Many of us left a lot behind in 2021, but we have one last thing we need to leave behind: that job. Maybe you've outgrown it, just need a change, don't like it at all, or need to switch to something that aligns with your personal growth. At the start of a new year, it's important to put things in perspective so that you can set goals for your career journey and really kick your fulfillment up a notch.
Start with these four steps to jumpstart the boss moves you'd like to make to create the career you love and can be proud of:
1. Assess, assess, and assess some more.
It's always good to start with your why, so you'll have to ask yourself some soul-searching questions. What's the end goal?What factors are at play when I think about changes in my career? How will a professional shift affect my life and loved ones? What do I really want out of my career? What makes me happy? What am I actually good at? What are the things I could improve on?
For the last few questions, experts recommend taking an assessment. The CliftonStrengths or Optimal Thinking's Leadership Assessment are two great places to start because they focus on what you're great at based on your answers to select questions and they also offer great ways to improve on skills or abilities that you might be a tad weak in.
There are also simple tests you can take to brush up on the skills applicable to your industry or the type of job you want, so be sure to take a few.
(For example, if you already work in the tech industry but want to shift from IT to coding, find out what it takes to be great at that by taking mock tests used by employers to choose candidates. For online editing and writing, there are online tests for APress style aptitude or writing tests like these.)
Once you determine your why, understand a sense of your strengths, and acknowledge a few things you could improve on, you're better able to create a plan of action for your next move.
Giphy
2. Socialize and get educated.
If you're at a space in your career where you're stuck or you're unsure of what really makes your heart sing anymore, a great way to get inspiration is to connect with others who either feel the same or might be doing something you're interested in getting into. Join an organization, get into a Facebook group, or start your own activity that will not only gather people together but lead to authentic conversations and support. Start attending those virtual events or in-person conferences, and don't be afraid to invite someone to a virtual or in-person coffee or lunch date.
Another great way to connect with others and gain inspiration is by becoming a student again. If you don't want to invest in a whole bachelor's or master's program, start with a short course, even if it's online-only. Once you're engrossed in a subject matter, you'll soon learn what you want-—or definitely don't—want to do, and you can, again connect with classmates, teachers and professors who will inspire you and lead you to your next steps.
3. Test your passions and dedication with an internship, volunteer opp, or fellowship.
Leaders are always empowered and inspired by challenge, so you'll want to put yourself to the test by actually doing the work. Sign up for those projects that are outside your current department, build out a new initiative that you can be proud of, or try an internship or fellowship where you can really show what you've got.
Volunteer opportunities are also a great way to test the waters of new passions or career changes, and you can actually put these on your resume in order to attract new paying clients, gigs, or opportunities. Plus, the good thing about these is that though you've spent time, there isn't much lost if you're not so great, don't really like the duties, or just fail. Volunteering also doesn't just have to be with an organization. It could be with a small business or successful leader you admire who you learn more from and build a connection for a reference.
Remain open-minded about this one, be sure that there's a good return of your time and energy investment, and allow the experience to facilitate alignment with your long-term career goals.
Giphy
4. Actually apply for those opportunities, even those that seem like a long shot.
This is a big one. If you really want to advance, boost your earning potential, or walk among the big bosses of your industry, you have to position yourself for greatness. Putting in that application, that contract bid, or pitching yourself or your business for those huge opportunities is the best way to do this. Don't talk yourself out of success especially once you see the brands connected, the number of applicants, or the caliber of your competition. And don't let a naysayer in the form of a coworker, "mentor" or toxic boss keep you from pushing for better. Allow the magnitude of the opportunity to be the kick in the butt you needed to step up your efforts and go for yours. (And even if you're not prepared this year, start today to prep to be ready for next year. If you need more training, need to work your way up to a certain position in order to qualify or need to get a coach to brush on skills, do that now, but don't just disregard a seemingly unrealistic opportunity due to something like not being confident or prepared enough).
Plus, even in rejection there are lessons, and you can request feedback or learn from those who might have succeeded at getting the opportunity. Hey, you won't know if you never threw your name in the hat.
Taking on the journey of career fulfillment and advancement takes guts, bold moves, and fortitude to survive the pains of failure or flubs. At least you have these steps to sustain you and get you started to seeing a great 2022 both professionally and personally.
Featured image by F.J. Jimenez/Getty Images
RELATED
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
Eldest Daughter Syndrome had its viral moment online last year, and for good reason. The term gave language to the silent pressures so many eldest daughters tend to carry as a result of their birth order. Beyond that very needed conversation, birth order as a whole can offer insight into not only our traits and tendencies, but also how we show up in life, love, and even our work.
Below, we’re breaking down the traits most commonly associated with each birth order. Keep reading to learn what your birth order might say about you.
If you are the oldest...
Let's be real, being the firstborn often comes with a lot of responsibility. And it's usually not by choice. From early on, they’re the ones who set the tone, carry the weight, and take on the title of "the responsible one." Because of that, they often grow into reliable, high-achieving adults. But the pressure of being "the blueprint" and the one to "lead by example" can also be a heavy burden to bear.
Oldest child traits may look like:
- Natural leaders that take charge even when they didn’t mean to (read: she's bossy, but keeping it cute)
- High standards (for yourself and everyone else)
- Motivated, goal-oriented, and always chasing that next accomplishment
- Reliable and conscientious
- Perfectionist tendencies that can lead to burnout
- Struggles with being controlling or micromanaging
- Often cautious, craving stability over spontaneity
- Finds it hard to rest or ask for help
If you are the middle child...
Season 2 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls GiphyIn the grand scheme of the birth order lineup, the middle child can be the quiet MVPs. As the child who falls in the order "in-between," they’re used to being the one who keeps the peace while also fighting to stand out. But being the “in-between” can also mean feeling overlooked or forgotten. In some families, especially ones with toxic dynamics, the middle child may even take on the role of the "black sheep," while their siblings are seen as the golden children. Still, despite (or maybe because of) that, middle children tend to thrive socially and can read a room like the back of their hand.
Middle child traits may include:
- Top-tier peacemakers who can smooth over almost any situation
- Adaptable and easygoing (even when they’re lowkey screaming inside)
- Often feel overlooked or like they have to do the most to be seen
- People-pleasers who put everyone else first
- Social butterflies and community-minded, with strong friendships outside the family
- Can be rebellious when they feel boxed in
- Thrive when they’re allowed to define success on their own terms
- The ultimate go-between, translating vibes between generations, personalities, and moods
If you are the youngest...
Season 1 Ff GIF by FreeformGiphyThe baby of the family walks through life knowing how to charm, persuade, and perform. They often grow up with more freedom and fewer expectations, which fuels their adventurous and carefree side. But that same freedom can sometimes lead to entitlement, or a tendency to seek validation by being the "fun one."
Youngest child traits might include:
- Social butterflies who light up a room and don’t mind the spotlight
- Natural charmers, funny, flirtatious, and usually down for anything
- Can be a little self-centered or attention-seeking (but you still love them for it)
- Tend to keep things uncomplicated… unless they’re not getting their way
- Known to be manipulative when trying to get what they want
- Free-spirited and bold in their choices
- Often underestimated, but capable of big things when they focus
- Thrive in spaces that let them express, explore, and be a little extra
If you are the only child...
High School Drama GIF by HBO MaxGiphyOnly children can be the ultimate "one woman show" as they are often a mix of all the birth orders rolled into one. Without siblings, they learn to entertain themselves, advocate for their needs, and navigate adult conversations early. That independence can make them magnetic, mature, and deeply introspective, but it also comes with a deep craving for validation and control.
Only child traits can include:
- Mature and wise beyond their years, often viewed as old souls
- Conscientious and responsible, usually the go-to person in their circle
- Seek approval and validation more than they let on
- Natural leaders with big ideas and even bigger plans
- Can be sensitive and deeply affected by criticism
- Prefer structure, routines, and control (sometimes to a fault)
- Like things done their way (and don’t love compromising)
- Thrive in solitude but still want to feel seen and celebrated
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by KALA STUDIO/Getty Images