The Fastest Way to Put Your Career on the Fast Track

It can take years to earn the money you desire, especially if you stick it out at the same company. Companies tend to give yearly 1-3% performance raises (give or take). That means if you start a job at $30,000 per year then it can take ten years to make $40,000 per year at a yearly 3% raise. I don't know about you, but for me that's an awful long time to wait for an extra $10,000 especially when inflation and cost of living is going up.

I have some unique and insensitive advice for taking your career to the next level. This advice may sound unorthodox, because it goes against the grain of popular vote and old-styled thinking.

Quit Your Job
Quitting a job can make a world of difference for your career. Now, there is a strategy in quitting a job, you can't just quit on the whim --- it should be planned from day one. Set yourself a goal within your company, if you are unable to obtain your goal within your timeframe then quit your job for a better opportunity. Be realistic about your goals. i.e. In the next five years you plan to be in management or in one year you plan to be a team lead. Work towards your goals and strive to be the best. If your goals are not met then quit your job.

Look for a New Job
Another thing you must do is make certain you have another opportunity lined up before you quit your job. Don't go off the tangent and just quit without securing a better opportunity, look for a new job first. Take the time to find the right opportunity. Apply to jobs which you feel can meet your goals and expectations. Apply for positions you are well capable of performing the tasks and assignments. Most work for the money, not because they have loyalty to a particular company, especially since that same loyalty is rarely reciprocated.

Ask for the Money

Better opportunities usually bring more money. When interviewing expose your knowledge and show that you are experienced then ask for the money. Let's say you make $30,000 per year then tell the interviewer your target salary range is $40,000-$45,000 with flexibility. If they ask why you feel you're worth the money then be prepared to answer with examples of your previous work, accomplishments, and success stories. Show that you are a perfect fit for the job and worth every penny. This process may take a bit longer to land a job, but can be very rewarding in the long run. Make certain you've done your homework and know the going rates in your industry and city. Don't sell yourself too high, but definitely don't sell yourself short. You can visit Salary.com to get information about your profession and salaries.

Outshine Your Peers
Some people can start at a new company and excel within months and start an upward trend. Outshining your peers can get you dirty looks and talked about at the water cooler, but can be a great way to move up in your existing company. Showing upper management that you are very capable of performing any assignment that comes your way can earn you cool points with management. Get friendly with management, attend meetings, attend company functions, and speak to others. Become someone within the company which everyone knows, make your name known in the company and industry.

Move to the Big City
Change is good and you need to learn how to accept change. Move to a larger city with more opportunities and bigger bucks. Sure the cost of living increases, but if people couldn't make it there then I guess no one would live there, right? It's not Antarctica or Mars so stop thinking you can't make it there! If you are a true professional then you can make it anywhere in the world that is economically sane. Don't be afraid of a move. Take a leap of faith.

Start Your Own Business
Having your own business can be a clear path to a brighter future. If you have a great deal of knowledge and experience in your industry then you may be able to provide a service or product that some will find useful. Going into business can be a scary thing, but I do advise baby steps. Don't quit your job if you are able to start your business and work for an employer at the same time.

Those are some ways to put your career on the fast track. Using the examples above can reward you with more money which is what most people are after. Knowledge, experience, and aptitude all comes with time on the job. Learn as much as you can about different technologies and methods, while also staying sharp in your field. One day you'll be able to demand the money you want, don't sell yourself short.

Anthony Onaf is an expert writer and founder of SEOReferrals (http://www.seoreferrals.com), a portal for finding and posting marketing jobs. It allows employers to post SEO projects and professionals are allowed to bid on SEO jobs. Finding SEO consultants has never been easier.