by Katarzyna Radzka

Created on: May 26, 2009

After working in the same job for a few years, it's likely that you are a little bored and worn out. Boredom and monotony are two factors that lead to a rut. A rut is something you don't want to get yourself into, especially when it comes to your career. Instead you want to continue growing throughout your years in the workforce. By keeping things new and exciting, and updating your skills and education, you are opening yourself up to opportunities that may arise during the course of your career. There are a few things you can do to keep your career healthy and growing.

Update your skills

It's vital to keep your skills updated with the times. Having current knowledge in your field will put you ahead of the game, especially if there is an upcoming promotion, pay rise, or change. If you're abreast of any new developments than transitions will be easy and stress free.

Take time out

Becoming a workaholic is only going to have adverse effects. Remember to take time out from your career and do something that is completely different. The distance will benefit you in both the short and long term. You need time to relax and unwind in order to continue gaining satisfaction from your career.

Social Networking

If there's an event or conference in town related to your career, go and take part. Talk to people, tell them what you do and what your good at. Highlight your strengths but don't be arrogant. Spend time listening to what they have to say because you never know what you might learn. It's important to be both humble and proud without going to extremes, you want to leave a good impression and not them off.

Go back to school

We spend our entire lives learning and yet we leave this place not knowing much at all. Throughout your career it's pivotal to continue learning. Enrol in a post graduate or diploma course, learn a foreign language, get a qualification that will help your career grow. If you want to be a manager, do a management course, if you want to improve your writing skills, try a communications or journalism degree. Run it past your company and you might even get lucky and they will cover the costs of your education.

Take initiative

Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Take the necessary steps to find the opportunities your after. If you want to advance but there's no room in your current workplace, jazz up your CV and send it to other companies that are offering the position you're after. If they're not, send your CV anyway with a attention grabbing cover letter and when a position does arise, you might be the first person they contact.

These are just some of these things that you can do to keep your career healthy and growing. Work isn't everything, so try to have fun in the meantime and avoid too much stress will have a negative effect on the health and growth of your career. Continue with your education, network, and take initiative and your career will continue to prosper.

Learn more about this author, Katarzyna Radzka.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.