Are you looking to expand your career options? Perhaps you’d like to earn more money, have more choices, and have greater job security. The logical question is, how can you do this? Let’s look at the top 7 Tips to achieve your best career goals.
Question Norms
Whether you are male or female, you’re often faced with beliefs, norms, and traditions about what you can do. These unspoken rules, guidelines, and perceptions affect what you believe is possible.
Fortunately, these days, a lot of people are questioning and challenging outdated beliefs. With women empowerment and gender bias initiatives, these are being explored, exposed, and transformed.
You may find that some of the norms are coming from inside your head. That’s right. We often want to take our careers to the top – but we stop ourselves.
This kind of ‘normal’ thinking can cause you to get stuck in a rut, believe you don’t have options, or not trust in your abilities. If you notice this, don’t panic. Recognizing the problem is the start of finding the solutions.
Understand Context
What is the cultural context for your career decision? For instance, nurses often talk about choosing their profession because it provides economic independence. These are real-life examples, although names have been changed to respect privacy.
- Mary, a busy RN says, “I started in nursing because it was a ‘meal ticket.’ As a single mom, I needed to find a way to support myself and my child.”
- Sharon, a working NP describes it, “You always have job security. You can always find a job – either at a local hospital or as a travel nurse.”
- Dan, a travel nurse says, “Nursing gives me the freedom to work where and when I choose. When I’m not on a shift, I’m biking or hiking.”
In this example, nurses value their unique job security and flexibility. They enjoy an attractive form of economic independence.
Aim Higher
If you are working in a career, you may find a degree expands your opportunities. For example, as an RN, you may want to go for a DNP degree. This degree opens new doors for career opportunities.
These include providing family care, neonatal care, and midwifery. Additionally, with changes in health care, more opportunities include psychiatric health, nursing informatics, and healthcare policy and administration.
If you’re exploring options, consider the BSN to DNP programs. These unique bridge programs help you avoid duplicate requirements. This is a way to fast-track your education. Many of the programs are available in online formats that allow working nurses to continue their education.
Consider Your Options
One of the best ways to understand options is to interview working professionals. If you’re considering nursing, talk with nurse practitioners. Interview local nurse-midwives. Take a nursing administrator to lunch.
A DNP degree can help you work as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or certified nurse-midwife. Whatever career you’re considering, expand your horizons.
By talking with real people who are doing the job you envision, you’ll get the low-down. It’s one of the fastest ways to sort through your options. Along the way, you’ll meet wonderful people, make friends, and build a professional network.
Evaluate Your Goals
Are you happy with your work? Are you getting the pay you deserve? Do you feel secure or insecure about your future? As you explore these options, you’ll discover what’s working – and what could improve.
The median annual salary of an RN is $77,450 compared with a nurse practitioner that earns $115,800. This can have a big impact on your lifestyle, savings, and achieving your goals.
Explore Volunteering
Ask the people you’re meeting about volunteering opportunities. You may be able to “get your feet wet” by working at a clinic, health event, or office. If you have the chance to volunteer, you can see for yourself how you feel working in a particular field or environment.
You may even be able to turn this into a side-hustle and make some extra income. However, be sure to ask for feedback and assistance. Working in a new setting will help you see your natural strengths – and where you can expand your skills.
Get Involved with Coaching
It’s important to know that you’re not alone. As you explore career options, talk with a career coach. Many schools programs offer coaching as part of their services. You are not alone – get the support you need to achieve your career goals.