New Year: New Career Goals

It’s a couple of weeks into 2008 and you’ve been good about sticking to your resolutions. You’ve been to the gym at least 10 times since January 1; you’ve said something positive everyday and you’ve been able to save $10 every week.

What about your resolution in terms of your career?

Whether you vow to change, establish or retire from your career doesn’t really matter – what’s important is that you at least have some attainable goal for work. Not having one will leave you bored at work – and take it from me, that is NO fun.

So, resolve to achieve success and personal satisfaction when it comes to your job in 2008.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help evaluate your career satisfaction and success, according to Douglas J. Matthews, president and COO for Right Management, an employment consulting firm.

1. Assess your level of satisfaction. Consider if and how much you enjoy your work, the company culture and your opportunities to grow within your organization, Matthews says. If you’re unhappy, consider changing jobs, industries, job functions or continuing your education.

2. Assess your skills and abilities. Ask yourself if you’re doing what you do best. Evaluate if your skills and talents are in line with your current role, Matthews says. “People whose skills, abilities and interests are at their highest perform at the top of their games, and get the most satisfaction out of the work they do.”

3. Assess your employer’s financial outlook. Consider what the economic future looks like for your employer. Are sales and market shares increasing or decreasing?

4. Assess your career net worth. “Career net worth is the value the market places on your unique abilities and knowledge,” Matthews says. Always building your skills, knowledge and technical expertise keeps you competitive and generates the highest career net worth.

5. Assess your opportunities for 2008. Always manage your contacts effectively. Don’t just maintain your network, make the effort to make new contacts and keep in touch regularly to strengthen your relationships with them.

Most importantly, Matthews advises not making a snap decision based on only one or two factors, like a recent argument with your manager or a disappointing bonus.

“Decisions about whether to change jobs or careers need to be based on a complete picture, and not just one incident, ” he says. “The grass isn’t always greener.”