Regardless of your lifestyle choices, everybody should have an opportunity to go further. Sometimes it can be really hard to find a way to achieve that though. Parenting breaks, illnesses, or failing businesses can all mess up your career plans. So how can you get back to where you were, and how can you push forward to where you want to be? Here are five strategies to help give your career the boost you deserve:
Career Portfolio
This can take a long time to set up, but it can be worth it. Try to assemble the best bits of everything you have done in the past. Collate it into a work portfolio that clearly illustrates what you have achieved to date. This applies to any industry or career path such as the medical profession, services, or retail. Not all of it needs to be from previous employment. You might be able to add some personal projects in there that highlight your organizational skills, your ability to project manage, or perhaps your creative talents.
Education, Education, Education
No matter what you did in the past, chances are it’s at least a little out of date now. See what courses are available that can offer you the latest thinking, practices, and information. Why not take your qualifications to the next level? If you’re ready for a step up, then consider managing or even training others. If you’re a nurse, take an online RN to BSN qualification to become a nursing educator. If you’re a teacher, why not take your Masters and consider a head position? How far up the ladder can you go?
Out There On Your Own
Have you considered a contract, freelance or self-employed route? Sometimes it’s easier to create the role you want when you can’t find it in the job ads. It gives you the chance to prove to a client that there is a need for you within their organization. They might even offer you a full salaried position to keep you. By going into business for yourself, you also have the freedom to work around your other commitments. You’ll need to manage your own marketing, administration, and accounting, though. Still, it’s a few more skills to add to your resume.
Proof And Request
If you’re currently in a role that seems to be going nowhere, why not dig a little deeper? Find out all you can about the organization you work for. What are their strengths? What is their position in the marketplace? Now consider what you’ve contributed so far. Write it all down and get ready to present your proposition! Illustrate what you’ve done for the business so far, and what you’re willing to do in the future for a promotion and pay rise. You might have to justify the extras, but if your boss sees what more you can do to benefit the business, chances are you’ll get what you deserve.
Ask
Ask around the businesses you’re most interested in working for. It can sometimes be a bit of a numbers game, but if you don’t ask you won’t get. How hard are you prepared to work to get the career of your dreams?
