Getting The Career You Want

People often tell themselves that they are pretty well off, but they don't realize that a little vision can make their careers much more interesting and fulfilling.

do what you want to do
We see it all the time in the e-mail sent by readers at AskMen.com; "I like my job; it pays well and I like the people." Not to take the importance away from one's salary and co-workers, but one should be driven in their line of work and enjoy doing it. Many people will often settle for the first available position that comes along. They don't continue searching for better, available positions. There is always a position better suited to your needs, which can advance your career. It simply needs to be recognized and pursued.

Getting along with co-workers will certainly make your day more pleasant, but it's not enough to make your career interesting. What happens if these co-workers decide to change jobs or relocate to another city? Are you going to like your job less because they are gone? You have to consider that working is what you're going to be doing for about 30-35% of your adult lifetime. Don't count on others to make your job worthwhile. Only you can be the source of long-term motivation in your professional career.

• The key is to always take advantage of opportunities. You may get only one chance at that dream job that will pay you a six figure salary, and getting ahead usually means that you must constantly keep your eyes open and use good judgment to seek out these possibilities.

how to do what you want to do

A quick tip for evaluating your job is to take some time every year to write down its pros and cons, as well as what would make your career more rewarding. Writing down your strong points will help guide you towards the best possible job suited for your qualifications. All this being said, the key to getting the best job is to constantly put yourself out there . When a company takes on a new employee, the company is investing in that person and wants to get the biggest bang for its invested buck . Since companies don't follow the first come first serve rule, expose and market yourself because if they don't know you, then they won't hire you.

• Getting around will allow you to build an efficient network. Meeting people is the most important aspect of getting what you want. This applies to both your professional and personal life.
• These occasions arise at every time of the day and in various locations like coffee shops, cafeterias and parking garages. A fitness club is also a great place to meet people because it's a setting that welcomes small conversation.
• Always have a thirty second introduction of yourself in order to gain possible contacts that you're meeting for the first time. Be prepared at all times.

filling up your rolodex

People that are part of your network should not be referred to as "contacts" mainly because of its connotation. Contacts are usually viewed as people who can grant you favors. When you talk to these contacts , especially for the first time, ask for information, not a job or favor. Although you are not looking to become best friends with these people, you want them on your side. Remember, people are usually looking to network with you as much as you are with them.

• Setting up a network of key people does not come easy. Like everything else, it requires time and effort.
• The most important point is to start somewhere.
• Remember that everybody is a friend of a friend of a friend, and that somewhere along the line, someone knows one of those friends.

do what you do best

Fulfillment comes from motivation . These are the wise words that a business professor revealed to me in college. As long as you are doing what you enjoy and what you're good at, you'll be fine. Of course, you can take on a job just for the money, but is that really what you want to do? No. You want to be one of those people who is happy to wake up in the morning and go to work. Why? Because these people don't consider their work to be work.

Everything comes in due time. Finding out what a person does best and what they will enjoy doing for the next 40 years takes some consideration.

• Like one of the founders of AskMen.com said: I was in my mid-twenties when I realized what I wanted to do with my life . Working many jobs and getting diverse experience in many fields is not a waste of time; it simply means that you are fine-tuning your search by eliminating the line of long-term work that is not suited for you. Think of it as an investment where you profit from the compounding interest.
• Many times, jobs will be offered to others that are probably not as qualified. Why? Probably because they showed more interest and willingness to learn. Wanting to learn, as well as ongoing personal professional advancement, is a major factor in the hiring process.
• Employers want employees to be knowledgeable, but they also need to see a thirst for constant improvement. These are motivated companies with big goals and they want the employees to fit this mold.

To sum up, it's imperative to keep an open mind about professional possibilities and opportunities out there. The perfect job may be just around the corner waiting for you...