Have You Mapped Your Career Lately?

By Michelle Vandepol, Author of Mother Mexico
Now that the kids are back into the swing of things, it’s safe to say that this will be your new level of busy for the next year. It is already possible to identify what things are going to make life a bit more stressful. I’m not advocating dropping activities (but if you are truly overwhelmed, now is the time to do it not when the lesson or sport season has more invested in it) but it doesn’t hurt to take stock of what is working and what isn’t. Outside of scheduling and once you have the calendar a bit more figured, you can step outside of the box where it’s all about the kids, and think about your own personal work goals.

It can be tempting to just get on the weekly work treadmill and not think too far ahead, especially when we are just trying to keep all our ducks afloat — our job done, the bills paid, the house cleaned, and the kids cared for. The articles that recommend we delegate things like cleaning out are nice, but not always feasible to put into practice for the average working family. Chances you will still have just as many responsibilities this fall as you always have. And now is not the time to cut back output at work. The employees that stand out are the ones that will be given the perks, and among them, the most coveted one of all — flexibility.

Luckily standing out is not just the workaholic’s perk. Look for small ways to do things better. For example, just as you would group errands to run on your lunch break; group like tasks at work to achieve more in less time. Contrary to popular belief, top producers do not have to come in early or leave late.

Even in a relaxed office, set personal goals and achieve them even if the status quo seems to be good enough. Whether that’s keeping a portfolio of work samples and an updated resume at home or gradually learning a few of each member of the team’s skill sets – not only to bolster your resume, but so you can step in and help in times of crisis and thereby be more valuable to the team; going the extra mile does not have to be showy. In fact, it’s probably both more strategic and likeable to keep extra effort on the down low.

As you start getting rewarded for your efficiency at the office, know that career striving does not have to mean taking each promotion as it comes up. The lifestyle that comes with it may not mesh with what you are trying to achieve at the end of the day. Keep your ego out of it. When offered something new, ask to think about it for 24 hours. You might regret saying no too quickly, but you will not regret taking another day to decide the next months or years of your work life.

When you plan and reflect outside of work, you allow yourself to work through work frustrations and stumbling blocks to enable you to work effectively at your job and enjoy it. Don’t dread Mondays. Set yourself up for success early in the week by doing legwork for it at the end of the last. Friday afternoon will past faster too.

Build in a cushion of production a bit above the lowest expectation, but not nearing the point of burning yourself out. Pace yourself, enabling yourself to have a slower week when the rest of life demands it, without obviously taking a break. When you come up with new ideas or are a bit ahead of work schedule, file them (unless they are timely, of course) and bring them out at the next meeting or lull in productivity. You are sure to be recognized as a dependable (and promotable) member of the team.

Taking the time to map out the direction you want to head in is a sure way to keep enjoying the work side of your life. You have the power to make sure it adds to your life instead of taking away from it.