7 Professionalism Beyond the Job Search
At some point, your hard work will finally pay off, and you will have landed yourself a job! Hopefully, you will take some time to bask in the glory of this amazing accomplishment and be proud. You will be standing on the edge of something great, but this job search puzzle has one last piece left.
Buckle down, be proactive, and determine what you need to do 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. 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 paycheck. Being financially secure can directly impact 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 and perform your job well increases your confidence in your skills and abilities. For many of us, our work identities give us purpose, so contributing your skills to a greater team, teaching others, and using your strengths will make you feel proud of what you can 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 in your employer, your employer will likely invest time in 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 to 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 about your on-the-job skills and is more likely to reference positive workplace examples.
SERVICE SHOUT-OUT!
If you have a personal problem that is impeding your ability to obtain or maintain employment, such as child care, housing, transportation, family or relationship conflict, or mental health concerns:
- Reach out to the services available on myWellness to develop more effective coping strategies and identify community resources.
myWellness – Student Success | Conestoga College - Make an appointment with myCareer career services to discuss appropriate ways of discussing these issues with your supervisor.
myCareer – Student Success | Conestoga College - Inform someone close to you and ensure you have a support network in place.
