A Millennial#8217;s Guide to Maintaining Happiness in Their Career Choices

A Millennial8217s Guide to Maintaining Happiness in Their Career Choices When was the last time you had a checkup? And I dont mean from your physician I mean a career success checkup. After all,only 30 percent of workers ever landtheir dream jobs.You might as well take a moment to figure out whether or not youre one of them (or could become one of them). Start With Your Life PlanLife plans are helpful guides for thoselooking toward theirbright futures. You dont need to be a supremely organized person to set successful goals. Just consider the followingEducation How long do you want or need to be in school to achieve your professional goals?Finances If working through school is an option, what kind of money-saving tactics can youput into action?Budgeting Living independently while in school is no easy task. How will you budget successfully?Family When do you want to abflug settling down with a lov ed one? Would you like to start a family someday?Recreation and Pleasure What kind of hobbies do you want to get into? How much time do you need to take off for yourself? What jobs will give youflexible time off, if needed?Sticking to a list of long-term goalscan help stay on track. Once youve created your list,check it twice a year to ensure that youre following through with your plans. It may be a good idea to do one self-check onthe Fourth of July and another on New Years Day, as they are aboutsix months apart.AFew Questions to Ask Yourself During Your Self-ChecksWhat have I accomplished?Am I moving forward in my career?What can I improve?What additional steps can I take tocontinue toward my end goal?Are my values still the same?Should I consider a new career?Checking in on your professional goals can help you give yourself some direction over the coming months. Keeping tabs on these goals is also important in order to prevent yourself from becoming an unhappy or disengaged perso n. If youfind youre straying from your plans, you can take corrective action before its too late.And if you ever find that your goals no longer align with your happiness, remember the average American will only spend 4.6 years within a given job. Its not uncommon to rethink your path, and its certainly never too late to do so.Randall Hansen, Ph.D., writes thatcareer planning should be a rewarding and positive experience. Dont let excuses like I dont have time get in the way of your happy path