Like many of you, I have been a homeowner for many years. I’ve lived in my home through good and bad economies. I’ve had to postpone a few home improvements but have kept up with maintenance. I’ve found the time and motivation to repaint a few rooms and change the furniture around. Most of the work I have done maintaining my home has made me feel good. I know the benefits of keeping my home in good shape, regardless of the economy, and in fact, almost everything I have done has been heavy on the sweat equity and light on the pocketbook. 
It struck me that my home can be a metaphor for my career. To test that theory, I tried taking the paragraph above and substitutng “career” for “home” (with small poetic license). Here goes nothing…
I have had a career for many years. I’ve worked in my career through good and bad economies. I’ve had to postpone a few career improvements but have kept up with training. I’ve found the time and motivation to take a few courses and change companies or roles. Most of the work I have done maintaining my career has made me feel good. I know the benefits of keeping my career in good shape, regardless of the economy, and in fact, almost everything I have done has been heavy on the sweat equity and light on the pocketbook.
Imagine treating your career like your home. It’s a long term investment, worthy of maintenance. Most of the work comes from you, and most of it doesn’t need a lot of cash to achieve. Like home maintenance, the longer you put it off, the more costly it becomes. Also like home maintenance, the effort you put into your career makes a real difference, and it feels good to know you’ve accomplished it.
Next time you think about your career, try thinking “Career, Sweet Career”. Invest in yourself regularly. Maintain that long term investment.
Tags: career, commitment, investment, linkedin, maintenance, sustainable
