The new year is here! Have you made any resolutions? Switch things up in 2020 by committing to one or more of these career-boosting New Year’s resolutions.
Learn Something New … for Fun
This may not sound like career-building advice. However, often we get stuck in what we should learn, and we end up smothering our creativity. Pull out a piece of paper and write down three things you wish you knew how to do. Play the guitar? Scuba dive? Change the oil in your car? Knit a scarf? Code an app? Then, pick the one that sounds like the most fun. If it relates to your job, that’s great. If not, that’s ok too. Mastering any new skill keeps you motivated, helps you recharge and improves your brainpower. Plus, sometimes a seemingly unrelated talent can cross over and influence your on-the-job performance. For example, working on your car could inspire you with an idea for upgrading a manufacturing system at your plant.
Tackle a Stretch Assignment
To grow you need to step out of your comfort zone. This means trying something you’ve never done before. Look around your workplace. Are there any opportunities for you to lead a project, receive training in a different area or launch a new program? If nothing comes to mind, schedule a one-on-one meeting with your boss. He or she probably will be happy to assist you in taking on more responsibility. On the other hand, if you find your options at work too limited, consider volunteering at an industry-related event or at a local not-for-profit agency. Even though you may not receive a paycheck, you still should be able to design an experience that has the potential to build your resume.
Read Three Career-Related Books
This goal might sound impossible especially if you aren’t an avid reader. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think. Calculations show if you read just five minutes every day you can read five books a year. And, most of us can spare five minutes. For the best results, add reading to your daily routine. In fact, reading for ten to fifteen minutes before bed each evening is a wonderful way to wind down and get a better night’s rest. What should you read? Check Amazon or your local library (which is free) for suggestions. You may choose books about your industry, general business, and management, leadership, marketing, entrepreneurship or even job hunting and careers.
Is Finding a Manufacturing Job One of Your New Year’s Resolutions?
If you are searching for a first job or a different opportunity but you don’t know where to start, the professional recruiters at Connectology are here for you. We specialize in making manufacturing placements throughout the upper Midwest. Browse our current openings and discover your next career move today!