Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/513891
May 18 - June 8, 2015 25 Working World l WorkingWorld.com "Too many employees believe they are entitled to their job, and a promotion and a raise," Metzger says. "It's not true. For an employer, or a customer in the case of an entrepreneur, to pay you, you must bring something of value to the table." To establish your value proposition, consider your passion - which allows you to build resilience - your strengths and what skills you have that are in demand. "Having passion and talent is great, but if you can't get paid for doing it, it's not what you want to build your career strategy around," Metzger says. • Create your dream job description. What would your perfect day at work look like? Are you in an office or your pajamas? What are your hours? Most importantly, how are you spending your time? Write out what your dream job would be like. Pay careful attention to the job responsibilities; you want a job where you'll spend most of your time playing to your passions and strengths. • Make it happen. Once you've established what your dream job looks like, lay out a plan for getting there. That doesn't necessarily mean doing a job search. Very often, change can happen incrementally. How can you spend just a few more minutes today on something related to your value proposition? In many cases, your current job can evolve into your dream job. In others, you are building your portfolio of experiences to better position yourself down the road. Metzger also advises engaging your manager to help find ways to make it happen. Most managers want to support you in furthering your growth and appreciate the clarity from you. Once they understand what you want to do, they can be an active advocate whether that means supporting you in taking on a special project, making networking introductions or giving you candid feedback. "We all have more discretion over how we spend our day than we think," Metzger says. "The key is to take thoughtful action, rather than simply letting your career - and life - happen to you." CAREER TRAINING Want to make tomorrow BETTER than today? Los Angeles Valley College E X T E N S I O N STUDIES SHOW THAT EXTENSION STUDENTS NOW EARN MORE MONEY THAN COLLEGE GRADS! Become a Paralegal for only $285/mo. PROFESSIONAL PARALEGAL ACADEMY Fall Classes are already fi lling up! Exceeds CA statutory requirements Become a Paralegal in only 11 months! Monday/Wednesday nights & most Saturday mornings. HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT ACADEMY Fall Classes are already fi lling up! Complete in only 18 weeks! Thursday nights & Saturday mornings Low monthly payments LEGAL SECRETARY ACADEMY Fall Classes are already fi lling up! Complete in only 11 weeks! Tuesday nights & Saturday mornings Low monthly payments Reputable and Accredited Public Institution California Community College Since 1949 FINANCING AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE CLASSES ARE ALREADY FILLING UP! CALL TODAY (818) 997-0967 REGISTER ONLINE 24/7 legalfi eldcareers.com You can NOW transfer credits towards an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree at selected colleges