Career Resolutions for 2021

For many, 2020 has brought a lot of personal and professional challenges. As the new year approaches, consider setting the following career goals along with your personal resolutions. 

5 Resolutions for a better career life in 2021

1. Cut down your response time on emails and returning phone calls. Success in Corporate America is measured by responsiveness and results. Many younger professionals focus on the results, but not the responsiveness. Note, responses don't have to be a full deliverable, just acknowledging the prompting email or call in a timely manner is key.

2. Commit to at least one new "networking moment" per week. A networking moment can be an email or phone call with someone in your network with whom you do not regularly communicate. The goal is to keep your contacts up-to-date and relevant. These moments will lead to other follow-ups and discussions, but those don't count towards the weekly goal. At the end of 2021, you should have reached out to 52 contacts. 

3. Upgrade your office (or home office). Refreshing and upgrading your working space can improve your mood and increase productivity. Upgrades can include new office equipment, plants, inspirational posters, and swapping out photos and paintings. 

4. Ask for more money. This should be an annual goal. The timing and amount will vary by industry and office dynamics, but by December 31, 2021, you should have asked for more money from your current job.

5. Apply for a New job. One way to keep yourself prepared for the worst and up-to-date on your industry standards for compensation and benefits is to apply for a new job in your field. Even if you are content with your current job, 2020 has shown us how quickly things can change. Be prepared by keeping your job-hunting skills sharp. Also, a great way to ask for more money is to be able to point to an offer for more money from a potential new job. Getting an offer does not mean that you have to accept the offer. Just be sure not to burn any bridges by clearly communicating with the prospective new job once you make a decision.

Even committing to few of these resolutions can improve your career life. Set timelines and check in with yourself at the end of each quarter to see how you are doing.

***Happy New Year from IncorporatingU!***