The Best-Laid Plans of Your Executive Career Search

Everyone has excuses - some more valid than othersFor example, if it's only a matter of money, and
- for not following through on their promises oryou'd be happier in your current job and not job
dreams to change their current job situation. Let'shunting, check out resources like to research salaries
look those excuses straight in the face, and see afor positions at your professional level, within your
good example of how you can break through andindustry (and related ones). Get a benchmark, and
make good on your intentions.then start preparing to ask for a raise within your
I'm writing this while thinking about how we all startown company.
the year off with the best of intentions. TheBut don't just go in saying, "The average pay is this,
resolutions, the promises, the goals we set forand I'm not getting it, and I want it." Take some time
ourselves.to list your accomplishments for the company - ones
If the word on the street is to be believed, verythat added to its bottom line - and schedule a
few people follow through on these commitments.meeting to discuss it.
Sometimes it's because we set too high a bar forAnd if it doesn't go your way, and you're truly
ourselves. Sometimes we never fill in the "how" thatdissatisfied with the results, then here's some good
would fill out a successful Point A to Point B trip.news: You'll already have taken the first steps to
When it comes to our careers, though, it's easy toprepare your resume for distribution to headhunters
fall into another trap - to put things on the backand recruiters by documenting hard-dollar
burner, to treat your current situation as tolerableaccomplishments.
enough that you need not do anything about it rightEither way, you're on your way to a better
now.executive job situation.
But ask yourself this - now that it's March (or anyThat's one example of how taking action, one step
other month after you stated a career change goalat a time, even if a job change isn't your ultimate
for yourself), have you let your ambitions get offgoal, can help you get to a happier place with your
track?job (and by extension, your life).
Did you greet January with the thought of lookingNow, it's your turn. What are the steps YOU need to
for a more satisfying job? Better pay? The nexttake? Write them down, and on the first weekday
step on the ladder - or on your 5-10 year plan?after you read this, take that first step. The next
And if the honest answer is that you'd rather makeday, another. Get moving, and make your plans pay
some changes to your current situation, that's fine,off.
too. Just be honest about it.