If you’re a fan of college football you know exactly what I’m talking about. The last few teams standing are in a battle to be named National Champion (#RollTide). But, it’s also playoff time for you if you’re career minded. How’s that? Glad you asked. 

Now is the time of year supervisors are performing yearly evaluations. Everyone is looking back at the wins and the failures of the year. Now is the time decisions are made about raises and promotions. So how can you make sure your run for the championship is successful. 

First, pull out last years evaluation. What were the areas you needed to work on? What were the goals set? Once you’ve identified those, take a few moments and make a list of how you’ve improved in an area and what goals you’ve accomplished. Make the list specific. 

Next, pull out your planner and go back through the year. What were your other big wins? Did you land a big client? Did your team finish a project ahead of schedule and under budget? Did you earn a new certification? Did you identify a way to streamline a process that saved the company time and money? Whatever the win, make sure you list it and if possible put a real number to what it brought to the company. 

Now these lists should give you the needed information not only to nail your yearly evaluation, but you will have actual detailed information to show your supervisor why you deserve a promotion or raise. 

Here’s a great resource you can use to work through these questions and more…

You may be saying “that’s all great if you’ve had a good season,” but what happens if you’re no longer sure your career is on the championship course. Just like teams have coaching changes this time of year, it may be time for you to look at other alternative career paths.

It can be a little terrifying to think about leaving a job. You’re not only leaving behind co-workers and a steady paycheck you’ve grown accustomed too, you’re contemplating making a change to something that is brand new. Change, or the unknown, can be hard. But when you’re job isn’t what you expected – and it hasn’t been for a while, it might be time to make a transfer to another team.

So how can you know if it’s time to go? Here’s 6 reasons it might be time for you to consider a career change:

1. First, what’s your stress level? Are you experiencing physical changes like sleeplessness, migraines, or stomach issues? Your body might be telling you that it’s time to go.
2. Are you no longer learning new things? Maybe you’ve been in a position for several years and the learning opportunities have dried up. If you feel bored and unchallenged, that can be a sign you need to move on.
3. Do you hate Monday? Is there a feeling of dread every Sunday evening that tomorrow you have to drag yourself to the office? Life is to short to stay in a job when the best thing you have to look forward to is Friday.
4. Have you quit caring? Are you unmotivated and doing just the bare minimum to get by? Do you find yourself doing just enough not to get fired? If you answered yes, it’s time to look for alternatives.
5. Is the company on shaky ground? Is the industry dying or the company experiencing mismanagement? Maybe they are restructuring every other month? Pay attention to these internal cues that the company might not be positioned for a long future. If that’s the case, it’s better to get out before the ship starts sinking.
6. Do you feel undervalued? Do you work hard and complete projects that improve the bottom line for a company but never even receive a thank you? If you’re efforts are undervalued, you’ll begin to resent doing the work. If you’re there, it’s time to make a move.

Do you see yourself in any of these statements? Then use the career assessment below for a clearer picture of what might be missing in your current career and what you’d love to see in the future.

Whether you’re part of a championship work situation or leaning towards finding a new team to join, now is the perfect time of year to evaluate and reflect on what your goals for 2022 will be.