The One Personal Finance Question I Ask Myself Every New Year

A few years ago, I came across a career idea that suggested asking yourself every year if you want to keep doing the job you're doing. At its core, it's a personal finance question. That's because most of us do the job we do because, among other reasons, it pads our checking accounts.

But asking myself if I want to stay in the job I'm in (I'm a freelance writer) is helpful each year because it does two things for me:

• It reminds me that I have a choice in how I spend my time.
• It encourages me to think of new ways to improve my work.

I've been a freelance writer for 11 years, so the past few years of asking myself if I want to stay in the job have been a strong "yes." But the second part of it -- how I can improve my current job -- is just as important as the initial question.

Even if you're in a job you like, there are always ways to improve it. Or, if you're in a position you don't particularly like but can't leave right now, there may be a few moves you can make to make your situation better.

Focus on what you can control

Many years ago, I was searching for a new position and was eager to find something new. During a long period of job hunting, I told myself that as long as I was applying to jobs, I was always two weeks away from a new one.

I didn't have any job offers at the time, and sometimes I didn't even have interviews. But this little mental trick kept me motivated. I reminded myself that applying to jobs leads to interviews, and interviews lead to job offers, and job offers will eventually result in putting in my two weeks' notice.

It was a way to remind myself that my sole responsibility in finding a new job was to simply apply for them. Complaining about my job would keep everything the same; the only remedy was sending out resumes.

Make small changes to the work you enjoy

Since I like what I do, I usually start the new year trying to figure out how I can improve what I do. The answer usually varies from year to year, but it helps set the tone for the upcoming work year.

For example, last year, I wanted to have more clients. I spent some time researching gig work platforms to do that, spoke with friends about opportunities, and was able to boost my client portfolio. This year, I'm paring things back a bit and exploring potential ways to earn passive income.

Neither of the above changes were massive shifts in what I do; they were just adjustments. You may be able to do the same at your job. Perhaps there's a new project you'd love to work on, but you still need to mention it to your boss. Or there's a client lead you want to pursue, but you haven't put together the right pitch yet.

Whatever it is, carve out a little time to think about it before the year starts. List a few things you want to accomplish or improve about your current job. It might go a long way toward helping you enjoy your current position even more. And if you feel stuck, learning a new skill might improve your situation or even help you find a new job.

Changing jobs or switching careers is challenging and will likely take time to accomplish. However, asking yourself questions about your current situation could go a long way toward putting you on a better path.