Career Plans

I had my annual review in December which didn't go as I hoped, it went very well but not as I hoped. I'm only blaming myself, I didn't go in prepared enough and I accepted the outcome my new inexperienced line manager went for. I know due to the wedding plans, I was due to get married the next day, my mind was not on the job in hand but its no excuse. I had the best year in my current job I've ever had, I exceeded all my targets and hit every deadline, I even won the national company award in my field. The result of this review has meant an annual pay rise of 3% instead of 4%. Only a difference of £309 a year but still its £309!.

This year I will not be unprepared. I've realised that winning the award has opened doors for me, suddenly every one wants my opinion on things and I need to be ready. I've spent some money on books this month to assist me in my new career drive and I'm trawling the Internet for information. Networking is a new thing for me, but gosh does it work. I know I'm a bit behind the times, but I've spent the last twenty years raising kids and spending money, my career has not always been my priority although I've always done a good job and earned promotions. I'm still looking to leave this employer within the next four years however there's a lot more skills I can learn before I go.

I think paying off this debt is empowering me, it's making me realise that I can achieve anything I want to.

Books I'm reading:

• Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny
• Brilliant Networking by Steven D'Souza
• Nice Girls Don't Get The Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel
• Brilliant Interview by Ros Jay