CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Singapore - Employees who are unhappy at work should revisit their career plans before quitting in a fit of pique.
While a job change could benefit the unhappy employee, Chris Mead, general manager of Hays Singapore, says it's advisable to re-evaluate one's career path and goals before jumping ship. Whether working for a small business or leading a team in a multinational corporation, a well-thought out career plan is "essential to achieving success". Mead says, "You must know which direction you are headed and what is required of you to achieve your goal."
Mead says employees need to think of their career plans "along the lines of a business plan" so they can utilise the best resources and measure progress or results. According to Mead, a few key issues to cover in a career plan include: What are my long-term career objectives? What will I want to get out of my job in the next five years or so? Do I need to study? If so, what for? What are my individual priorities?
For example, an employee writes "In ten years time, I want to be the financial controller of a large commercial organisation" as a long-term goal. Mead says the individual must then consider both personal and professional aspirations to achieve that objective. "Aim high with whatever you set out to achieve both personally and professionally, but be realistic as goals that are obviously unachievable can be de-motivating."
More importantly, employees shouldn't be afraid to set long-term goals, Mead says, because "they can be altered or amended as aspirations or values change".
Next is establishing the steps needed to reach those longer-term objectives and they will be based on academic qualifications, professional membership, technical experience and personal development. Once the goals and action plan are firmly in place, it's important for employees to adopt the right mindset. Mead says "enthusiasm is the catalyst to success" because it makes both personal and professional experiences "more enjoyable and satisfying".
As these priorities and objectives may change over time, Mead says the individual needs to revisit the career plan from time to time to make sure the goals are on the right track. But Mead says career planning will only achieve its purpose if the principles of measuring progress and following the planned path are adhered to - meaning it is important to write any goals down. He says, "The process of putting pen to paper allows you to keep clear focus, check your achievements and make the necessary alterations when required."
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