Job Action Day

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The first Monday in November is JOB ACTION DAY.  Never heard of it?  Probably not, but you likely have felt strongly about taking action with your job.  Think about the last time you updated your resume.  I am not talking about a resume to find a new job, instead, I am thinking more about taking an inventory of the skills you possess and comparing them against your skills last year.  Have you learned some new skills?  If the answer is yes, that’s awesome.  If not, why not.  You aren’t perfect and the world is changing around you.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to improve your worth, by developing skills that enhance your value to your company or maybe to some future company?

 

With the state of the world over the last few years, it's impossible for us to think we have job security without new skills.  We have witnessed the unthinkable many times over.  Companies across the globe have closed shop with little to no notice.  Having an inventory of your current skills will make it a lot easier to search for a job in case you find yourself downsized.  Plus, it's a lot easier to list your skills when you are actively using them. 


But let's think beyond your resume.  Let's think about other actions you can take when it comes to your job.  If you love the organization but not your job, ask what you need to do to make a move internally.  Maybe you need to shadow someone in another department.  Maybe you need a class or additional training.  See if your company offers tuition assistance for what you need to improve yourself.  There is nothing wrong with proactively seeking within your company.  If you're a solid worker, the powers that be would much rather groom you for promotion rather than lose you to a competitor.

 

So what if you're in a position where you are not sure if you want to leave?  Remember the grass always seems greener elsewhere.  Before you start interviewing, find a mentor. Ask your boss about your future.   Define what you would like to do in three to five years.  Layout a plan to get there.  Job Action Day is a perfect milestone in your year. 

 

 

Need guidance with getting started?  Do you want to modernize your skills?  Do you want to position yourself as the first person your company thinks of for some new post?  Want to get front and center with the right person? Feel free to shoot me an email, we have people and ideas to get you going and get you connected.



PS- There's been a LOT of heated discussion about this around the office today.  While we are in no way telling people to up and quit their jobs, we are also not telling you to stay if you are a chronic complainer.  You can't scroll long on social media without seeing a friend or co-worker speaking negatively about their current employer.  We recognize that no one is perfect and not all jobs are the perfect fit.  It might be time to start researching similar jobs, maybe take a Zoom interview before assuming that grass is greener elsewhere.  You might find your job is better than you thought.

Some people are going to complain no matter where they work.  And if you are one of the higher-ups, let those people spread their wings.  There are plenty of other people who would happily work and bring positivity!




Frank Hurtte, Founding Partner of River Heights Consulting, shares his personal experiences with 28
years of "in the trenches" training and 17 years as a consultant.  He serves as a personal coach to industry leaders across many lines of distribution.  He has authored 5.5 books (one is almost done) and has written hundreds of articles for national trade magazines, including Industrial Supply Magazine.

Frank is also a sought-after copywriter of marketing materials for technology companies.  His charismatic, yet laid-back, easy-to-follow manner makes him a favorite among public speakers.




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