A Christmas Message for the Career Chaser

by Foo Mei Ling

2018 is around the corner and 2017 is just about to wave goodbye. It’s been a full year and for most of us in the job market, one or a few of these could have happened to you:

• started a new job
• was retrenched
• was promoted
• is thinking of leaving
• received a bonus
• did not receive any bonus
• is still looking for a job
• is at career crossroads and unsure what is next
• is taking a career break​

The ups and downs of 2017 are worth contemplating and revisiting. With this year being more challenging for many many reasons, why not take the final week in December to pause and reflect.

What did I do well?
Most folks will tend to brush accomplishments aside. Don’t be too hard on yourself, winning is not only about the biggest and the best.  If you aced the mega project, awesome!  Remember the team and the folks that supported and got you there. After all, we are a sum of many parts.

​Recognise your strengths and capabilities, even if it was a year of new starts, in more than one area for you. Persistence is a strong trait to have. You stayed on with the team and pulled the year through? Well done! The small accomplishments add up. 
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What did I learn?
Where there are mountains, there are valleys. Reflect on your weaknesses. Did you sweep them under the carpet? Were you fortunate to have a fairy godmother that waved them away with her wand?

Stronger is the person who recognises his weaknesses and works on them. Don’t dwell on the weakness and wallow there, recognise it, focus on your strengths and use tools (remember the magic wand?) to help you!  All the more to ace your career in the New Year!

How did I engage with people?
Finally, it’s time to realise that it’s really not about you. Sure the world tells us to stay true to ourselves and follow our hearts, after all You-Only-Live-Once!  #yolo #iwantobeamillionaire.
But it is really lonely to be at the top all by yourself. No reflection is complete without asking yourself: Who did I impact this year? Who impacted me? Find that someone you can help, encourage, guide and motivate. And find the next one after that. Thank the person who showed you kindness and guided you in your career.

Be the one to cheer someone on! And may you be rewarded with the rich blessings of strong and deep relationships that will last a lifetime.

How will I plan the next year?
Well plan it by starting now! Map it, stretch it, examine it but start it! This includes strengths and weaknesses, skills and accomplishments, awareness and even people! Interestingly, engaging with people (yes that includes actually speaking with them) will give you deeper insight in your career plans.  Be curious, be adventurous, be engaged.  

Wishing you a happy career for 2018!

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If you’re planning a career move, reworking your CV, preparing to step into new challenges, join us for coffee as we share some insights on "Personal Branding - Getting It Right For The Digital Age”

• Date: 24 Jan 2018 (Weds)
• Time: 7pm - 8.30pm
• Venue: The Morning After Cafe @ Jaya One, L4-G-2, Palm Square, No, 72, Jalan Universiti, Jaya One, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor​

Register now

For more info please drop us a line at peoplematters@thepositivelinks.com or call us at +603 27242532

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