Related Blogs.
5 New Year’s work resolutions to set in 2023
With the decorations packed away for another year, many of us are hitting the gym, weighing up our finances or thinking about positive changes we want to make in 2023.
How we feel about work is closely related to our happiness and wellbeing. The start of a new year is a good time to contemplate work habits and goals, especially if you feel dissatisfied with where you are right now.
The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that we tend to make things too hard for ourselves!
Whether it’s for work or another area of your life, make sure your resolution is specific and measurable to stand the best chance of success.
Here are some New Year’s work resolution ideas to get you started:
Learn a new skill
LinkedIn’s 2022 Global Trends Report revealed that upskilling is one the top priorities for today’s workers. This partly due to the pandemic but also shifting job requirements and an uncertain job market.
With advances in technology and the continuation of remote working set to be key workplace trends in 2023, expanding your digital skills is a good area to focus on.
The problem when you are a contractor, is that you usually have to foot the bill for upskilling yourself. Don’t be fazed though, there are loads of free online courses and resources available if you know where to look. For starters, have a look at Google Digital Garage and Hubspot Academy.
Improve your work-life balance
Finding equilibrium between your work and home lives is key to our happiness and quality of life.
One of the many legacies of the pandemic is that our work-life balance went out the window in the face of lockdowns and homeschooling! If you feel your work-life balance needs adjusting, the first step is to find out where you are now.
Take this quiz to find out how good your work-life balance is currently. Then look at what areas to improve and address how you are going to do that. This may be with simple changes to your lifestyle, setting clear boundaries between work and downtime, or exploring flexible ways of working.
Update your CV
When’s the last time you gave your CV the once-over? Is the information correct and up to date? Does the style and format make it look dated?
If you don’t look at it for ages, getting your CV up to scratch can become quite an overwhelming task. Why not make your work resolution for 2023 to review and edit your CV or candidate profile at least once every 3 months, even if you aren’t actively seeking work.
Check out our blog How to write a killer contractor CV & win that contract.
Grow your network
There is absolutely no downside to growing your professional network; you never know where the right contact or conversation might lead in the future!
The nature of contracting presents a constant opportunity to meet new people, so take the time to have a chat, grab a business card or connect with them on LinkedIn.
Mentoring is also worth consideration. Reaching out to someone you respect who is a rung or two above you on the ladder can be hugely beneficial and give you useful insights to apply to your own career.
Be proactive
Aside from New Year’s resolutions, keep looking ahead and set simple work goals throughout the year. Completing these will give you a sense of control and satisfaction in what you do.
It can be really helpful to record your resolutions or goals in SMART format. This stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. Defining these from the outset will make your objectives actionable.
It is also good to remember that with all New Year’s resolutions, motivation is temporary but discipline is permanent! Use your initial January motivation to establish habits you can stick to throughout the year, so they become second nature. Before you know it, you’ll be where you want to be.
Here for you in 2023
Whatever you resolve to accomplish work-wise this year, don’t let worrying about pay get in your way.
At Liquid Friday we’re here to make your life easier. Thousands of contractors stick with us from contract to contract, so if you need an umbrella company you can trust, you’re in the right place.