Have You Had A Career Check Up Lately?

Almost everyone is good about scheduling their yearly check up with their physician. We are repeatedly told that preventative care is essential to maintaining good health and longevity. However, as career professionals, most of us never think of an annual career check up. Our career health like our physical health consists of vital signs as a measurement of our well being. And, we often hear that job satisfaction is directly linked to fewer sick days, reduced stress and improved personal and professional relationships. So, lets take a look at your career vital signs and understand how each plays a role in delivering a positive or negative prognosis on your overall career health.

H is for Holistic

Are you doing work that needs doing?
Do you find the opportunity to mentor at work or in your community or educational institution or professional affiliations?
Do you volunteer or provide financial support to a cause you believe in?
Do you find a meaningful link between the work you do and your personal life?

R is for Reflection

Are you self aware?
Do you feel career empowered?
What is your EQ? (emotional intelligence)
Do you know your strengths?
Do you read books that offer self improvement ideas?
Do you discuss with a friend or colleague the challenges you face, day to day?
Do you feel supported on the job, at home?
Are you engaged at work?

T is for Temperament

Do you believe in the mission, vision, direction of your organization?
Are you connected to a career professional that you can discuss issues with on a regular basis?( we recommend at least once a year)
Do you have a career action plan?
Do you know where you want to be in 5 years


P is for Promotion
Are you recognized for your efforts?
Are you challenged by the work you do?
Does your boss put you on the biggest problems or the biggest challenges?
Are you keeping abreast of the changes in your field of expertise?
Are you attending conferences, pursuing a degree, or continuing education opportunities?



The recommendation is to schedule an appointment with a career professional once a year to find out if you are on track. Speaking with a career counselor, career coach, or a trusted mentor is essential to maintaining your career health and development. And, as always share good information with family, friends and co-workers. Here's to good career health in the New Year.