It’s the height of summer, peak vacation season. I hear everyone discussing their vacation plans; each detail carefully planned well in advance of the departure date. I’m guilty too. My vacation was planned 6 months in advance. But, here’s the question I ask today. Do you invest as much time and effort into planning your career?

I was guilty of ‘falling into’ my first career, even my second career, merely by circumstances. This is not unusual. I read an article recently from USAToday, published back in 2012 that speaks to this phenomenon. I went from Financial Aid Director to Insurance Associate to Accountant to Leadership Development & Coaching. Yes, it took time for me to figure out. I did it on my own, and miraculously, ended right where I belong.  It took years of self-reflection, growth, and development to figure out what the right career was for me. Happily, I was my first success story! Now, I commit my life to helping others achieve the same thing, helping them avoid the trial and error I experienced.

Yes, the right career is out there for each of us. For some of us, it takes a little more work to figure out what that is. So, while you’re on that well needed vacation this year, take some of that down time to jot down your ideal work environment, or that dream you always had but pushed away, or even the one thing you would do with your time if a paying job wasn’t necessary. Some of these dreams can very well be the start of a new career path. One where you love going to work every day, where your job fits you like a glove and if you’re really lucky, doesn’t even feel like work.
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Take it from one who learned the hard way. Life and work can be a pleasure. If you’re not happy where you are, invest in your own career planning with the energy of a vacation and change your life. 

Ok, yes, it's summertime. The living is easy, the sun is shining and there are vacations and fun to be had. But wait. Weren't you just thinking last month that it was time to find a new job? Don't let the fun of summer distract you from improving your life. Why not take advantage of this time of year and keep up your job search. I've been working with clients for years and have seen plenty of people land great jobs during the Summer months. Here are a few reasons.

1. Yes, work slows down a little for most people. And, that means things are a bit relaxed and that hiring manager you wanted to meet with for an informational interview might just be more available, and more willing to spend time with you.

2. If there is a necessary vacant position, the company will continue to seek to fill it. Many jobs don't go on Summer hiatus and the need to fill it remains high.

3. Things are a little quieter at your job, lots of people are away on vacation, making it a little easier for you to get away from the job to conduct your search.

4. Plenty of people take the Summer off from job hunting. Take advantage of the fact there is less competition, and stand out in a smaller crowd.

​4. And don't forget all those parties and bbqs that are so plentiful in the Summer. Use those opportunities to network. You never know who's going to show up that might be a great connection to a new job.

So, yes, by all means, take advantage of the sun and fun of summertime, but keep the job search active. You'll stand out from a much smaller crowd, and come fall when the weather turns, you might just find yourself in a new job that you love!