12 career resolutions for 2010

The job scene in 2009 was a somber one. Most professionals counted themselves lucky to just retain their jobs, putting plans for increments, improved job profiles and promotions on the back burner.

However, the end of 2009 ended on a happier note than when it began, and 2010 brings with it renewed vigour in the way companies and their employees perform. So as we look to the coming year, let's take a look at some resolutions that should stand us in good stead on the professional front:

Have a career plan
This does not have to be set in stone. If the government can't keep to its plans, you sure as hell don't have to. But having a rough road map will help you stay more focussed through the year.

Also, set realistic goals. Aiming to become the CEO of the company within the year when you joined as trainee six months ago is NOT a realistic goal. Instead, aim to be a team leader or a level or two above your current position within the year or two.

What are your career resolutions for the New Year? Share your resolutions and hopes for 2010 on the messageboard below!

Illustration: Rediff Archives

Don't just float along the wave of your career, and take things as they come. Play an active role in your career and your future. That is the route to professional success.

Discover the various opportunities for growth within the organisation and the industry. Work towards your career goals by actively seeking opportunities to prove your skills and competence.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

You don't have to sign up for that IIM executive course. All you need to do is pick up a book related to your field or a field you would like to get into, and read it through. Read a chapter a day. Set aside 30 minutes of your day to do this.

Or go online and read about people who have achieved success in their field and how they did it instead of hooking up with friends online. It'll pay better dividends.

Illustration: Rediff Archives

This is not an easy thing to ask of many professionals and many professions. But try. If you can't do it every day, try once a week. On one day each week, leave work on time, go home and spend time with family or friends or just on your own.

Don't discuss work or work-related issues. Don't think about all the things that you need to do the next day. Instead, just enjoy the evening and recharge your mind.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Many professionals put off taking a vacation, either because they have too much work, or because they are worried competitive colleagues will take advantage of their absence. But everyone needs to take a break once in a while. In fact, some studies point to better productivity from professionals who take a vacation at least once a year than those who go for years without one.

So, plan that annual holiday. Organise your work schedule so that your responsibilities are taken care of. Pick a date, pick a location, and work towards it.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Just because you ask for help or admit that you are not sure of how to tackle a task does not mean you are less capable. If you are unsure of how to proceed with a particular task, instead of procrastinating or passing it on to a team member or doing a shoddy job, speak to your team leader or boss and ask for help or guidance.

This will show that you are not only humble enough to seek and accept help but also that you are interested in growing your skill set and learning.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

This is an affliction that ails many. There are those of us who will take on any task, even though they are already stumbling under a heavy workload. And there are those of us who will say they have too much on their plate even though most of their time is spent uploading photos from last night's party or updating their Facebook status.

Chances are both of these curious species have suffered for their habit. And so, this year, all the naysayers among you, try to put in a little more effort into being an active member of the team and shouldering more responsibility.

And for those of you who take on too much, plan better, organise better and say you cannot undertake a task if it truly is too much to handle.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

You might have the boss from hell, but dwelling on it will not help matters. In fact, it'll only create more negativity, which will affect you and your colleagues.

So instead of constantly whining about how he (or she) is out to get you, try a little harder to jump over the hurdles he throws your way.

If that doesn't help, try talking to him and explaining your side of things. If that too is not an option, take up yoga and start looking for a better job.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

So you hate your job, hate your boss, hate getting up to go to work every morning. But this is what you are qualified to do, so this is what you will do till you retire? Hell, NO!

Find something that you love to do and do it! Now, that does not mean handing in your resignation tomorrow and become a not-so-good banjo player. Instead, take the time to cultivate your interest be in writing, music, social work, art, what ever. Learn the skills you need to be good at it professionally and look for opportunities to use those skills. Gradually build up your abilities and then go for it!

There are no rules saying that you can't switch careers, and opportunities abound in unconventional streams. So take a chance and pursue your dreams.

Illustration: Rediff Archives

Volunteer to lead a new project or to train a new team member or to help on a presentation. Be available and be receptive.

You might be getting paid less than you'd like. You might not get the recognition you deserve. But, doing this will help get you improve your PR and if not, it'll look good on your CV when you start looking for a better job.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

You don't have to wait till you're actually desperate to get out to update your CV. Update your CV on a regular basis. This will help you add in bits that will add to you value, such as important projects and the like.

Even if you have no plans to leave your current employer, post your CV on job sites. What this will help you do is keep track of the opportunities out there, the skills that are in demand, which can help you improve your own skills and grow your own capabilities.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

A lot of companies are online. A lot of companies do not restrict their employees from visiting social networking websites. A lot of employees spend way too much time chatting with friends, updating profiles, becoming fans of friends all during work hours.

Sure it's fun, and no one can work for eight hours straight but checking if you've received a new scrap every 10 minutes or constantly searching for long-lost schoolmates using every possible keyword you can think of is probably not the best way to spend office hours.

So restrict your online extracurricular activity to 10-20 minutes a day at times that are appropriate.

Here's to a professionally fulfilling New Year!

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh