How to Plan Your Career and Your Life

How do you plan your career and your life now that you have graduated from school? Read this article and get moving. Have a fun filled future!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper and a pen

1. Develop a Personal Mission Statement
   The time and effort it will take to do this will be well worth it. Your mission statement will need to be updated every couple of years as new ideas and opportunities become apparent to you.
2. Educate yourself
   Learn everything you can in your job. Take seminars, courses and join professional associations. You will be expected to stay on top of your industry and profession now and in the future.
3. Learn to roll with the changes
   Do not allow yourself to be catalogued as a whiner or complainer. Even if you are reluctant to accept change, do your best to adapt. Your management group will appreciate your efforts.
4. Be your own agent and learn to sell yourself and your skills
   Before embarking on a new opportunity, research and prepare. Match up your skills with the job and explain how you will contribute to the new position. Step forward when promotional opportunities are posted and get noticed.
5. Do not jump jobs too often but know when it is time to move
   Companies are much more forgiving of employees who have had many jobs, but only if there are compelling reasons for the changes. On the other hand, if the company is experiencing financial trouble, start job hunting vigorously.
6. Network with others in your field
   Hearing what is happening in your industry and sector from other people like yourself is the way most people stumble onto job opportunities. Help other networkers out whenever you can.
7. Never take a job for the money
   Enjoying what you are doing and liking the people you are working with means so much more than the dollar value on your paycheck. Set your priorities and the money will follow.
8. Embrace a challenge and do not be afraid to take a calculated risk
   Accepting a promotion to a higher level job is scary and you may have doubts about your ability to handle it, but accept it anyway. Many people perform their best under these conditions. If you are confident in yourself and willing to work hard, you will succeed.
9. Be open-minded
   Especially when economic times are tough, look outside the box. Maybe this is the right time to start your own business or write the book you always dreamed of writing.
10. Stay True to Your Heart and Your Principles
    Your job should make you feel good about yourself. You should not be ashamed of what you do. Finding the right career opportunity will help you realize your true potential in life. Good Luck on your personal journey to greatness.