Growing Your Career

No matter what stage of your career you happen to be in, the money you make at your job has a lot do with your financial health (both now and in the future). Growing your career may take some time, but ultimately, you'll be glad you made the effort.  We'll take you through some common strategies to impress your boss and coworkers and move ahead.

Practice Consistency
Consistency is one of the most important factors when it comes to your career. People want to know that they can depend on you, which means getting to work on time, doing what you say you're going to do, and communicating your needs. It means learning the whole organization, so you always have the big picture. And while it may not be quite as easy as just showing up, consistency doesn't have to be difficult. After a while, it will become second nature.

Do a Little Extra
Whether you want a promotion, raise, or bonuses, those who grow their careers typically do a little extra every day. This shows not only your dedication, but it also proves to your boss that you are capable of more. Doing a little extra doesn't mean staying late every day either. It can be as simple as helping a coworker, volunteering for a new project, or mastering a skill on the job.

Network Everyday
Professional growth often comes in the form of who you know. The key is to be noticed by the right people. One way you can do this is by seeking feedback as often as possible, instead of waiting for an official review period. This will prove to your supervisors that you're serious about both your performance and how you're perceived. The more meaningful connections you build up, the more valued you'll be in your industry.

Extending the Discipline
It's easy to compartmentalize certain parts of our lives, but the truth is that everything we do spills over into other aspects of our lives. If you plan for the future and set long term goals at your job, you can extend that discipline into your personal finances. If you can figure out strategies to grow your career at work, you have a better chance of hitting the financial milestones that will ultimately spell success.

Being motivated to take charge of your life is relatively easy. Staying motivated during your daily slog can be incredibly difficult. Setbacks are common, and they happen to the best of us. As you grow your career, remember that you're allowed to fail. Those who grow are the ones who accept responsibility, learn from their failures, and keep trying until they hit their goal. After this, they set a new one.