The month of January takes its name from the Roman god Janus who 
had the unusual attribute of being two faced. This allowed him to look both forwards and backwards at once. Just as the Romans did at the time of the winter solstice, we can use this time of year to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Taking stock of our careers periodically is important and this time of year is as good as any to do it.
Reflecting on the past year can remind us of significant achievements, objectives we have met and any successes we have had. We should also think about the challenges we faced and where our career may have fallen short of expectations. On balance was it a good year? The big question we need to answer is do we want to continue on the same career path or is it time for a change?
One useful exercise to help this process is to divide a piece of paper down the center. On one side record what we enjoy and find rewarding about our career – the pros – and on the other note down the drawbacks – the cons. If the pros outweigh the cons we are probably still in the right career. If the balance is tipped the other way then it may be time for a change.
If we are still satisfied with our career we should think about our personal goals for the forthcoming year. What new expertise would we like to acquire; are there any new areas of responsibility we could take on? What are our longer-term aspirations over the next three to five years? On the other hand, if it is time for a career change in what direction do we want to go? Would it still be in the field of clinical research or in a completely different area? What transferable skills do we have and what new expertise would we need to acquire? How would the change affect our salary expectations and our living standards and can we afford to make the transition? Are there opportunities within our current organization or will we have to look elsewhere? We may even need to consider relocating our home.
Reflecting on your career can help you continue fruitfully on the current path. On the other hand, it can lead you to a change of direction which, if at the right time, can give you an exciting and invigorating boost to both your working and social life.
