Layaway – Photo: fayettewoman.com
Back in my college student days, I was a big fan of putting just about anything I wanted to purchase on layaway. And for us shopping this holiday season, layaway is also a great option, allowing you to make smaller payments until the item of your choice is fully paid for and save for bigger purchases. That’s how I got my most expensive, “not made for walking” shoes…
When it comes to our careers, can we apply the same technique to leverage our work? At a time when all jobs are temporary, and when multiple careers are now more of the norm than the exception, can making small investments towards a larger, more versatile and more multi-dimensional career be just what we need?
1. Invest in continuous learning! In a world where job-hopping is no longer frowned upon, and where new technology and skills are emerging almost daily, continuous learning is a must! Consider taking a new class, attending a new seminar, or acquiring a new skill, at least every quarter. If you’re not moving forward, you’re stepping back!
2. Expand your industry knowledge! Gone are the days when expertise in one single field guaranteed career success. With so many inter-dependent fields and intersecting disciplines, you must dabble outside of your field! So take on that insurance project, volunteer for the marketing assignment, get out of your comfort zone! It won’t hurt to add it to your resume either…
3. Nurture your passions and interests! Side interests, hobbies and passions are great ways of extending your expertise and influence! Love gardening? Keep learning about it, have fun with it, talk about it, start a blog on it! Not only are you learning about something different, but by sharing and applying what you now know and enjoy, you’re opening the door to new possibilities!
How would you put your career on layaway?
The Corporate Sis.
