5 Ways to Kick Start Your Career

5 Ways to Kick Start Your Career5 Ways to Kick Start Your Career2Whether youre looking for a job, currently employed, or a little bit of both, the new year offers us a chance to jump departure our careers just as much as we jump-start ourselves.Of course, you can sto-start your career any time of year, but the new year provides momentum that doesnt necessarily exist any other time of year. Your friends and family are probably doing something similar in their lives and you can use each others energy and enthusiasm to stay committed to your career kick-start.Here are five ways to kick start your career in 20131. Do an audit of your current job.What do you love about it? What would you change if you could? What are your road bumps or bottlenecks? How can those be eliminated or improved? What are your goals for 2013?2. Do an audit of your overall career.Where are you in your journey? Are you headed in the direction you want for yourself? If not, what direction do you want to turn? What a re the ways you can make that happen?3. Make a list of your top career goals.They can be small or large, and should include whatever is most important to you getting a raise or promotion, taking on new tasks, learning new skills, becoming certified, or even finding a new job or making a career change. With each of these goals, include the smaller steps that it will take to get you to these goals so you have a road-map for how to attain them.4. Try for unconventional benefits at work.As the economy improves, companies will be looking for ways to retain their top talent, so try asking for a benefit that you might not have considered before, like a flexible schedule or the option to telecommute. Believe it or not, more companies including the government are realizing the cost benefits of allowing staff to work from home. Dont be afraid to approach your boss about the possibility of working from home, even if just 1 or 2 days a week.5. Dont just sit there.If you can look back at your career in 2012 and be satisfied, you might be entering into 2013 on a good trajectory and be tempted to sit tight. But whether youre satisfied in your career or looking for something better, make the new year a year of action.Readers, are you ready to kick start your career? Head to our flexible jobs page to start your search