Have you been feeling stuck in your current career and have a nagging feeling that there must be something better out there for you? Do you dread going to work each day and feel stressed or unfulfilled in your current role? If so, it may be time for you to consider a new career path.
Of course, a life change like a new career does not typically happen overnight, but it often helps to ease some of the feelings of being stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed just by working on a plan to head in that direction.
So where do you start? In this blog post I'll share useful steps to take when trying to identify and start the transition into your ideal new career. And don't forget to click the links in the post for some useful resources to get you started.
Assess Your Current Career
The first step in identifying your ideal new career is to assess your current one. Ask yourself what you like and dislike about your current job. Consider what aspects of your current job you find fulfilling and what aspects you find unfulfilling. This can help you identify what you want to avoid in your new career path.
Identify What Motivates You
Your motivation is what drives you to do what you do. It is important to identify what motivates you, as it can help you find a career path that aligns with your passions, interests, and values. Consider what inspires you, what makes you passionate, and what you find rewarding. When looking to make a career change, it also helps to take some time to reflect on your passions and interests. Ask yourself what you enjoy doing in your free time or what hobbies you have.
What if it feels like money is what motivates you? What then?
Try thinking about if money were not an issue, what work would you do for free? Something to help your community? Something related to a hobby? A dream you had as a kid?
Things like these that motivate us from the inside (or intrinsic motivators) are shown to provide feelings of motivation and well-being that last much longer than things that motivate us from the outside like money. Consider what subjects you enjoyed in school or what topics you enjoy reading about. Identifying what motivates you can help you narrow down some ideal career options that you will be internally fulfilling and meaningful for you.
Research Potential Career Paths
Once you have identified your passions and interests, it's time to research potential career paths that align with them. Look for job postings, read industry publications, and attend networking events to learn more about different career paths. You can also consider reaching out to people who work in your areas of interest to learn more about their experiences. The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of what each career path entails and whether it aligns with your skills and values.
Evaluate Your Skills
After you have identified potential career paths, it's time to evaluate whether they align with your skills. Ask yourself whether your current skills and experience would translate well to your new career path or if you need to gain new skills. Consider whether the career path aligns with your values and whether it would provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Evaluating your skills and values will help you narrow down your options to the careers that are the best fit for you.
Assess Your Strengths
Your strengths are your unique abilities and skills that set you apart from others. Consider what you are good at, and what comes naturally to you. Identifying your strengths can help you determine what type of job or career path would be a good fit for you. You can take a skills assessment test or ask your colleagues, friends, or family members for their opinions.
Look for Opportunities to Learn and Grow
When you are unhappy with your current career, it can feel like there are no opportunities for growth. However, there are always opportunities to learn new skills and gain experience. Look for training programs, workshops, or certifications that can help you acquire new or additional skills. This can help you transition into a new career path that aligns with your interests and passions.
Network and Connect with Others
Networking is a great way to learn about potential career paths and job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals in your desired field. Meetup, Bumble, Facebook Groups, as well as speednetworking groups like Networknite and Network After Work are all options for making new career connections. Not only can this help you gain insight into what it takes to succeed in that field, it also allows you to make valuable connections that can lead to job opportunities.
Gain Experience
Once you have identified your ideal career path, it's time to gain experience in that field. Look for opportunities to volunteer, intern, or take on freelance work to gain experience and build your skills. This can also help you get your foot in the door and make connections in your desired field.
The Takeaway
The idea of moving into your ideal new career path may seem overwhelming at first, but with some reflection and research, you can find a career that feels like a good fit. Take the time to assess your current career, identify your passions and interests, research potential career paths, and evaluate your skills and values to find the career that is the best for you.
Remember that it's never too late to start a new career doing something that feels less like work, and more like what you were meant to do.
For a step by step, more personalized assessment of careers that match your aptitude and satisfy your individual personality and motivational factors, check out my Powerless to Powerful at Work digital coaching program today!
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