Happy New Year! The holidays flew by this season. If you’re in disbelief that we’re starting a new year, you’re not alone. Just learning to say “2015” may take a little time.
One of your first tasks this year will likely be to come up with a list of resolutions.
As I write this week’s column in the final hours before the deadline, my thoughts focus in on one very important goal: stop procrastinating! It should be added to the list, along with the other typical things such as saving money and getting in shape.
If you’re like many people, you’ve been thinking of switching jobs or careers, or asking for a raise. You’ve probably known you wanted to do it for a while, but have struggled with where to begin. The job market has been tricky for so long, and the thought of putting your current stable situation in jeopardy hasn’t been worth the risk.
The good news for 2015 is the job market is looking up. As mentioned in a previous column, the Labor Department reported over 300,000 new jobs were added in the U.S. in November alone. Most likely, this positive growth should continue into 2015.
A healthier economy means you’ll have a better shot of landing your dream job in the New Year. In addition to an increased number of jobs available, companies will be forced to pay more competitive salaries. This creates a win-win for you: more jobs and more money.
It’s time to stop procrastinating and to act on what you’ve known for a while. If you’ve been looked over for a promotion, or if you’ve been denied a raise, you may either be in the wrong position, bored at work, or working for someone who doesn’t appreciate you work. Regardless of the reason, none of these scenarios are good, and they will not help your future career growth. It’s time to move on.
Before you jump quickly into a new position, take the time to reflect back on 2014. What was it that left you unhappy at your job, and why do you want to change? Were you working for the wrong person, in the wrong role, or just plain bored? Are you looking for more money, a better title, or a better environment? Do you want to move to another city? Identify what you liked and didn’t like about your current job, and use this information to create a wish list for your future job.
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to make a few additional, more specific resolutions. Resolve to get your resume in order. Update your LinkedIn profile. Revise your cover letter and begin to apply for jobs.
As Mark Twain once said, “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” After all, haven’t you been waiting long enough? With the uptick in the economy, it’s the perfect time to begin on your New Year’s resolution of getting a new job.
Angela Copeland is CEO/founder of Copeland Coaching, CopelandCoaching.com, and author of “Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job.” She also hosts the Copeland Coaching Podcast on iTunes. You can follow Copeland Coaching on Twitter (@CopelandCoach) and Facebook (facebook.com/CopelandCoaching).