2009 was pretty much a lousy one much like the latter half of 2008 was in terms of the economy and job market. Part of me thinks that things are getting better but I guess it’s relative.

Many of us are probably happy if we made it through 2009 with what we had at the end of 2008 and if we’re no worse off, then perhaps that’s a victory right there.

For those who have less in 2009 than they did in 2008 and are currently holding a job that you wouldn’t have thought about holding a year ago, perhaps 2010 will be the year you take back your career and get it back on track.

Hopefully, 2010 will bring better things for all of us and in that regard, it isn’t too early to start thinking about 2010 while 2009 is still here.

If early 2010 is when you are planning to start looking for your next job, you can start now – before the ball starts dropping and we ring in the New Year.

In that regard:

1. Dust off your resume and update if it already isn’t hasn’t been updated. Hopefully you’re updating your resume on an ongoing basis already but it you’re not, you should probably start. You never know when you’ll need it on short notice.

2. Assemble your references. Give them a call, make sure they’re still happy to be used as references and let them know you might need their help in the next little while.

3. Understand exactly what it is you’re trying to accomplish by getting a new job. Are you looking for a more challenging job? A better employer? A new career? A shorter commute? More money? All of the above?

From what we’re hearing and seeing, 2010 should be the year when things start getting noticeably better although I’m guessing we won’t necessarily notice it right away on January 1. Let’s hope that it does occur sooner rather than later.

And in the meantime, Happy New Year!