Even as an adult, I’m a total sucker for back-to-school season. I love that Labor Day feels like the perfect opportunity for a reset, the same way New Year’s Day does. Here’s a chance to buy some fresh pencils and notebooks and set some new goals, both personal and professional.
After a sleepy August, September and October are a good time to dig in and make big career moves. Start looking for that new job you’ve been wanting or begin laying the groundwork for a promotion or raise if you’re employer likes to dole those out during year-end reviews.
I’ve personally been thinking about my career a lot lately, and the new goals I’m pursuing now that I have my CFP. And as Alicia and I have noted recently, we’re planning to write more about careers on The Purse this fall.
We’re arguably at a moment where we need some fresh career advice that takes into account our ever-complicated working world. “Leaning in” is passé. Demanding what we’re worth is more complicated than ever. And I think a lot of us are trying to figure out what it means to be ambitious in these weird times when our career paths seems so uncertain, and it’s more exhausting than ever working in corporate America.
But I don’t want us all to feel hopeless. When times feel uncertain, that’s when we need community more than ever. And sharing career advice and the tips and tricks that have helped us be successful (however you define success) can be pretty empowering. I think that’s why it’s so fun and motivating to read Work History, and learn about other women’s successes.
One of the best pieces of career advice I ever received was from Sallie Krawcheck, founder of Ellevest, the groundbreaking women’s wealth management platform. (Sallie was also a Wall Street executive for many years before founding the startup.)
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I interviewed Sallie for the Money Diaries book for the section on negotiating a raise. She told me, “If you are silent, you are losing.” You have to voice what you want and be loud and proud about your accomplishments. Do not assume your employer is going to read your mind (or is even paying attention).
As someone who often feels frustrated when people don’t simply recognize all the hard work I do and love me for it, this stuck with me. It’s something I still struggle with, but that I’m always working on. I haven’t been the best at it lately, and writing this post is motivating me to try to be better. (And if you follow me on LinkedIn, don’t be surprised to see me tooting my own horn this fall.)
What about you: What’s the best career advice you ever received? (And are you good at taking it??)
More on careers and ambition:
Alicia Adamczyk
Alicia Adamczyk
Alicia Adamczyk
