{"id":2827,"date":"2019-11-28T04:00:31","date_gmt":"2019-11-28T10:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=2827"},"modified":"2020-10-17T14:52:46","modified_gmt":"2020-10-17T19:52:46","slug":"career-not-just-a-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/career-not-just-a-job\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a Career, Not Just Finding a Job – 4 Essential Traits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Happy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In the past, it was common for someone to start working with a company in their late teens or early twenties and stick with that job until they were ready to retire. Job hopping was considered risky, and stability was typically prioritized over chasing a passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the modern labor market looks completely different\u2014this isn\u2019t your grandparents\u2019 workforce!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Today, working at one company for life isn\u2019t the norm. More people are interested in entrepreneurship and working remotely. And many people say that working at a job they feel passionate about is super important\u2014in fact, lots of workers are willing to take a pay cut to do what they love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rules of success have changed dramatically. Nowadays, you need to focus on building a sustainable, long-term career, not just landing a job. Here are a few tips to help you take your professional life to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Network<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These days, networking is non-negotiable. Thanks to the Internet, we have more methods for networking than ever before. You don\u2019t just have to hope you meet the right people. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to connect with people who can help you make major career moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Networking\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t forget about in-person networking, either. In addition to utilizing LinkedIn and social media, let people in your social circle and the wider community know that you\u2019re open to new employment opportunities, or simply meeting with others in your field who might have advice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, make it a point to attend local events for people in your industry. Keep your eyes and ears open\u2014you never know who might be able to offer you something valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Continuous Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s workforce, you can\u2019t afford to stop learning. Aim to be a student of life and pursue new knowledge and skills. You don\u2019t have to take time off from your job and enroll in an expensive graduate program to keep learning about your field. Consider completing a graduate degree part-time through online courses. Try taking free online classes offered by prestigious universities, or attending a night class at a local community college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Learn<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not ready for that level of commitment yet, you can even teach yourself new skills through free resources available online. There is so much information out there for no cost to you\u2014take advantage of it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Ask for Feedback<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remember, no matter how good someone is at their job, there is always room for improvement.  If you don\u2019t ask for help, you\u2019ll never figure out which areas you could work on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering what skills you should focus on mastering, ask your boss and coworkers if they have any feedback for you. They might have noticed a few things you could do to improve your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take advantage of those performance reviews at work\u2014make sure to pay close attention to any suggestions you get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Go Your Own Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, you\u2019ll have to create your own opportunities. Opportunity won\u2019t always come knocking. In reality, you might have to put yourself out there to find it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Time<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For example, let\u2019s say that your current job doesn\u2019t give you the chance to work on certain skills or projects that you\u2019re really passionate about. Don\u2019t just wait around hoping that your boss will send those projects your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, take initiative and do your own thing outside of the office. Start a side hustle, offer your services to family and friends, or get involved with a local volunteer group. Invest your time and efforts into your passion when you\u2019re off the clock, and watch how it changes your career for the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are you struggling to figure out your next career move? Career counseling can help you take your next big step. Reach out to our office today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I offer\u00a0online counseling <\/a>(video conference style of therapy) which provides increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from privacy of your own home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n