Career Boosting Tip #2: Journal

You can feel the momentum and inertia of all of your professional and personal roles building and we aren’t half way through January yet.

There is a natural energy to the New Year. If you haven’t already, Schedule time in your calendar for some planning.

Personally, I write in my Moleskine, but whatever works for you.

Book some uninterrupted time to try and learn from the previous year and shape the new year.

Take stock:

• How do you feel about your job and career progress? 
• What did you learn about yourself? 
• What do you want more of? 
• What do you want less of?

Plan:

• What would you like to change, be, do, and make happen? 
• If you already have a personal plan, how are you progressing?

These aren’t resolutions. What I am suggesting is a few hours of quiet time for a personal check-up to seriousl ask yourself, how am I doing?

First job offer not your first choice?

My latest Monster article deals with that all too common job search problem. If your first job offer isn't your first choice...when to take it -- and when to walk away.

When you're unemployed, unhappily employed or eager to change careers, jumping at the first offer you get -- even if it isn't quite what you want -- can be tempting. So should you?

While an offer can give you a sense of security, that feeling can quickly vanish if the position just isn't right for you and you find yourself looking for another job quickly. Besides giving the impression that you're a job-hopper, a poor career decision like this can also undermine your self-confidence and derail your career progress.

That's why you should think deeply about whether you should accept that first offer or hold out for something better. This guide will help you through the decision-making process.

Read on...