Achieving career development is important for your own individual growth and the benefit of your family. When you clearly understand your goals and objectives, you can provide a stable and secure home life for your loved ones. In addition, pursuing career development can help you earn a higher salary, which can be used to provide your family with necessities and luxuries. Finally, by continuously learning and expanding your skillset, you set a positive example for your children, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
However, it can be hard to focus on career development when you’re a working professional with a family to care for. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make sure you’re continuously developing your skills and advancing your career, even while you’re busy raising a family. Here are some tips:
Schedule regular check-ins with your boss to discuss your progress and goals
If you’re looking to achieve career development while also raising a family, one of the best things you can do is to schedule regular check-ins with your boss. This will allow you to discuss your progress and goals and ensure that you’re on track to meeting your objectives.
Additionally, check-ins allow you to request feedback and advice from your boss, which can be invaluable in helping you further develop your skills and knowledge. Finally, regular check-ins help build trust and communication between you and your supervisor, which can benefit your professional and personal life.
Use your free time to read books or articles related to your field
Another way to balance your career and family life is to use your free time to read books or articles related to your field. This can help you keep up with the latest trends and developments and give you some new ideas to try out at work. Reading can also be a great way to relax and de-stress, which is important when juggling many different responsibilities.
Of course, this isn’t the only way to achieve career development while raising a family. But it’s a good place to start, and you can do it even when you don’t have a lot of extra time on your hands.
Attend networking events and build relationships with other professionals
Networking is a critical part of career development, but it can be difficult to find the time to attend events and build relationships with other professionals while also trying to raise a family. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to make the most of your limited time.
First, try to attend events that are specifically geared towards working parents. These events are often shorter and more informal, which makes them easier to fit into a busy schedule. Second, use social media to connect with other professionals in similar situations. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for help with childcare so you can focus on networking.
Get involved in employee resource groups or other professional organizations
Another great way to achieve career development while raising a family is by getting involved in employee resource groups or other professional organizations. This can help you network with other professionals, learn new skills, and keep up with industry trends.
Employee resource groups are often based on race, gender, or ethnicity and can provide members support and mentorship. Professional organizations also offer many benefits, such as access to industry news and events, discounts on professional development resources, and networking opportunities.
Pursue additional education or certification in your field
Being a working parent comes with its own unique set of challenges. However, there are ways to help manage the demands of your career and home life. One of the best ways to do this is to pursue additional education or certification in your field.
For example, if you’re working in the public sector, you may want to consider taking up an online MA Public Administration program. This can help you advance in your career while also giving you the flexibility to manage your family life by studying online, working part-time, or even taking advantage of childcare subsidies. Plus, the skills and knowledge you gain through an MA program in Public Administration can be applied to many careers across the public sector, from healthcare to law enforcement to education.
In addition, pursuing further education shows that you’re committed to your career and are willing to invest in your own development. As a result, it can be a great way to achieve career development while raising a family.
There are many different ways to achieve career development while raising a family. By scheduling regular check-ins with your boss to discuss your progress and goals, using your free time to read books or articles related to your field, attending networking events and build relationships with other professionals, getting involved in employee resource groups or other professional organizations, and pursuing additional education or certification in your field, you can stay on track with your career while also managing the other responsibilities of your life. And ultimately, this will help you achieve professional and personal satisfaction in the long run.
