Happy New Year! The start of a new year reflects on the prior year’s growth and knowledge and provides an opportunity for change. In the past year have you felt unsatisfied in your professional life? Maybe you feel undervalued, underpaid, or at a dead-end professionally. Whatever the case may be, we have a few potential New Year’s resolutions to consider if you are feeling as though there is something lacking in your professional life.
Rediscover Your Passion
Take a look at your daily life, what do you spend your time and energy on? For many people, working a 40-hour work week is simply the norm and nothing more than a medium to make money. Although it is completely understandable to think this way, it must be noted that this is not a sustainable thought process in the long run. Although work is mainly to generate income, you should spend this large chunk of your time doing something that you want to be at least fulfilling.
If in reflection you realize that you may not be involved in work that you find rewarding, it may be time to consider a career switch. Although this prospect is daunting and intimidating, many people who have chosen to take charge and put themselves first have noted it to be the best decision of their lives.
Invest in Yourself
Although there can be a lot of pressure in work life and changing careers, remember that it is never a bad idea to invest in yourself. Whether this looks like furthering your education, signing up for a gym membership, joining a club, or participating in a program, making the decision to invest in your skill set as an employee will only take you further and to more success.
The Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program (AMTEP) was developed for those who desire to further themselves and their skill set but may not necessarily have the time or funds to follow a traditional educational path. AMTEP is a support network and gateway of opportunity for those who choose to empower themselves and walk down the path less traveled.
Maintain Stricter Professional Boundaries
Another important aspect of your professional career to reflect on from the past year involves your professional boundaries. Boundaries are unique to every person and only you truly know where yours reside, however, taking the time to reflect and consider whether yours were respected by your employer and industry, in general, is crucial to your own success.
Examples of boundary crossing in the workplace can include having to work long hours with no compensation, being underpaid in general, being assigned responsibilities that do not fall within your defined role, and many others. It is important as an empowered individual to do the work to protect yourself and your boundaries at work. If on second thought you realize that you may have consistent boundary crossing while at work, with no indication or option of a solution, it may be time to consider a career change.
The new year is an exciting time for reflection and growth. Although this can be intimidating, it is important to remember that in the modern day, there is no excuse for feeling unfulfilled or exploited at your workplace. If you are feeling this way, consider a career switch and contact AMTEP today to see what options are available to you.