Managing your career is not an option but a necessity in order to halt or prevent career drift. Be proactive in developing your career plan so that you do not miss out on the rewards that more focus, drive, and direction can bring.

Clarifying your journey
Just as you would not set off on a journey without a destination and a rough route in mind, you also need to plan in a similar way to make a success of your career by being clear about how to achieve success. If you're at all career-minded, then you may already be managing your career to some extent. However, there is always scope to raise your career consciousness through analysis and deliberation.

Questions to ask yourself

• What does managing my career mean to me?
• What is the appeal of looking deeper into this subject?
• How have I managed my carer so far?
• Which aspects of my career do I think need attention?
• How would I describe my career outlook?

Investing in yourself
The concept of career management may sound daunting, especially if you feel your life is already too busy. But taking time to consider your career in detail is a valuable investment that will enable you to enrich your working life.

Working to a plan
Some people have an early career idea that sustains them for years and they dedicate time and effort to pursuing this single goal. What they gain in determination however, they risk losing in not being adaptable and open to the unexpected. Other people are vague about what they want to achieve and are content to see what turns up in the way of career opportunities. These people benefit from being flexible over their career options but may not progress very fast. The best approach is to work to a structured plan to give you a sense of direction and prevent career drift, but at the same time staying flexible to help you adjust to changes along the way.

Being an effective career manager
A career manager has a proactive approach to life, taking the initiative and making things happens. A career drifter has a passive approach, preferring inactivity and taking the easiest option.

Career Manager

•  Is clear about personal priorities.
• Has sense of direction.
• Can see the way forwards.
•  Makes the most of experiences.

Career Drifter

• Feels out of control.
•  Is unsure of next move. 
•  Expects things to 'just happen'.
•  Is unclear about the future; feels time is slipping by.

Key Points

• Note that career management gives you added focus in other areas of life.
•  Keep your longer-term career goals private. 
•  Aim to be active in the management of your career. 
•  Always look ahead, even when you are happy at work and planning seems unnecessary.