Many people believe that once they are in an unfulfilling job or career path, that they should either stick it out or get used to this as their new reality. They do this for the sake of stability, reliability, and the safety net of retirement. The belief is that: 1) you can’t get paid well for doing something you actually like OR 2) you can’t enjoy both the work you do and get paid well for it because that’s an unrealistic and overly optimist dream - something for the youth.
Reality is, you have a choice at any point in your career. You can find your way by shifting your mindset, making some long overdue changes, and slowly transitioning into a career you’d rather be doing.
Here are some steps to making the most of a career dilemma.
1. ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS
Think about all the components of the jobs/projects throughout your career that you’ve really enjoyed. Why was it that you liked those components about the job? How were those activities supporting your passions, values, interests?
If you could write a wishlist with the ideal parts that your career would have, what would they be? What would that look like?
2. WHO ARE YOUR INSPIRATIONS?
Take time to read more about, or research your areas of interest. Think of a person in history, a public figure or someone in your life whom you admire. Which of those qualities would you like to emulate? These qualities can relate to their character, achievements, personality, or simply the way they live their lives and careers. Consider the specific reasons you admire the person.
Look for mentors or people in your desired profession to connect with.
3. MAKE A CHANGE OR REINVENT YOUR ROLE
Sometimes it takes a crisis for us to make a big change in our lives. We get to a point where we cannot live another day like the last - we are no longer fulfilled and have lost that so-called spring in our step. When making a change becomes less painful or difficult than staying in the same situation, that’s when we make a career move.
As an alternative to a completely new career path, it may pay to simply make a few changes to the role you currently have and/or look within the organization you are currently in to see where you feel you are able to serve best.
We are never too old, too entrenched in any given profession or lacking the resources to make a change when it comes to our careers. The key is to focus on the experience gained, the relationships made and the skills acquired, rather than making excuses for not moving forward.
Thanks for stopping by and reading.
With love,
Natalie