This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Preparing for the Holiday Season ¶
With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, it's time to start planning for the festivities. According to Felista Wangari, owner of the 52-week Savings Challenge Kenya, the best time to plan for festive spending is consistently and over a period, before the holiday begins.
Wangari advises that if you hadn't planned for your holiday funds over time, think about what's realistic for you and how you can still enjoy the season without having to dip into your emergency savings account.
She suggests being creative and doing something different based on your budget, and to remember that the money is not just for festivities enjoyment but also for other obligations that'll be waiting for you after Christmas and New Year.
Christine Atieno-Kihara, 29, proprietor of Afro Bertine Handbags, shares her own experience of planning for the holiday season. She has trained someone to carry out some of her responsibilities whenever she's away or when she reports late, allowing her to spend more time with her kids at home.
Atieno-Kihara also plans to give her staff Christmas bonuses, which she has been saving for four months now. She will close her business for the holidays on December 23, 2019, and resume on January 6, 2020.
Projecting Your Career and Professional Growth ¶
For those looking to project their career and professional growth, Felista Wangari recommends investing in coaching. Career coaching helps you measure and articulate your competencies and maps out the next levels of possible growth.
She also suggests asking for a negotiation of your salary and terms if you're in a company you like and are valued there. Take this opportunity to redesign your roles too, and remember that an easier relationship makes negotiations smoother.
Competency gets you halfway through your career journey – ensure your daily activities have been building up to your performance indices. Also, have the eye of success and be willing to take calculated risks to achieve your goals.
