4 Key steps to figuring out what career is for you when you know you want a change of direction
“Fulfillment is a right and not a privilege. Every single one of us is entitled to feel fulfilled by
the work we do, to wake up feeling inspired to go to work, to feel safe when we are there and
to return home with a sense that we contributed to something larger than
ourselves. Fulfillment is not a lottery.” – Simon Sinek
When I hear someone talk about their work with love and enthusiasm, I’m hooked! I love finding
out all about what lights them up, and I want that for everyone. But, it doesn’t happen very often does it? I mean, how often do you hear people talking about their job with zest and passion? As cliché as it is to say, life is just too short to spend our time feeling stressed out, anxious or completely uninspired and bored in our work (I’ve personally ticked all those boxes)!
Because work can positively contribute to your overall sense of wellbeing and happiness.
Just imagine for a second feeling inspired and energised by your work, feeling connected to what
you’re doing and excited about your future…..
But let’s just break this down because there’s so much hype out there about “finding your one true calling” or suchlike. And if someone feels they’ve found that, then I’m truly delighted for them. But in truth, I think there are a number of jobs that could bring you happiness. And you don’t have to do something RADICAL to be happy at work (though you could if you wanted!).
Lastly, your work doesn’t have to be everything, it doesn’t have to be your only or main focus. It
may be more important to you that your work allows you the finances, time and freedom to do
other things OUTSIDE of your job. Like volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about, do something creative, spend time with family, take yourself out for lunch regularly, study, hike, travel, or any number of other things. You can have two jobs/careers - or three - at one time, you can choose to only take on temporary contracts for variety, you can work for yourself (and someone else at the same time). You can also change tracks and excel in your new career, you can climb all the way to the top and it doesn’t have to take forever.
4 Key steps to figuring out your next career path
1) Get yourself a notebook
Dedicate it to the process of figuring this out – honestly it’s surprising how powerful this one thing is.
Giving your thoughts and ideas a space of their own is important. This really was the first step for me in my career change, it was the start of everything. 7 years later, I still have that notebook.
2) Start with what you know
I think part of the reason we get so stuck when we want to make a change, is because we start with the really big questions “What will make me happy?” “How will I afford to make a change?” “What if it goes wrong?” “What will people think?” These questions can become huge barriers.
Instead, start from where you are, from what you know, from the beginning.
In your notebook jot down your thoughts so far on what you DO want and DON’T want out of your work. Anything from hours of work, to type of work, to what you wear to work. Scribble down any ideas you’ve had so far – blue sky thinking – these things may or may not be YOUR thing, but something here might be the thread that leads you to somewhere unexpected and fabulous later on.
I remember feeling a little silly actually writing mine down; my old friend imposter syndrome did a little dance all over the page. If this happens for you, write it anyway.
3) Know who you are
What are your strengths?
Firstly, I want to explain what I mean by strengths because not everything we’re good at makes us feel happy, engaged and fulfilled. There are lots of things that you can do well that you don’t particularly enjoy.
Your top or key strengths are the things that come most naturally to you, and using them energises you. To find big clues to your personal strengths, think back over your work and life in general and recall the times when you have felt at your best, or in a state of flow – when time just seems to disappear and you’re immersed in what you’re doing.
It can feel a bit icky to think about what we’re rather good at can’t it? We’re so conditioned to focus on our “areas of improvement” or our “weaknesses”. But everyone has strengths,
Marcus Buckingham, in his latest book Love+Work, says that “strengths are the things that
strengthen you, and weaknesses are the things that weaken you”.
But our strengths come so naturally to us that it’s easy to overlook them. So many of my clients
have asked “but surely everyone is good at this though?” and the answer is honestly no! Another
way to explore your own strengths is to take a survey. My favourite is the VIA Character Strengths Survey. VIA says “Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave. Knowing and applying your highest character strengths is the key to you being your best self”
(I’m a little bit obsessed with strengths)
What are your core values?
Your values are the guiding principles that are most important to you about the way that you live your life in all aspects. You can use these deeply held principles to choose between right and wrong, and they help you make important decisions about life and career choices. Often when we’re really unhappy and unfulfilled in one or more areas of our lives, it’s because we are living out of alignment with our own values. Sometimes we live out other peoples’ values without realising, or because we think that’s what’s expected of us. Sometimes we innocently go down a path without considering whether it’s right for us, and the disconnect we feel is the sign that tells us it’s not for us, it doesn’t match up with who we are as a person or what’s truly important to us.
What’s important to you about the way you live your life? About the people you surround yourself with? About the things you have time for? About the world we live in? Knowing this means you can consider whether future career paths will be aligned. You’ll have a better understanding of what your career must give you, or must leave time for you seek in your personal life. I always suggest coming up with 5-10 top values so that you can use these as your inner compass. Here some values words to get you started:
Community, connection, control, learning, relationships, openness, family, freedom,
4) Explore and Take Action
“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears” (Rumi)
Clarity is undeniably important, but without action you’ll never really know what’s going to work,
what will actually feel right. And even though these steps are listed as 1 – 4, don’t wait to take some action. Test things out as you go. Be curious, follow your threads of interest, they may take you somewhere entirely unexpected, but perfect. Non of this is really linear, it’s like fitting together pieces of the puzzle. Here are some ideas for taking action:
Research: Check out blog posts, real jobs people are doing on LinkedIn, Youtube, Podcasts
Join relevant facebook or LinkedIn groups
Look at organisations you’re interested in
Ask your friends and family what they think you’d be great at
Informational interviewing - talk to people who are doing work you’re interested in.
When you’ve got a few solid ideas, see if you can do some volunteer work, or shadow
someone for a day or two – people are more willing to help than you may think
Research has found that the number one indicator of whether you enjoy your job is the actual day to day tasks you’d be doing (the second is who your manager is!). So it’s really important to get clear on this stuff.
A few words on mindset
We all know that making a change, especially a big one, often comes with unpleasant feelings. Hello
self-doubt, imposter syndrome, catastrophizing and fear. All those fun things! It’s so completely
and utterly normal (even if a pain in the behind!). Working with a coach or mentor can be really
helpful, but there are also lots of resources that can support you too. Here are some of my
favourites books:
On Confidence by The School of Life (it’s quite funny, as well as reassuring!).
The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
The Untethered Soul by Michael A Singer (may seem unrelated but really helps me to keep
perspective!)
Purpose by Jessica Huie
Daring Greatly; how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent
and lead – by Brene Brown
Love+Work by Marcus Buckingham
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Anchor
I hope this has been helpful. You can find me at Carys Hughes Coaching where you can access my free career change resource, and find out about getting more support in your career or work-life.
You’ll also find a growing library of real life career change and job love stories, to inspire and inform
I'm Carys, free spirited, curious, and compassionate. Lover of adventures, kindness and freedom. And a big believer in living our lives according to who we are and what’s important to us. I'm a career coach and I support people who want more from their job than paying the bills & living for the weekend!
