Managing Your Career - After 5:00pm

Managing your career doesn’t stop after the five o clock whistle blows.
Many of my clients tell me that they compartmentalize their work life to their home life, which I find impossible. They are not separated, but actually entwined. Money feeds the things that we enjoy doing and our responsibilities such as food and shelter. Family life should be enjoyable and in balance, so we can go to work and not be distracted.
While Americans spend many hours at work, it is amazing how little time we spend managing our career after working hours. This theory isn’t to encourage becoming a workaholic, rather to be mindful of small activities that aren’t time consuming that can actually add value – and perhaps even position one for promotion.
For example, attending a networking meeting once a month could pay dividends. Yes, you’ll get home late, but the people and peers that you could meet there may be instrumental in opening doors to new opportunities. This is how one uncovers the ‘hidden job market’ – through comparing notes with others.
Networking meetings also allow us to meet professionals in other industries so we can learn and grow. Causal conversation could lead to email exchanges with links telling us of our competitors and what they are up to in the market.
Cutting edge information is shared at networking events. Solid presenters share information on industry trends or common business problems we all want solved.
Right around the ripe age of 40, people want letters after their names if they aren’t going after an advanced degree. In networking meetings, credentials to consider are mentioned as helpful career builders during conversations. For example, if the person next to you attained their PMP, how did they do that? Did they get a raise? Was it worth it? Is there continuing education needed to have the certification?
So the next time you are tired and want to blow off the professional monthly meeting – consider going. Over time, attending these meetings may have a huge ROI for you.

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