by Sharon Cullars

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 20, 2009

As you go through the various phases of your life, your priorities change with each phase. If you're a young person starting out, your priority may simply be starting a career and moving out on your own. Eventually you might meet someone and decide to start a family, after which your priorities become more complex. The two of you may decide to make career changes to accommodate your family's needs. Even if don't pursue marriage, your priorities will vary as you move through the life of your career. Whereas money and perks may have been the main attraction to your current job, as you grow older, you may find personal time becoming more of a premium. You may want to travel more, pursue hobbies, or just take time that your job doesn't allow for. You may even decide it's time to strike out on your own and create your own business.

Before you come to any of these crossroads, create goals that not only match your realities but your fantasies, as well. Know where you want to be at a certain phase in your life, emotionally and financially. Know what you want from your career and how to go about obtaining those goals. Ask yourself where you see your current path taking you. Is it a place you truly want to go?

Starting out, your first goal will be to decide what you want to do with your life, then determine how to get there. Although some positions may only require an associate's degree, professional positions usually require full degrees from 4-year colleges. Consider the educational costs, the time it will take, and the determination you will need to pursue any type of degree. Are you ready to meet these challenges? If yes, then make a timetable and try to keep on course.

Research positions you're interested in and what they require. Also research the companies where you would like to work. As you consider these career goals, also consider your personal goals as well. If you do not like to travel, a management position may not be right for you. If you want to exercise your creativity, you many find an office environment stifling. Take some career assessment tests or even consult a career consultant to determine where your best fit is.

So you've gotten the position you wanted, but is this where you want to be ten or even five years from now? Study the promotion track you're on or even if you're on one. Some positions offer no advancement but only lateral moves. So look at that management position you want in another department or another division. Check the Intranet to

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