I don’t have a new year's resolution. I have a confession.
I’ve lived in New York for more than 5 years. But I still find myself getting lost - a lot.
Geography isn’t my strong point. Plus there’s always something to distract me - a new bar that’s popped up, a boutique that looks interesting to pop my head into, or a statue I’ve never noticed before.
If I don’t plug my destination into my phone and map the best route? I’ll inevitably get lost.
When I have a clear plan though? I’ll arrive at my destination much quicker.
The same can be said about forging a successful career.
Why? According to York University, mapping out a career plan can reduce stress, keep you on track and ensure you achieve your goals, and get you where you actually want to be.
The best news? You don’t have to do the dreaded five-year plan. It doesn’t even need to be planned to the last detail! If there’s one thing we’ve learnt in the last couple of years, it’s that you really don’t know what’s around the corner.
Let’s just look at this time next year. This is our one-year career trajectory.
I’m sure there are many questions floating around in your head about where to start with a career plan. But don’t you worry, that’s what we’re here to help with!
Am I on the right path?
One of the best things you can do to assess if you’re on the right path is to track your wins. This can set you up for success when asking for a pay raise or when you need quantifiable data for going into a job interview. Download the PepTalkHer app for a simple and effective way to keep track of your wins!
You can also ask yourself:
Are you happy with where you are right now?
What would you change?
What do you want to do more of, that you didn't do this year?
What do you want to do less of?
What do I want my life to look like a year from now?
This is big picture stuff. Not just for your career! But we spend a lot of our lives at work, so reflect:
Are you looking for more flexible working options?
Do you want to take on more responsibility?
Do you want a pay raise?
Do you want more time to pursue passion projects and pivot into a career that makes you happy (if you’re not there already)?
Once you know what you want and know where you want to be, you can start to plan how to get there.
What makes me happy?
A 2021 study by McKinsey found that 70% of employees find their purpose in their work. The same study also found that people who live their purpose at work are healthier and more resilient. And look, sometimes you just need to pay the bills. It may not be realistic to find a job that has you jumping out of bed in the morning right now. That’s totally okay! But figuring out what lights you up can help you make a plan to get there. Jot down just three dot points about what makes you happy. Here are some examples:
I like working in a team and collaborating with like-minded people.
I like working creatively.
I enjoy developing meaningful and impactful relationships with people to achieve a common goal.
Write down what makes you happy now and work towards incorporating more of these things into your life on a daily or weekly basis. You can also check out our conversation on Finding Your Passion with food and travel blogger, Kit Graham.
I’m happy where I am, but with the cost of living, I need a pay raise. How do I ask for a pay raise?
You have come to just the right place! Here at PepTalkHer, we’re all about ensuring you know your worth and are getting paid what you deserve. We’re so passionate about it that we’ve put together a whole guide! Salary SOS will ensure that you’re prepared and confident when walking into your next pay review or salary conversation.
What if I fail?
There are no failures, only lessons! It can be a knock to your confidence to fall down, but take it as an opportunity to reflect on what lesson you can learn from it.
What went wrong?
What went right?
What can I change for next time?
What’s in my control?
Back in 2020, I spoke with Brittney Oliver, one of Forbes' “Nine Black Women Leaders Dedicated to Empowering Others”, about How to Turn Your Career Lemons into Lemonade.
So what now? If you’ve made it this far, I’ll let you in on a little secret… Sometimes even the ever-reliable google maps take you somewhere unexpected. The truth is, you can’t plan for everything, so enjoy the journey, learn from the past and, like me, you may stumble into your new favourite coffee spot or your dream job.
For more resources, including How to Negotiate a Pay Raise, head to the PepTalkHer website.