Taking The Plunge for a Career Do-Over

As I read my Sunday newspaper, I came across a poll in the Parade Magazine insert that reported 61% of people surveyed would choose an entirely different career if they were given the option to do it all over again.  The time is now for you to take action and become the change agent for your career if you are unsatisfied in your current role.

Some people change careers by choice searching for new challenges and stimulation that play to their strengths. Others are forced into change due to lay-offs and downsizing. Either way, wiping the slate clean and starting again can be cathartic and invigorating even if it is scary.

Since most adults will change careers (not just jobs) between 5-6 times during their working lives, you are in good company with the workforce population and have the option of trying new opportunities as you wish. Here are some small steps to get you started:

Be Self Aware. Take some quiet time to reflect upon what you value, what interests you, how your personality plays a role in your career, and inventory your skills and strengths. With a new career beginning, you owe it to yourself to really consider what makes you tick and what motivates you. Identifying your career passion starts with baby steps since you need to know what you really want before you go looking for it.

Write it Down. As you begin to self assess, take notes and carry a journal with you at all times since inspiration can strike when you least expect it. Write down your vision and consider adding images or photos that further illustrate your goals. Research shows that we are more likely to act on our goals if we write them down. You can always change the plan but the journal or vision board process is a creative way to explore the possibilities of your career journey.

Don’t Put the Resume Cart before the Self Assessment Horse. Many job seekers spend most of their time polishing and peddling their resume and not enough time building professional relationships. The resume is a very important tool and you should have one that reflects your strengths and employability but if you spend all of your time applying for jobs you are missing out on a lot. Pursue job shadows and informational interviews (no matter what your experience level) since this gets you in front of people in the know in your industry. Most jobs posted online get thousands of hits for every position. You can distinguish yourself from the competition by being seen in person and not just via your resume.

Tap Your Resource Team. Assemble your own personal Board of Directors for support, accountability, and career wisdom & expertise. If you empower others to help you they will – and if you are a selfless networker willing to pay-it-forward this will take you far. Good career karma goes a long way so consider how you can help others as you seek their counsel. And remember to steward and thank the people on your Board and in your network

Consider these steps as you begin your new career journey and remember baby steps are still moving you forward. It’s a process.