Entries Tagged 'Career Development' ↓

It’s mid February, time for an update on my 2008 Commitments. In the original post back in December, where I laid out my commitments for all the world to see, I said I would give updates throughout the year. Here is the first update of each commitment:

• Ride at least 4 days/week for total time of over 200 hours during 2008- Well, so far I am a little behind. Right after the 1st of the year my nagging ankle tendinitis flared up and I took almost four weeks off. As I sit here in February I have less than the 16 hours or so of riding I need to be on pace for 200 hours. But, compared to last year, I am not that far behind. The good thing is that I saw a sports medicine podiatrist who says I don’t have any structural damage and I can at least keep riding as long as I ice/stretch. I am going to cut back a little on the riding intensity but hopefully I will be OK.
• Learn something new every day- So far I am keeping up with this one. The “Intellectual Devotional” is really nice. It is easy and quick to read and the subjects are good. Most of the stuff is not “essential”, just nice information on a variety of subjects.
• Become more flexible- This is really going to take a while! I am completely inflexible, worse than I thought. I have been stretching religiously every night and things are getting a little easier but I have a long ways to go. This week I had a session with a sports massage therapist (part of my treatment program for my tendinitis) and she was amazed how inflexible I was. She showed me some new stretches that seem to be much more effective at helping me gain flexibility in my hamstrings and calves, which is key for me. I am able to reach a bit farther that on January 1st but I have a ways to go.
• Visiting with out of town friends- We have contacted each couple and reminded them that we need to get together this year. As to when and where, we still have to plan that.
• Obtain advanced investment management designation- This is still on the back burner. I haven’t really proceeded past the intial investigation stage. I have a choice of two that are worthwhile to pursue but I haven’t picked one yet.

There you have it. I am making progress on four of the five commitments so I feel pretty good overall. Already this year there have been some challenges to overcome which I feel good about doing. There will be more I am sure and I will keep you updated.

How are you progressing on your commitments for 2008? Use the comments to let us know.

If you have not updated your resume recently you could be jeopardizing your career.

Most of us don’t think about our resume unless we are actively looking for work. That can be a big mistake. Having a current and up to date record of your career achievements allows you to respond almost instantly to a request for information, or an unexpected layoff. Even if you are not looking to change employers your resume can help you advance your career. Many times, new positions or promotion opportunities within your current company require a resume to start the process. Good opportunities don’t last long and if you take a week to update your ten year old resume you might just lose out to the less experienced person who has a well written and up to date resume they can provide the same day.

Take some time to review and update your resume. Doing this on a regular basis might just be the difference between getting your dream job or staying in that cramped cubicle. If you need some help or want tips on how to write a good resume take a look at this site.

Are you considering changing your career or job? If so, have you thought about taking a demotion in order to get a better job?

Most of us don’t do the same job all of our working years. There comes a time when we are looking to make a change. Whether it is just finding a new employer in your current field or changing your type of work completely, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Sometimes taking a different route to that new job can yield big benefits.

There is a very interesting Wall Street Journal Online article that discusses the concept of taking a lower level job in order to get ahead in the long run. It is a unique strategy to take and it could payoff in the longrun.  One important point that the article makes, and I agree completely, is to not make the decision based on emotions (mad at boss/company, etc.). Also, make sure that you evaluate completely the pros and cons of taking a step back and make sure that you have a “safety net” to absorb any reduction in income or benefits that could take place.

What about you? Have you ever taken radical steps in order to advance your career?  Tell us about it in the comments!