Career Management

All of your hard work has finally paid off and you’ve successfully landed yourself a job! Take some time to bask in the glory of this amazing accomplishment and be proud. You’re standing on the edge of something great, but there’s one last piece to this job search puzzle left. Buckle down, be proactive, and figure out what you need to do in order to increase your chances of keeping this job. The art of finding a job is just as vital to your long-term career success as being able to remain in a job. Remember that maintaining your professional impression doesn’t stop after passing an interview and accepting a job offer, it becomes a regular expectation of you in your everyday professional life. Being able to keep a job does not mean that you will be in the same job for the rest of your life (this isn’t even a realistic option anymore); it simply means that you have the knowledge and skills that will help you to remain in a job until your next opportunity comes around!

Benefits of Retaining Work

There are tremendous benefits associated with being able to keep a job. Take a minute to reflect on some of the reasons and let them be a driving force for your motivation in maintaining employment.

• Financial security: The most obvious benefit of maintaining your employment is bringing home a regular pay cheque. Being financially secure can have a direct impact on you, your family, and your surroundings; therefore, when you have a steady income your risk of financial stress significantly decreases. Financial security also gives you the freedom to enjoy activities outside of work that may add to your overall fulfillment.
• Confidence and purpose: Knowing how to do your job and being able to perform it well increases your confidence in your own skills and abilities. For many of us, our work identities give us purpose, which is why contributing your skills to a greater team, teaching others, and using your strengths will make you feel proud of what you are able to do. When you lose your job or leave your job, a large part of your purpose and sense of accomplishment will go with it.
• Skills development and career advancement: The longer you remain at a company, the more opportunities you will have for skills development or additional training. Similarly, if you have invested time into your employer, your employer is more likely to invest time into you. Showing your loyalty and hard work over a period of time will often result in promotions or opportunities for growth.
• References: Putting in your time at a company, and making a lasting impression on your employer, is important in today’s job market when jobs are becoming more and more short-term. If you’ve maintained good rapport and shown your commitment in your role and to the company, it’s much more likely that you will have a glowing reference from your employer. Having known you longer, the employer can also speak more directly to your on-the-job skills and is more likely to reference positive workplace examples.