January is always considered a time for setting new personal and/or career goals. While some folks are more determined than others, more often than not, these goals quickly fall by the wayside. Perhaps its because the goals were really nothing more than wish lists. Or, perhaps an individuals expectations were simply unrealistic because they did not understand their real-world environment and the influence this may have on goal accomplishment.

Unrealistic goal expectations also occurs with respect to careers, especially when an individual accepts a job only to find out expectations do not match reality. And believe me, the disconnect between personal and professional expectations and reality can be very hard on ones personal psyche. One moment you are basking in the glow of anticipation and the next moment, you experience a very painful sense of disappointment when your high level of expectations are not met.

In fact, you may also find yourself questioning and challenging your personal judgement or blaming yourself for not asking the right questions. Some take their anger externally and blame their new boss for what appears to be an exaggeration of the new work situation and its opportunities.

Whereas this unfortunate situation could easily overwhelm both a young new entry worker as well as those seasoned employees, lets examine some of the realities of the workplace going forward so that you can more effectively manage your career expectations in 2012:

-- The work world will become increasingly digitized. Information will come from all directions and will require continual upgrading to make sure your technological expertise is current.

-- New career opportunities and innovative job titles will be invented almost daily while there is and will continue to be a professionalization of the workforce as new certification and professional designations come into being.

-- Whereas the advantages of e-commerce are now well known, it will become all pervasive in how we do business and will provide more opportunities for online entrepreneurs as an occupation.

-- The only job security you will have in the future is your skills and expertise; therefore lifelong learning will be key to your job survival.

-- Employers may not live up to your expectations for continual training and development. You will need to personally take the lead and be responsible for ensuring your skills are current.

-- Changing jobs or making career moves upward, downward or laterally will occur more often than any other earlier generation of workers. Younger men will probably have more job changes; women will continue to lean toward the service sector.

-- Expect to be confronted by an increasing number of organizational changes such as downsizing, mergers, acquisitions, industry consolidations and foreign ownership; you will need to stay flexible and go with the flow.

-- The expectations for paid educational leave or programs, continual new job experiences such as job rotation and other opportunities for growth challenges may not be available in every work environment.

-- Conflict between work, home and family life will continue to be an issue as you progress through your career and life/work balance will be high on your priority list;

-- While higher academic credentials and professional designations are more plentiful and are valuable determinants of both a starting salary and compensation progression, understand that other elements such as experience, level of problem solving and responsibility are also key determinants.

-- The workplace will increasingly be multigenerational as baby boomers and mature workers will stay in the workforce longer than anticipated and perhaps appear to block your career path.

-- The multigenerational workforce will continue to exhibit significant differences in the priority given to common work and personal values; you will need to give respect and work around all these issues.

-- Social and altruistic values are very important especially to some employees but you cannot expect every employer to be able to meet this type of personal need.

-- Although the need for honest and transparent information is desired by most employees, know that you cannot be privy to all organizational information and that you will be informed when it is the right time for you to be made aware.

-- With global business opportunities growing, the importance of speaking a second language if not a variety of languages will also grow. Youll be at a disadvantage for career progression if you are unilingual.

-- Global trade will increase the need for business professionals with international experience or knowledge of the tax codes, laws, work regulations, environmental regulations and ethical questions in various countries.

-- Many countries are easing their business restrictions and so more and more employees will be asked to serve their company by living in different country as part of any promotional career moves.

-- With the baby boomers aging, highly skilled health care professionals are considered one of the fastest-growing occupations. If this is of interest, be prepared to put in significant time and effort to complete highly specialized requirements.

-- Trade occupations will continue to play an important role in our economy and will continue to be attractive to individuals to meet their employment needs.

-- Management and leadership styles will continue to be more team-oriented and collaborative; be prepared to engage in training in order to develop this expertise.

Managing your career in the new world of work will be all about managing personal expectations. Dont let your enthusiasm get the best of you. Compare your personal values, your needs and career interests with what a job will offer. Ask questions about salary structure and progression, ask questions about your work location, and ask questions about the leadership style. Finally, ask questions about the organization culture and the vision and future of your potential employer. Then check to make sure these elements match your personal needs.

Source: Generational Career Shift, Final Report, Nov. 2011, Sean Lyons, University of Guelph, Eddy S.W. Ng., Dalhousie University and Linda Schweitzer, Sprott School of Business, The Future of Millennials Careers January 28, 2011, DeVry University.