What's realistic to expect as 2010 really gets going, still with double-digit unemployment, companies reporting worse than expected year-end revenue and employers' expectations of 24/7 commitment?
Clutching his chest, Urban Meyer checked himself into a hospital last month. It seems his work - coaching the Florida Gators football team - is stressful. Meyer decided his goal will be to get more control over his work/life balance, putting his health first rather than coaching.
For most of us, 2009 was the year we decided to put our work first because, frankly, many of us were happy to have work or we were fighting to keep our businesses from going under or desperately searching for a job.
Now, we want to make 2010 a different kind of year. Maybe we want it to be the year we climb the corporate ladder or build our business to a new level or land that position with our dream company. Maybe it's the year we have dinner with the family a few nights a week.
I consulted coaches and other experts about typical career goals and whether they are attainable in 2010. Their answers should give you an idea what's realistic:
Get my career back on track. If you are not happy about the direction your career took in 2009, it's reasonable to think you can take it in a new one in 2010.
Randall Hansen, founder and publisher of QuintCareers.com, says if you put off asking for a promotion, you may want to ask your supervisor for some proactive steps you could take to get recognition, or ask for a mentor. Hansen thinks this is a good year to network within your company. He thinks employers will give promotions in 2010; some will come with pay raises, but most will not.
Secure a raise. In many industries, employees saw their pay reduced as an option to layoffs. Career experts say don't expect a significant boost in 2010, particularly in the first half of the year when the economy remains soft. Instead, you might want to ask for a bonus if you reach your goals. "Companies will be more amenable to pay for performance," says John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement consultancy.
Land a new job. We sat tight in 2009, suffering in silence while our bosses piled on the work of the two or three others who were laid off. Clearly, employers had the upper hand, but expect that to loosen up some later in 2010.
Timothy Tolan, a recruiter/senior partner with Sanford Rose Associates, says certain industries will take a long time, but the job market is turning. If you have a job, Tolan advises putting the feelers out. "You have to have a mind-set that you are going to create opportunity, to be ready, be in the market."
Make a phone call to a trusted adviser, join an industry organization, or call a career coach. Get advice to get ready for the next move. "The first and second quarter will be slow, but by mid- to end of the second quarter, it will be a much different market than today," Tolan says.
Regain full-time employment. As layoffs swept workplaces in 2009, some employers saved jobs by forcing workers into part-time positions or turning them into contractors. Challenger says 2010 should bring opportunity to change your status: "It's a reasonable goal as companies get busier to turn the work you do into a full-time job. You will need to prove that you are a valuable asset."
Cut work demands. If you found yourself carrying a heavy workload in 2009 either to prove you are valuable or because your boss piled it on, don't expect much to change. Unless the organization starts to hire, it will be nearly impossible to shed responsibilities. "You may need to go to another organization to accomplish this," Challenger says.
Even more, as face time became critical in 2009, telecommuting arrangements and flexible schedules were eliminated.
To reverse this in 2010, if it's a goal, you will need to strengthen communications with your supervisor.
Reclaim work/life balance. Lisa Gates of Craving Balance Coaching, says this common goal can be accomplished, but it takes focusing on priorities.
"Fear causes us to do more and take on more and say yes when it's the exact opposite of what we need to do," she says.
Gates suggests getting hyper-focused on two or three priorities at work and home. "You will have to look at all the demands on your time and ask, 'Is this in line with my priority?' If not, eliminate it," Gates says.
Help the business grow, add new customers or boost revenue. It is possible for a business to grow now, especially if you write specific, measurable goals with a deadline, says Alicia Marie, business coach and owner of Profit Consulting Co. When writing your goals, you must use your history to determine what's in the realm of possibility, she says: "Drill it down to real numbers."
