What are your professional goals?

Gaige · 04-03-2012, 02:52 PM

Last night was my first night managing my coworkers...people I’ve been working side by side with...people that are my friends. Since I’ve had their respect as team leader I thought I would go in and not much would change. I believe that you get more productivity from people that are happier in the workplace so I didn’t want to come on too strong on my first night. I wanted to see if maintaining the same relationship would continue to produce the same results. It didn’t. Maybe it’s just me seeing things differently now that my ass is on the line for the workflow but they seemed to be slacking. It was as though they think they have a free pass to slack now that someone who is their friend is in charge. So now I have to be a hardass and after having to work a 12 hour shift to pick up their slack it won’t be a problem. It’s unfortunate but really I’m not there to make friends. My goals:

1.) Work more efficiently
2.) Maintain an adequate production rate from employees
3.) Have all scripts filled and to the patient before the dose is due.
4.) Accrue no wait time

Overall, be successful as the evening workflow manager.

Hack · 04-03-2012, 03:14 PM

I have already achieved one of my career goals -- work for a Democratic governor.

I am sort of at a crossroads at the moment with my career. At my age (48), I am starting to lose flexibility in my field (public relations, media relations) because it is a field that is changing rapidly. I have an itch to get back into politics. I'm trying to ignore it, though, because it does consume my life, and I am rather enjoying having a life at the moment. I've spent the bulk of my career in public service and it highly appeals to me. So, I am plotting my next move career-wise, though I would like at least another year doing what I am doing now to sort of sort out what I want to do next.

aishah · 04-03-2012, 05:30 PM

things i have accomplished that i am proud of...
* getting my bachelor's degree
* moving full-time into being self-employed
* moving to where i want to live and building a home for myself here
* becoming a leader in disability & mental health advocacy and doing speaking and consulting
* getting to organize conferences i love
* getting to work with people who i have looked up to for a long time

my goals for the next few years...
* balance paid and unpaid commitments so that i can sustain living and also do things that matter deeply to me...and hopefully have more overlap between the two
* make a certain amount monthly with my current paid gig so that it will be sustainable long term
* stop doing web design altogether!
* do more modeling work, speaking, and workshop engagements
* deepen involvement with local non-profits and with samhsa and add
* only take on consulting and organizing commitments that are in line with my values and principles
* pay off all debt but student loans, and start paying student loans
* save up a 6 month safety net (at least)

things i'm thinking i might want to do, but am not sure about yet...
* get an office job - i miss interacting with people every day and it would be great if i could get a job with benefits. but i struggle with balancing my health and an inflexible or overloaded work schedule, plus it would keep me from traveling for other work that i do.
* maybe go back to school for an msw. this would mean re-taking the gre, possibly taking extra social science courses to prepare, and figuring out a way to pay for it because i don't want to take anymore loans. it's something i would love to do because it would expand professional opportunities in areas i am already working in, but it would also be extremely hard on my body and mind. it would take at least two more years in grad school. and i'm not sure i want to do it while my partner is also thinking of pursuing a nursing degree.

PaPa · 04-03-2012, 05:48 PM

I am about to embark on a journey back into drug and alcohol counseling. I did well in that before, but that is not where I want to remain for long. It will, however, get me the required hours to fulfill my master's practicum and internship.

I would like to finish out my current degree and move on for the doctorate in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Pittsburgh.

After that degree, I would like to eventually teach and receive tenure and become a contractor performing assessments for either workman's compensation or a state vocational rehabilitation agency.

Gráinne · 10-04-2012, 10:15 AM

In the short term, I'm going to be tutoring ESL adults through a literacy program, but ultimately I'm getting my ESL teaching certification. Not sure how to mesh that with the sciences, but I thougt it would be valuable if/when I choose to teach overseas.

In the (very) long term, I think I've lost my collective marbles. I'm going to take the GRE and go back for my M.S./Ph.D in geology or maybe even something like planetary science

Ginger · 10-04-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guihong

In the short term, I'm going to be tutoring ESL adults through a literacy program, but ultimately I'm getting my ESL teaching certification. Not sure how to mesh that with the sciences, but I thougt it would be valuable if/when I choose to teach overseas.

In the (very) long term, I think I've lost my collective marbles. I'm going to take the GRE and go back for my M.S./Ph.D in geology or maybe even something like planetary science

I think that's so cool, Guihong—both parts!

I worked in literacy for about 15 years, and I have so much respect for ESOL teachers.

In NYC, most programs prefer ESOL teachers to have a master's degree in TESOL, but there are also a lot of people with have certificates that are respected, like the Princeton one, and others.

I went to the TESOL conference when it was in New York a few years ago, and was high off the energy! One researcher claimed that most English-language textbooks promote a "feminized" version of English; for example, in which the speaker asks questions to elicit more from the speaker, not to insert his or her own point of view—it's so culturally loaded!!! I love it.

This is an exciting time to go into that field, and with what's happening with immigration politics, it's almost a political statement just to do that kind of work ...

The geology part is interesting too. Would you teach? Or do research? I don't even know what people do with a geology degree. I bet the MTA (transit authority in NYC), hired geologists as consultants when they dig tunnels... someone's gotta understand what this earth is made of!!!!

thedivahrrrself · 04-03-2012, 06:02 PM

1. Decide on a thesis topic and STICK TO IT!
2. Help our little homeless outreach become a fully functioning 501(c)3.
3. Finish my MPA in May 2013.
4. Qualify for a Foreign Service job through the State Department and live all over the world furthering our diplomatic initiatives.

(in that order)

For now, this is it. Things always change, but I've been accomplishing a lot over the last year (suddenly becoming single will do that to you), and I'm going to keep that momentum going!

thedivahrrrself · 09-11-2012, 02:45 PM

Funny, I was thinking of starting a thread titled exactly this, and then I realized I posted here several months ago...

My life has changed a lot in the last 5 months since I posted the above.

Still working on my MPA, though many days I wonder why. Just to finish, I suppose.

But I got hired on by an organization that is a dynamic and amazing little group of people. My boss has amassed a small empire just by knowing what she wants and going after it. So, I was tasked to think of some personal and professional goals. BIG ones. And they will help me craft a way to get there.

So, first, I want to be amazing at what I do. There's a big learning curve, but I am kicking ass and taking names so far, so I believe this is possible.

Next, I want to make enough money to afford limitless travel. This means not buying that amazing house that JAGG rebuilt that I want SO badly (there are two closets in every room!!), but staying in my tiny house with my tiny mortgage payment and bumping up my savings. And banking TONS of skymiles. Doing well on the skymiles so far.

Third, figure out a way to have multiple income streams. Everyone I know who is doing well is doing well because they have more than one source of revenue. I can't just bank on my salary and my commission. I have to figure out other ways to make my money work for me.

Fourth, I must, MUST, prioritize my time, particularly with finishing school this year. I've got to outsource the things I can. Cleaning, for instance, is not good use of my time. My time is valuable, and I can make more money working in those hours than it would cost to have someone clean. I'm starting to realize the value of those things that I always thought were frivolous. The added benefit of reducing my stress level and environmental allergens will only add to my overall productivity.

So, basically, I'm changing my way of thinking. I'm re-evaluating what I thought possible, and I finally have people who see my potential and are determined to help me realize it. I'm lucky, but I also worked my ass off to get here, so I'm proud. I'm building my empire one brick at a time.

firegal · 09-11-2012, 04:44 PM

Retire....Ive accomplished mine..... or all ive been able to!

My career has had a emphasis on addressing the glass ceiling and road blocks facing women in the fire service.

The fire service is better but has STILL alot of room for improvement.But it is ALMOST time for me to step aside and hand the reins to a less seasoned person with fresh ideas!

It doesnt feel right to list what i achieved... but some things were breached that had never had the female experience.

So now my goal is to someday work part time at home depot...tools...wood...paint...I,ll be in heaven!

aishah · 09-11-2012, 09:10 PM

my goals have changed somewhat

i'm hoping to get an apprenticeship at the acupuncture clinic where i volunteer, and eventually work there. if i'm able to finish an apprenticeship there and get a job i would have a pretty stable working class income plus the potential for retirement...and it would be more money than i've ever made per year in my life, in an environment i love, helping people who need access to low cost health care, with a schedule that works pretty well with my access needs/disabilities.

i'm also working with some friends to potentially open up a youth center here, and i would continue doing community organizing and consulting and speaking and stuff on the side (and possibly continue doing sex work on the side too). but i love the community i am with at the acupuncture clinic and that's much more stable, plus i really enjoy it.

10-04-2012, 10:15 AM	#5
Gráinne Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Neither, nada, out of the box Preferred Pronoun?: My name always works Relationship Status: Happy whatever happens Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,864 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,117 Thanked 7,388 Times in 1,457 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	In the short term, I'm going to be tutoring ESL adults through a literacy program, but ultimately I'm getting my ESL teaching certification. Not sure how to mesh that with the sciences, but I thougt it would be valuable if/when I choose to teach overseas. In the (very) long term, I think I've lost my collective marbles. I'm going to take the GRE and go back for my M.S./Ph.D in geology or maybe even something like planetary science __________________ The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one. ~Erma Bombeck

04-03-2012, 06:02 PM	#7
thedivahrrrself Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Queer Sapiosexual Femme Relationship Status: Mrs. Grumpy Cat Tournaments Won: 4 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: 8,660 feet high in the Andes Posts: 2,640 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,519 Thanked 11,657 Times in 2,292 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	My professional goals 1. Decide on a thesis topic and STICK TO IT! 2. Help our little homeless outreach become a fully functioning 501(c)3. 3. Finish my MPA in May 2013. 4. Qualify for a Foreign Service job through the State Department and live all over the world furthering our diplomatic initiatives. (in that order) For now, this is it. Things always change, but I've been accomplishing a lot over the last year (suddenly becoming single will do that to you), and I'm going to keep that momentum going! __________________ Small business owners around the world use microfinance to help expand their businesses and provide for their families. You can help! Click here to learn about Kiva.

09-11-2012, 02:45 PM	#8
thedivahrrrself Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Queer Sapiosexual Femme Relationship Status: Mrs. Grumpy Cat Tournaments Won: 4 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: 8,660 feet high in the Andes Posts: 2,640 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,519 Thanked 11,657 Times in 2,292 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	Funny, I was thinking of starting a thread titled exactly this, and then I realized I posted here several months ago... My life has changed a lot in the last 5 months since I posted the above. Still working on my MPA, though many days I wonder why. Just to finish, I suppose. But I got hired on by an organization that is a dynamic and amazing little group of people. My boss has amassed a small empire just by knowing what she wants and going after it. So, I was tasked to think of some personal and professional goals. BIG ones. And they will help me craft a way to get there. So, first, I want to be amazing at what I do. There's a big learning curve, but I am kicking ass and taking names so far, so I believe this is possible. Next, I want to make enough money to afford limitless travel. This means not buying that amazing house that JAGG rebuilt that I want SO badly (there are two closets in every room!!), but staying in my tiny house with my tiny mortgage payment and bumping up my savings. And banking TONS of skymiles. Doing well on the skymiles so far. Third, figure out a way to have multiple income streams. Everyone I know who is doing well is doing well because they have more than one source of revenue. I can't just bank on my salary and my commission. I have to figure out other ways to make my money work for me. Fourth, I must, MUST, prioritize my time, particularly with finishing school this year. I've got to outsource the things I can. Cleaning, for instance, is not good use of my time. My time is valuable, and I can make more money working in those hours than it would cost to have someone clean. I'm starting to realize the value of those things that I always thought were frivolous. The added benefit of reducing my stress level and environmental allergens will only add to my overall productivity. So, basically, I'm changing my way of thinking. I'm re-evaluating what I thought possible, and I finally have people who see my potential and are determined to help me realize it. I'm lucky, but I also worked my ass off to get here, so I'm proud. I'm building my empire one brick at a time. __________________ Small business owners around the world use microfinance to help expand their businesses and provide for their families. You can help! Click here to learn about Kiva.

04-03-2012, 02:52 PM	#1
Gaige Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Stone Butch Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: above my boots Posts: 2,097 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,649 Thanked 3,755 Times in 1,171 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Last night was my first night managing my coworkers...people I’ve been working side by side with...people that are my friends. Since I’ve had their respect as team leader I thought I would go in and not much would change. I believe that you get more productivity from people that are happier in the workplace so I didn’t want to come on too strong on my first night. I wanted to see if maintaining the same relationship would continue to produce the same results. It didn’t. Maybe it’s just me seeing things differently now that my ass is on the line for the workflow but they seemed to be slacking. It was as though they think they have a free pass to slack now that someone who is their friend is in charge. So now I have to be a hardass and after having to work a 12 hour shift to pick up their slack it won’t be a problem. It’s unfortunate but really I’m not there to make friends. My goals: 1.) Work more efficiently 2.) Maintain an adequate production rate from employees 3.) Have all scripts filled and to the patient before the dose is due. 4.) Accrue no wait time Overall, be successful as the evening workflow manager.

04-03-2012, 03:14 PM	#2
Hack Just a guy. How Do You Identify?: Just a guy Preferred Pronoun?: male Relationship Status: Sparkle's consort Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: MA Posts: 1,458 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 807 Thanked 3,776 Times in 958 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I have already achieved one of my career goals -- work for a Democratic governor. I am sort of at a crossroads at the moment with my career. At my age (48), I am starting to lose flexibility in my field (public relations, media relations) because it is a field that is changing rapidly. I have an itch to get back into politics. I'm trying to ignore it, though, because it does consume my life, and I am rather enjoying having a life at the moment. I've spent the bulk of my career in public service and it highly appeals to me. So, I am plotting my next move career-wise, though I would like at least another year doing what I am doing now to sort of sort out what I want to do next.

04-03-2012, 05:30 PM	#3
aishah Member How Do You Identify?: queer stone femme shark baby girl Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, little one Relationship Status: dating myself. Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: dallas, tx Posts: 1,495 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,823 Thanked 6,442 Times in 1,288 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	things i have accomplished that i am proud of... * getting my bachelor's degree * moving full-time into being self-employed * moving to where i want to live and building a home for myself here * becoming a leader in disability & mental health advocacy and doing speaking and consulting * getting to organize conferences i love * getting to work with people who i have looked up to for a long time my goals for the next few years... * balance paid and unpaid commitments so that i can sustain living and also do things that matter deeply to me...and hopefully have more overlap between the two * make a certain amount monthly with my current paid gig so that it will be sustainable long term * stop doing web design altogether! * do more modeling work, speaking, and workshop engagements * deepen involvement with local non-profits and with samhsa and add * only take on consulting and organizing commitments that are in line with my values and principles * pay off all debt but student loans, and start paying student loans * save up a 6 month safety net (at least) things i'm thinking i might want to do, but am not sure about yet... * get an office job - i miss interacting with people every day and it would be great if i could get a job with benefits. but i struggle with balancing my health and an inflexible or overloaded work schedule, plus it would keep me from traveling for other work that i do. * maybe go back to school for an msw. this would mean re-taking the gre, possibly taking extra social science courses to prepare, and figuring out a way to pay for it because i don't want to take anymore loans. it's something i would love to do because it would expand professional opportunities in areas i am already working in, but it would also be extremely hard on my body and mind. it would take at least two more years in grad school. and i'm not sure i want to do it while my partner is also thinking of pursuing a nursing degree.

04-03-2012, 05:48 PM	#4
PaPa Senior Member How Do You Identify?: GQ Butch Daddy Relationship Status: A Very Protective BIG Daddy... Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,657 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 7,597 Thanked 5,871 Times in 1,530 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	I am about to embark on a journey back into drug and alcohol counseling. I did well in that before, but that is not where I want to remain for long. It will, however, get me the required hours to fulfill my master's practicum and internship. I would like to finish out my current degree and move on for the doctorate in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Pittsburgh. After that degree, I would like to eventually teach and receive tenure and become a contractor performing assessments for either workman's compensation or a state vocational rehabilitation agency.

09-11-2012, 04:44 PM	#9
firegal Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Preferred Pronoun?: Don't let the gal part of my screen name fool ya I,m ALL butch! Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tacoma,Washington Posts: 2,907 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 15,853 Thanked 11,704 Times in 2,469 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Retire....Ive accomplished mine..... or all ive been able to! My career has had a emphasis on addressing the glass ceiling and road blocks facing women in the fire service. The fire service is better but has STILL alot of room for improvement.But it is ALMOST time for me to step aside and hand the reins to a less seasoned person with fresh ideas! It doesnt feel right to list what i achieved... but some things were breached that had never had the female experience. So now my goal is to someday work part time at home depot...tools...wood...paint...I,ll be in heaven!

09-11-2012, 09:10 PM	#10
aishah Member How Do You Identify?: queer stone femme shark baby girl Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, little one Relationship Status: dating myself. Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: dallas, tx Posts: 1,495 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,823 Thanked 6,442 Times in 1,288 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	my goals have changed somewhat i'm hoping to get an apprenticeship at the acupuncture clinic where i volunteer, and eventually work there. if i'm able to finish an apprenticeship there and get a job i would have a pretty stable working class income plus the potential for retirement...and it would be more money than i've ever made per year in my life, in an environment i love, helping people who need access to low cost health care, with a schedule that works pretty well with my access needs/disabilities. i'm also working with some friends to potentially open up a youth center here, and i would continue doing community organizing and consulting and speaking and stuff on the side (and possibly continue doing sex work on the side too). but i love the community i am with at the acupuncture clinic and that's much more stable, plus i really enjoy it.