Have you ever been terminated from a job for some outrageous reason (like breaking a tooth)? The truth is, something bigger is going on when this happens. Today, career experts J.T. O’Donnell and Dale Dauten get to the bottom of the problem. Dear J.T. and Dale,I am 30 years old and recently was terminated because I broke a tooth and left work early. I was great at my job. I thought I had finally found my career and was about to get engaged to the love of my life. I need a career track if I want to get married. Any ideas?- Mike According to O’Donnell, something doesn’t add up. If you were great at your job but got fired because you had to go to the dentist, something else is going on. “That’s not an isolated reason to let somebody go,” she said. If you got terminated for something like that, you have to look at the bigger picture. You were hired to do a certain type of work. The work is what you’re good at, the work is what you get paid to do. However, you’re also paid to be part of the team, and that’s the job, according to Dauten. “You have to wonder was it the work or the job,” he said. You might have been great at the work you did at the company, but maybe you weren’t the best teammate. If you can, chat with some of your co-workers and ask them for feedback. How could you have been a better teammate? You need to investigate what went wrong so you can learn and grow from it, and ultimately find another job. “Employers are going to want to hear that you have resolved whatever it was that caused you to get fired in the last case,” said O’Donnell. What could I do better next time? What could I have done to be a better teammate? Start asking those questions so you don’t run into the same issue in the next job. So, if you got terminated for something as silly as breaking a tooth, chances are there’s something bigger at play. Investigate and understand what the reason is so you can learn from it and avoid it in the future.
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.