Depending on your viewpoint, the fact that the job for life has gone forever is either endemic of the short termism of modern day living and modern society, or for some, a blessing in disguise that will allow you to pursue your quest to find the ultimate job in life.

Rapid advances in technology, changing company structures and lifestyle options mean that the traditional career pattern is on the way out. To ensure that you get the most out of your career choices you need to take control of your own destiny - now.

Taking responsibility for your own career development is no easy task. You will need to create your own opportunities to get where you want to be and that means constantly refining and evolving your skill set.

Developing a career plan can be straightforward as long as you are honest about what you really want from life. Where do you want to be in three, five and ten years time? Be truthful about your career needs right now.

• Do you crave the stress and buzz of a high-flying career with a major multinational?
• Do you want to be in control and manage your own business?
• Do you want to be home by five everyday?

Knowing what you want is the key to getting it, but do remember that there is also an element of luck involved. The break you were looking for may just come by being in the right place at the right time!

What you want from life will change with time as will your priorities. Before you plan where you want to be, take stock of where you are now.

1) What do you like about your current job?
2) What do you dislike about your current role?
3) What career development opportunities are there in your current organisation?
4) Do you feel well rewarded and recognised for your contribution?

Try this exercise for two weeks. Everyday, write down two things about your job that you enjoy. Make it as simple as possible, for example: "I enjoy talking to people on the phone", "I enjoy the buzz of closing a sale" or "I enjoy the level of responsibility that I have in this position"

After just two weeks you will have a very good picture of what parts of your job you do enjoy and why. It may help guide you to finding a new role or adapting your current remit to one that encompasses more of the things you enjoy doing. Similarly, do the exercise again but this time writing down activities that you think you would enjoy doing as part of your job and compare the two lists.

You may find that you really do enjoy being just where you are. If this is the case then make sure that you are valued for your contribution to the company. Identify what you need to do to keep your skills up to date.

If your ambitions are to move on and up, then you need to consider what skills you will need to reach that next level. Set yourself a skills checklist - note down the skills, experience and qualifications that you will need to be able to do your target job. What are your weaknesses? List any skills gaps or specific experience that you will need in order to prosper in your identified role. Do you need to gain some more qualifications?

Could you take a secondment* or move department to get the relevant experience? Once you have identified the weaknesses begin to think about how you will close those gaps. Could you get your employer to sponsor you to gain the further qualifications? Could you take on new responsibilities within your current role? Could you get involved in other activities that will raise your profile?

If your current company cannot provide you with the opportunities you need then do move on. Do not be afraid of change. If you instigate it and you have clear objectives of what you want and where you want to be then spending the time finding that ideal job will prove more than rewarding when you get it!

By developing a personal marketing strategy you can begin to take control of your career and your life and make positive proactive changes by having the information to hand to make those decisions and to pursue you life goals.

* The detachment of a person from their regular organisation for temporary assignment elsewhere

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