Look how time flies. If I may be allowed to use clichés, only yesterday, it was 2009; and now it’s already the middle of January 2010. And you’re probably back on the grindstone, most likely doing your old job; or maybe continuing your quest for a new job. Whatever the case may be, keep looking ahead; there’s so much in store in the brand new year. I bet you want to make the best of it. And yes, you can make 2010 a much improved year than 2009. Here are 5 hot career resolution ideas that will undoubtedly propel you through a shining year ahead.

Build your knowledge base; make it a point to learn something new each day.
Maybe you’re comfortably entrenched in a job you love; slogging it out, perhaps, with a job you resent and can barely stand; or probably looking for work that will end your hiatus of unemployment. Whichever category you belong, it is crucial that you recognize the importance of knowledge as a vital key to success. It will not only stimulate your brain, keeping you alert and vibrant; but it is guaranteed to also make you feel good. Don’t make it like a classroom-lesson-kind of learning, though. Chill out and make it fun! There’s so much to learn by just reading books you enjoy, participating in forums and blogs, asking people about trends in your industry; the possibilities are boundless. The important thing is to keep you attuned to your field of work, while also having a great time. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Take the world’s insanity in stride and rise above it.

There are realities you have to deal with, no matter the economic condition or the national security issues – there is always something to be concerned and anxious about. You can choose to go with the doomsayers and get swallowed by their negativism; or you can opt to stay cool, calm and collected (in short, focused!). You can certainly make wise use of valuable time by looking for practical, doable solutions, instead of freaking out. Trust me; you’d be a priceless voice of reason in any circle!

Link, connect and establish an expansive, profound and dynamic network.

Make it a personal crusade this year to strengthen your existing relationships and build new ones. An ideal professional network transcends a whole lot of levels; it goes beyond keeping up with the trends and the “nice-to-have” kind of perception. It is an invaluable fountain of new business, new jobs, new ideas, boundless support and even consolation. While you’re at it, take note that networking invariably includes online presence. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, et al are not just a passing craze; they’re excellent ways to keep in touch with a vast number of people.

Appoint yourself as the protégé of a good mentor.

Life’s realities make it so that there is always someone you know who’s a little bit smarter and more experienced than you are. Make that someone your mentor. There’s just one simple criterion that works here: There has to be a mutual liking and caring between you, the protégé and your chosen mentor. A good mentor helps you find answers to your questions, keeps you focused on identified goals, gets you back on track when you veer and provides opportunities, opening doors to chances that you thought did not exist. A mentor is like the golden egg and when you find one, take care you don’t drop and break it.

Take this: the world is not all about you.

Don’t take everything personal. You’d be amazed at how much less stressful life is, if you take it into your head that it’s business and nothing personal. Remind yourself when the bosses, coworkers, and recruiters make appalling decisions and behaviors, it’s NOT you. In all likelihood, it is more their own worries and skewed priorities that are the culprit, rather than what you said or did. So shed off the onion skin and just do your job well.

Above all- be prepared. That is my motto for job seekers in 2010! Have a great resume in hand and be ready for ANYTHING!

Tags: 2009, 2020, a new job for the new year, business and recruiters, career opportunities, economy, Job Search, new years resolutions, recruiting, Resume, the year ahead

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 3:04 am and is filed under Applying for a Job, Career Changes, Cover Letters, Forums, Free Advice, Job & Interview Questions, Resume, Resume Do's and Don'ts, Resume Help, Social Networking & Jobs, how to write a resume. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.