With a few months left in the year, you have time to evaluate what's working, identify opportunities for growth, and prepare financially for whatever comes next. That could mean pursuing a promotion, learning a new skill, changing jobs, or simply becoming more confident in your current role.
1. Look Back at the Career Goals You Set
Start by thinking about where you were at the beginning of the year. Ask yourself:
- What did I hope to accomplish professionally?
- What new responsibilities or skills have I gained?
- What accomplishments am I most proud of?
- What goals haven't I made progress toward?
- Do my original goals still make sense?
Your answers may reveal that you're right on track or that your priorities have changed. Either outcome can help you decide what to focus on next.
2. Update Your List of Accomplishments
Don't wait until you're applying for a new position to remember everything you've achieved. Make a running list of significant projects, responsibilities, training, certifications, and measurable accomplishments from the year. This information can be useful when:
- Updating your résumé
- Preparing for a performance conversation
- Asking for a promotion
- Negotiating salary
- Applying for another position
Keeping track throughout the year also makes it easier to clearly explain the value you bring to your employer.
3. Identify Skills You Want to Build
Think about where you'd like to be professionally a year or two from now. What skills could help you get there? You might consider:
- A professional certification
- Industry-specific training
- Technology or AI skills
- Leadership development
- Communication or management skills
- Continuing education
Before paying for a program, research whether employers in your field value the skill or credential. Also check whether your employer offers professional development or education benefits that could offset some of the expense.
4. Give Your Finances a Career Checkup, Too
If you're considering a professional change, financial preparation can give you more flexibility. Review your:
- Monthly budget
- Emergency savings
- Debt payments
- Retirement contributions
- Upcoming major expenses
Then consider how a career move might affect each one.
For example, could you comfortably manage a temporary decrease in income? Would you need money for additional training? Could changing employers affect your insurance or other benefits?
You don't necessarily need to have every variable figured out. Understanding your starting point can help you recognize what you need to prepare for.
5. Review Your Total Compensation, Not Just Your Salary
Your paycheck is only part of what you receive from your employer. Take a fresh look at your complete benefits package, including:
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions or matching
- Paid time off
- Bonuses
- Flexible or remote work options
- Education assistance
- Other employer-sponsored benefits
This information becomes particularly important if you're comparing job opportunities. A larger salary doesn't automatically mean an offer provides greater overall financial value.
6. Set a Financial Goal That Supports Your Career Goal
Once you've identified your next career objective, connect it to a specific financial goal.
For example:
- If you want to earn a certification: Start saving regularly for the exam and training expenses.
- If you're considering a career change: Work toward strengthening your emergency savings.
- If you're seeking a promotion: Consider in advance how you would use additional income, such as increasing retirement savings or paying down debt.
- If you're planning to return to school: Estimate your expected costs and investigate available payment and financial aid options.
Connecting career goals to financial goals can turn a broad ambition into a more manageable plan.
7. Choose One Step to Take Before the End of the Year
Career planning can quickly become overwhelming if you try to change everything at once. Instead, identify one practical action you can take next. It might be:
- Updating your résumé
- Researching a certification
- Scheduling a conversation with your manager
- Increasing your savings
- Reviewing your employee benefits
- Connecting with someone in a field you're considering
- Creating career and financial goals for the coming year
One step now can give you momentum going into the new year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I review my career goals?
There's no single right schedule, but reviewing your career goals periodically can help you identify changes in your priorities, skills, and opportunities. An annual or seasonal career checkup can provide a natural point to evaluate your progress.
How can I financially prepare for a career change?
Start by reviewing your budget, savings, debt, benefits, and expected expenses. Consider potential income changes and additional costs such as education, certifications, or gaps between jobs. Building additional savings before making a change may give you greater flexibility.
What should be included in a career plan?
A career plan can include your short- and long-term goals, current skills, skills you want to develop, potential career paths, professional development needs, and the financial steps required to support those goals.
Should financial goals be part of career planning?
Yes. Career decisions can affect income, benefits, retirement savings, education expenses, and other financial priorities. Considering your finances alongside your professional goals can help you make a more informed decision.
How do I know if it's time for a career change?
Consider whether your current position continues to support your professional, personal, and financial goals. If your priorities have changed, you may want to explore other opportunities before deciding whether a career change is right for you.
Make the Rest of the Year Count
You don't have to wait for January to set new career goals. Use October as an opportunity to review where you've been, think about where you'd like to go, and identify the financial steps that can help you get there.
Whether your next move is a promotion, a new skill, a different career, or simply better preparation for the future, a little planning today can help you approach your next opportunity with greater confidence.
Your credit union is here to help you build the financial foundation to support whatever comes next.
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