4 STRATEGIES TO GUIDE WORKING MOTHERS TO BE THE B.O.S.S. OF THEIR CAREERS
The word Vision is defined as the ability to see or imagine (Merriam-Webster, 2021). And, as a working mother, it can be hard to see the future of your career when you are focused on your family’s well-being today. But, when you don’t take the time to see your future, you remain stuck, feeling guilty, depressed, lost, or unhappy.
The year 2022 cannot look the same as the previous years. You cannot continue to feel stuck, frustrated, or confused about what’s next in your career. You cannot continue to allow other people to tell you when you should have a promotion and when you shouldn’t. You cannot continue to feel like you don’t belong in your organization or that your skills aren’t best utilized. If you have been feeling stuck or lost, it’s vital for you to get back to your Career Vision to finally gain the fulfillment and satisfaction you desire.
We defined Vision, but let’s define A Career Vision
A Career Vision is a statement which describes where you envision your career for the future or in other words, the position or accomplishment you would like to achieve at the end of your career. It gives you a sense of purpose and direction for your career. Many working mothers have a Career Vision but have allowed life or other circumstances to distract them from pursuing it. However, to feel fulfilled and satisfied in your career, you must get back to your Vision.
To Get Back to your Career Vision, there are four (4) strategies that are proven to help working mothers be the B.O.S.S. (Build Opportunities for Self-Success) of their career.
Be the Initiative Your Career Needs – One of the first things you can do to pursue your Career Vision is to take the initiative. You must identify the reason you desire your Career Vision, create the action plan/goals to achieve it, and gain the motivation to pursue it. Remember this,
- It is no one’s responsibility for your career growth, it is solely yours, and
- Networking with others will give you insight on opportunities, but it’s up to you to act towards it.
Talk out loud to Gain Insight – Identifying a Career Vision will give you clarity on the direction of your career, but it’s vital for you to share it with those who can assist you. You must continuously tell others what you want out of your Career – your Career Vision.
- Go to networking events and share your elevator pitch
- There are non-management positions available, apply to those too
- Talk to industry experts and gain their knowledge
Gain Support – A vital component to career growth is support. Support can come in many forms, but it’s important to identify who or what can support you and guide you to pursue your Career Vision.
- Hire a mentor or coach
- Join an accountability group or meetup group
- Join an industry membership organization
Become Valuable, Not Stagnant – Many times working mothers get to a point in their careers where promotions, recognition, and appreciation stop. This can occur when you become comfortable or stagnant and stop showing your value to the organization. As a Career driven working mother, you must continue to show your value to achieve your goals.
- Have Clear Goals & Communicate with who you Trust (manager, leadership, etc).
- Apply for the Position, regardless
- Volunteer for special projects, etc…
Today must be your time and 2022 must be your year where you change the trajectory of your career and Get Back to Your Career Vision.
It’s time to Refocus on what makes you happy.
It’s time to Refocus on your Career goals.
It’s time to Refocus on who you are.
It’s time to Refocus so you can Be the B.O.S.S. of your Career!
To further explore how you can Get Back to Your Career Vision, watch the full workshop at https://bit.ly/33vubKc.
As a Career Development Strategist, Coach, Author, & Podcast Host, Latika Vines empowers working mothers, in male-dominated industries, to lead and grow in their Careers while strengthening Organizations to retain them. Latika is a firm believer that everyone has a life, career, and/or business vision, and although that vision can get blurry and put on the back burner at times it must be picked back up and turned into an initiative (ACTION)! Learn more about Latika and her initiatives at www.visionary-initiatives.com.
