As we barrel into next year – preparing for the holiday season, tying up projects at work, thinking about next year’s resolutions – it is easy to diminish the significance of the current year. But there are insights to be gained upon reflection on 2009:
What milestones occurred in 2009?
This is a good time to audit where you are in your search – are you getting meetings with people who are in a position to hire you or help you? For the employed, update your resume – are you growing, with new items to share?
What are you particularly grateful for in 2009? Much of job search and career management seems to focus on fixing what is wrong (with the market, with your search). But staying upbeat is key to a productive search and career, and gratitude is a great way to stay upbeat.
What will you remember most about 2009? So much of good job search and career management is having examples of your big achievements – what are they for 2009?
What did you learn in 2009? Good career planning always includes R&D investment in yourself.
What was your favorite movie/ book/ show from 2009? You need a life outside of your job search and career.
Who shared your life in 2009? You need a support systems of friends, family and community.
What was the funniest thing that happened in 2009? In addition to gratitude, laughter is a great way to stay upbeat.
What is most special about 2009? So much of job search and career management is pushing for the next win. But don’t forget to cherish the wins along the way.
What is most special about today? It’s not just about next year or even tomorrow. Enjoy right now.
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Caroline Ceniza-Levine is a career coach, writer, speaker, Gen Y expert and co-founder of SixFigureStart (www.sixfigurestart.com), a career coaching firm comprised of former Fortune 500 recruiters. Formerly in corporate HR and retained search, Caroline most recently headed University Relations for Time Inc and has also recruited for Accenture, Citibank, Disney ABC, and others. Caroline is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Professional Development at Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs and posts at CNBC Executive Careers and Vault.com.
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