Keep it Updated

I just had lunch last week with a co-worker whose job was “deleted” last week (that is what he called it). I was unaware that this happened (they don’t put out group emails about these type of things in my office!) but was once again keenly reminded how our careers are ultimately in our hands and that we constantly need to be cultivating them.

“You may delay, but time will not.”

-Benjamin Franklin

I was saddened to hear about what had happened to my friend, and have also been down the same road before myself- losing my job after 18 years with the same company. Since that time though, I have learned the importance of caring for your own career and personal network.

Is your LinkedIn profile up to date? Do you even have a LinkedIn profile? Do you have any recommendations from other people on your LinkedIn profile? Have you ever searched your name on Google to see what comes up? This is the number one way prospective employers are going to “check you out”. What does your footprint look like on the Internet (Twitter Facebook, etc.)? Do you have anything that is questionable floating around out there somewhere?

A Real Christian Businessman knows that you have to cultivate and harvest your career in order to continue to have employment. Reaping the benefits from an active career network doesn’t come automatically – just like a garden – you have to tend to it! I have learned this the hard way and since getting better at it I have been able to take advantage of opportunities like the one I am currently in – one where I was able to move myself and my family to a more desirable area of the country (closer to family) while still enjoying the employer that I work for.

I want to also encourage you to put your career and faith in God. Pray and ask for his guidance. Seek the advice given from the Bible on your vocation. He will always be there to help (it just might not always be in the timing that you want).

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 ESV

Remain steadfast in how you groom yourself for the future. It will pay off in incremental dividends down the road, sometimes when you need it most, and sometimes when you don’t even realize it.

What steps can you take today to ensure your career portfolio is growing?