New year, new job = new you?
As the summer holidays end, many people might be considering their career goals for the new year and beyond. An RMIT workplace behaviour and wellbeing expert describes how to set yourself up for success.
Associate Professor Lena Wang, Centre for Organisations and Social Change
“Research shows that people who are more proactive in their career planning are more satisfied at work and more likely to achieve their goals, including increasing their salary and securing promotions.
“The new year is a good time to think about your career planning, whether you might want to start a new career, change jobs or pursue a promotion.
“However, pursuing a career or job change takes time and conscious effort. It’s more effective to plan in a well-paced and well-planned manner, rather than rushing into decisions.
“First, reflect on your current job. Are you enjoying it? What are some of the things that motivate you to get up every day and go to work? What are the things that you dread at work? A thorough analysis of your current job can help you identify what you’re looking for in the next one.
“Once you’re clear about what you’re looking for, identify strategies on how you might find and land your next job that better aligns with your values and interests. Do you need to allocate time in your calendar to look for opportunities online? Do you need to initiate conversations with your contacts or attend networking events? Do you need to find a mentor? Having a clear strategy means that you are more likely to follow through.
“Constantly evaluating how you’re tracking is also important. Set a regular time from the get-go, such as a monthly check-in, to engage in purposeful reflection on your goals. Setting that time aside ensures you are accountable and continue to make progress.
“If you are dreading returning to your job, conscious career planning may just be the strategy to reinvigorate your passion in the workplace and have something to look forward to in the new year.”
Lena Wang is an Associate Professor in Management and Co-Director of Centre for Organisations and Social Change at RMIT. Her research expertise includes employees’ proactive behaviour at work, mental health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.
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