4 Career Questions in 2019

Like many of you, health is top of mind for me this month. Over the past five years, I traded in my athletic bod for a new and improved Dad bod. I suppose that’s what two kids, an intense job, little sleep, and a lot of travel will do. But honestly, it just hasn’t been a priority. As Tony Robbins says in the pain-pleasure principle:  change will not occur until the pain or pleasure of something reaches a threshold to push you over the edge.

In my case, the pain of eating poorly the last few years reached its peak after the holidays.

To prove it’s a priority, I started shelling out $150/month to attend F45. It’s exactly what I need at this point in my life:

• A pre-determined workout regimen
• A personal trainer
• Exercise in a group setting with 10-20 of my sweatiest friends

Sounds amazing, right? It is for me. I don’t have to think about what workout I’m going to do (bi’s and back vs cardio?). I have someone there to push me and keep me accountable. Finally, I get to do it in a team setting, which brings me back to my college basketball days. I’m also going to track my calories and drink fewer beers in 2019.

Anyway, this isn’t a post about health. I have zero credibility on the topic, and I’m not interested in getting yelled out at by the Keto cult for my calories comment. I’m telling you this for two reasons though:

• I’m writing this in extreme pain. I’m literally icing and heating my right hamstring, right calf and left ankle after my first F45 workout of the year.
• To highlight how, like you, I’m beginning to execute on a plan to make 2019 my best year yet.

Taking Stock of Your Career

Perhaps you’re already in shape and health isn’t your area for improvement in 2019.

Maybe you’re sitting at your desk after the holiday break… thankful for a short week because you’re unsure of how you’ll slog through another year in your job.

I’m here to tell you 2019 can be your best year.  But it won’t happen by happenstance.  Here are four questions you should be asking yourself if you’re unhappy in your job/career.

First, please keep two principles in mind:

• You are the CEO of your Career. If you’re not happy with where you are, you need to own it.  It’s not your bosses fault, your college’s fault, and the world isn’t out to get you.  I know that feeling of sitting in your cube feeling like you’re drowning in quicksand.  But before we go any further – you need to know that this is your career, and it’s time to get in the driver’s seat.
• People overestimate how much they can do in a week or month, but dramatically underestimate how much they can achieve in a year. Jump-starting your career is a process – embrace that.  There are no quick fixes.  Your aim should be long-term career fulfillment focused on growth, results, and financial well-being in a methodical manner.

Four Career Questions in 2019

• Do you want to be at this company in a year?
  • If yes, why?  Then see the next question.
  • If no, why?  In most instances, you know the answer to this question because you’ve been marinating on it for a while. If you’re reading this after a bad meeting or day – don’t knee-jerk.  What is your plan to get out?
  • Considerations to answer the above:  Can you bring your most authentic self to work?  Does the company culture fit your values? Do you like your team/department? Do you have access to projects and people outside of your day-to-day? Is the company on a good trajectory, or are they conducting layoffs frequently? Does the CEO inspire you and know what he/she is talking about?
• Do you want to be in this role a year from now?
  • If yes, why?  See the next question.
  • If no, why? Maybe you were promoted last year, you’re still growing, great manager, etc.
  • Considerations to answer the above: Is it because you’ve been in it for three years and want to be promoted? If so, what is your plan to do so? Have you discussed this with your manager? Are you bored and need a new challenge? Is your manager a good person? Does he/she create value for you?
• What skills or growth would you like to obtain in 2019?
  • If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. Just like in fitness, if you want to increase the size of your muscles, you need to push them harder via more reps or heavier weight. What are the 1-2 things you want to do in 2019 that you haven’t done before? Where do you need to grow and improve based on your last review?
• Are you being fairly compensated?
  • If yes, how do you know?
  • If no, how do you know?
  • Considerations for the above: Do you understand your company’s compensation philosophy?  Are you being paid market value? For example, it’s easier than ever to ballpark compensation by role? Have you discussed with your manager? Depending on your answers, now is the time to get ahead of this before your company’s annual cycle kicks off.

NEW PRODUCT:  In the spirit of F45, I’m going to kick off a career mastermind group in a couple weeks.  The purpose of this group is to get a small group of people together so you can:

• Have access to a proven career plan that drives results.
• Access to a successful career coach to keep you accountable (me). All the trainers at F45 are in epic shape.  I always find it amusing when I see overweight trainers training folks.  Or people ask their parents for career advice who are also miserable in his/her career.  I’ve built my career coaching business off doing what you’re going to do this year and building successful teams in the US and EMEA at a successful tech company.  I straddle both sides of the interview table, so I get it a way most don’t.
• A community you can lean on, learn from, and swap experiences with.

If you’re interested in changing jobs, switching careers, getting promoted, or increasing your income drop me a note at [email protected] and I’ll send you an email with more information next week. If you have no idea where to start, I can help you with that too.

Here’s to your best year,

JMars