One of the common complaints people have about their careers is that they “don’t have the time to do anything about it!” Life gets in the way, and carving out space for personal development feels impossible. I get it! I can feel that way when I think about developing my business. Then, I remember that I am perfectly positioned to coach my way through that stumbling block of time restriction, and take some action!. Today, I’m going to share seven key points. All of which answer your question: “how to support your career when you feel too busy.”?
Now, when I started drafting this article, I hadn’t planned to do seven things; I just started writing and saw where it took me. What we have ended up with, quite handily, with daily activities, It can be easy to put things off until you have the time to do everything you need and want to do. But, instead, what if you just did what you could in the time you have?
I’m going to set you a mini challenge, and ask that you set aside 1200 seconds, just twenty minutes, each day to do these things. Don’t overthink it. This isn’t about completion but beginning. Things to do that will help you when you are ready for your next career move, be it a promotion, a new role or a pitch for that next client! So next time you are wondering how to make a real difference to your career, why not grab this list?
So, let’s begin.
How to support your career when you are busy? From CV updates to time off.
Update your CV!
Don’t wait until you need to move. Start by updating your current (and earlier) roles. Make sure you include the IMPACT of your role, and evidence, not just duties. CAR (R) context, action, result (and reflection) is a great way to start! Just set a timer for twenty minutes and begin. Ideally, start with your most recent role, as those duties will be fresher in your mind. If that seems too much, then just spend the twenty minutes reading these blogs of mine to help you get more confident with your CV:
How much of “me” can I share in my CV?
Correcting five CV myths
A skills-based CV
Connect with someone you admire on social media.
There may be someone in your industry or sector that you admire. Their career or business journey inspires you, so are you making sure that you are keeping up to date with their plans? Or is it someone who has skills or knowledge that helps you, from art to science to personal development? Either way, find them in the place where you will pay attention.
Listen to a podcast that will support your skills.
This is up to you. There really is a podcast to suit every topic. It could be role- or sector-specific, skills-related, or well-being-related. Pop in the topic you want and give yourself the time to listen. Make sure you take away ONE THING you can action and start right away.
If a podcast isn’t for you, then maybe tap into a vlog, a video or even twenty minutes of that personal development book that has been looking at you for months on your bookshelf!
Book a catch-up with a colleague within your organisation
You may notice this is just booking the catch-up. We are focusing on taking action in a twenty-minute window; you ideally want to be spending more than that time with them! Who are you missing interacting with? Maybe that you work well with, that you miss from your team; someone that you can build or maintain a relationship with. Working remotely doesn’t stop you from getting a coffee catch-up; it’s just via a screen!
Capture your success.
This can be as simple as a ta-da list, where you make a note of what has gone well. You can also proactively create the career successes YOU want to be known for and start tracking your progress. This approach means you can really start to build your personal brand, and evidence of your success, ready for CVs, application forms, interviews and annual reviews!
Follow your dream company!
Even if you aren’t looking for a role, most of us have a company or organisation that we would LOVE to work in. Follow their socials, and, common with larger organisations, sign up to any job alerts they may have!
Book some time off
This may sound like a bizarre final point, but it’s one that we often forget. No one can pour from an empty cup, and even in the roles that we enjoy the most, careers can overtake our other interests and responsibilities. So, if you can, book at least a day off, where it’s just for YOU. Not to run errands or childcare, but for you to get back to what you enjoy doing the most. Call it a mini holiday if you will and reconnect with your passions and interests outside of work and parenthood.
It doesn’t matter if you are actively looking for a role, a promotion or a return; these are about taking control of YOUR version of a career to enjoy, rather than waiting for others to give you permission! Hopefully these seven ways will show you how you can support your career when you busy.
I’d love to know how this has gone once you have made these simple changes.
Maybe these become a regular addition to your personal development to-do list? I’d love to know. Head over to Creating Careers to Enjoy and join the conversation.
If you are ready to work with a doubly-qualified careers coach with over two decades of experience, then it’s time we talk! I support those returning to work after maternity, paternity or any other break, parents seeking a new role or promotion, and people looking to craft a better balance. Book a call to find out how I can help you create a career to enjoy, not endure. (and don’t tell yourself you are too busy!)
Read more career blogs by Career & Return to Work Coach, Clara Wilcox! (aka me!)
How to have an ethical career.
Do you only need coaching when you are miserable?
How my coaching helps you create a career to enjoy
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
