By: Megan Jones

We may fall into our careers and get settled into our position. Although this can be a comforting feeling, it is important to take the time to analyze and ask yourself questions about your career. When you take the time to reflect on your career and its attributes you may find that there are some aspects that you would like to improve. Moreover, it can help you grow and find your path to your next promotion. Asking yourself questions is the best way to reflect on your position and how you would like to move forward. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself about your career!

Do I Enjoy My Working Environment?

The pandemic has revolutionized the way employees can work. Consider asking yourself what work environment will you enjoy. Is working in the office 5 days a week preferable? Or is working at a hybrid/remote capacity more conducive to your lifestyle? As an organization or hiring manager, consider what options can provide for potential employees. A study from Gallup showed that some employees are more productive while working remotely. It allows an employee to avoid the commute, plan their time, and coordinate their external work responsibilities. However, not all employees feel that way. Others may prefer being in the office to best connect with colleagues and prefer in-person team meetings. Therefore, for the both the employer and employee, it is important to think about the environment that you thrive best in.

What are my Current Skills?

Take a moment to reflect on your skillset (both hard and soft skills). Think about the areas you naturally excel in and areas you can improve. Then consider reflecting on how often your job asks you to utilize your skillset. Finally, reflect on if your skillset also correlates with projects or work that you enjoy doing. There are many ways to reflect and act on this. Do you like your job because you skills and work align? Or do you feel that you want to grow in another area but are limited based on you skills and the work assigned to you? Depending on your answer, consider having a discussion with your manager about future projects and what you would like to work on.

How Will I Succeed in My Future Goals?

Consider your future, where do you want to be and how do you plan on getting there? The question above, regarding discussing your skills is a great place to start with planning your future. In considering your future, reflect on how you plan to get there. What resources will you need? Will you need a further education? What about training? Does your work provide these resources to you? If not, how will you get there? These are all important questions to ask to ensure you keep on the path you want to create your future.

What Keeps me at my Current Position?

What is your position and organization offering to keep you there? Are they flexible with your work schedule? How competitive is your compensation? Do you have a work-life balance? Moreover, does your organization promote a work-life balance? Take a moment to think about all the resources your position and organization offer. How much do these resources attribute to your current happiness? You may feel very fulfilled and love the current pace you have set out for yourself. However, if you don’t, consider why you are feeling that way. Can this be resolved within your organization? If your organization is lacking in an area, is that okay?  From there discuss solutions or further reflect if this is an organization you can continue with.

How Happy am I?

Work takes up the majority of our weeks, months, years, and lives, so your happiness does matter. Now every job will have stressful times. However, they should not the majority of your time or your normal. If you are happy, consider, what makes you happy? If you are not, what factors are contributing to that? Can they be resolved? If they can’t, it may be time to consider a new position.

Reflecting on your career, can help you continue to grow or realize that you may need to find a position more suited to your needs. (And if you need help finding your next opportunity consider PsiNapse!)