immediately will increase your income. How about a physical therapist assistant? Use your tax refund to get started!
4. E-Learning. Computer skills today are a major requirement in almost any job. If you are at a company that uses a specific type of computer program (like advanced Excel) and you don’t understand it, master it with a online learning course. Your employer will be impressed! (Visit Yocomo.com)
What does your tax form say about your current career and where you are going? Use your tax refund to kick start your career. It is the best investment you can make and career services are tax deductible!
