Think As Inc

INVESTING YOUR MONEY…IN YOUR JOB

August 22, 2009 on 1:59 am | In life coaching | No Comments

When you think of investing money, you probably think of retirement planning, college funding options, or saving a cash reserve.  Your job gives you the money to invest.  You might not think of your job as a place to put back your money.  Yet, what you do with your money has repercussions on what you can do with your career.  See how you spend your money, and see if you are investing in your career:

Do you subscribe to trade journals and newspapers to keep abreast of industry trends?  Is it worth $25, $50, $100 a year for information that might close a thousand-dollar sale or get a bigger raise?

Do you use your lunch hour to catch up with colleagues within the company, the industry, and your overall network?  Is it worth $10, $20, $50 to find a mentor, figure out what’s emerging, or hear about a new opportunity?

Do you regularly update your professional wardrobe?  Is it worth $250, $500, $1,000 for a look that might contribute to a promotion?

Do you pay yourself first and set aside a cash reserve?  Is it worth one less evening out per week for security in a downturn or freedom to capitalize on an unexpected opportunity?

Do you attend career seminars and other professional training?  Is it worth $100, $500, $1,000 for skills that contribute to more effective time management, work/life balance, or faster career progression?

Your money can make a powerful investment in your career.  How much are you investing back into your career?  How much is your career worth to you?