Do you know what your most important asset is? You!
Are you being “penny wise and pound foolish” with your search for a job, career or calling? Let’s take a look at how you are spending your time, money and effort to insure the best return on your investment.
Time
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Ps. 90:12
Time is short. It matters greatly how we spend it. When you are at a career crossroads, the time you invest on yourself can have lifelong impacts.
If you are unemployed, you should invest 40 hours a week in looking for your next job or career. Make it your current job to find the next one.
If you are currently employed, consider spending one hour a day on your next step.
Smart planning and a weekly commitment will pay off.
Finding a new job can take time and changing careers can take longer. Starting with a plan will help. Mark it on your calendar.
Money
When you are out of work, spending money can be a difficult decision, but it may be necessary to get to the next step. The important thing is to set a budget and make a plan. Consider the areas below.
In light of how much money you want to make, answer the question, “How much am I willing to invest?” Set a budget and consider including these potential expenses.
| Estimated Investment | |
| Additional education, skills training, certifications, degrees | $ _______________ |
| Career books, directories, publications or Web services | $ _______________ |
| Career assessments and perhaps hire a professional coach | $ _______________ |
| Trade and professional association memberships and meetings | $ _______________ |
| Extra phone, phone lines and charges; email and Internet access | $ _______________ |
| Resumes, business cards and stationery; postage and shipping | $ _______________ |
| Local or perhaps long distance travel and meals | $ _______________ |
| New clothes and grooming | $ _______________ |
Whatever amount you decide, set aside the money and invest it wisely. Keep good records. Costs related to job search may qualify as tax deductions. Check with the IRS, your tax preparer or an accountant.
Did you know that you can sign-up for free on our Web site to access hundreds of free resources? Simply go to www.crossroadscareer.org and sign-up as a job seeker.
Effort
Some days in your search you may have lots of energy to take on the world while on others just getting out of bed can feel a chore. At the end of the day, you have to put in the work to get the reward.
Our Work Book will work for you if you work hard at it. Get a copy. Read every page. Complete every exercise. Read and write every devotional. When you find tough areas, ask for help, encouragement and support.
Better yet, get two copies and work through it with a buddy or in a group at a nearby Crossroads Career partner church or organization.
When you work the plan, the plan works. Invest your time, money and effort in yourself and watch it pay dividends for years to come.
