“What if?” - Overcoming the “What’s Next” Challenge
How often do you ask: “What if I….?”
How often do you ask yourself “What if…?” in terms of your career? “What if I….”
Left my job of 15 years where I’m comfortable, to start with an entirely new organization?
Spoke up pro-actively with management about my career goals?
Decide to do something quite different from what I have been doing the past 10+ years?
Want to retire in 3 years but have no clue what I will do with my time?
Want to leave the workforce temporarily to care for my family / elders / community?
Paid less attention to what I and others say I “should” do / be and followed my gut instincts?
And if you are asking yourself this question, how often do you find yourself stuck with the answer and so you just keep on keeping on?
You are not alone!!!! 50% of my clients came to me with similar challenges, seeking my support to explore their “what if’s”, gain clarity on what they want, why and how to achieve it!
The reason so many people yearn to get clarity around what’s next in their career, is often because our levels of satisfaction, fulfillment and accomplishment at work have a significant impact on the rest of our non-work lives. Who doesn’t want to be happier?? Who doesn’t want to spend the better part of their Monday – Fridays doing something they actually enjoy doing, so they can bring that joy to the rest of their life?
So, where do you start? Well, a good first step is to spend some time – some considerable time that you deliberately carve out – thinking and journaling about the possibilities. Without judgment – just ideas.
Then, begin to contemplate additional considerations:
1. Tactical Factors – How much money do you need to make? What types of benefits do you need? What are your geographic parameters and what hours / days are you available to work? What is your educational background? What special licenses or certifications do you possess?
2. Interests and Passions – What skills do you have and which do you most enjoy using? What gives you energy (interacting with others, doing research, solving problems, being creative, supporting others?) What industries are appealing to you? Are you more inclined to lead / manage others, or work independently? Do you want to be at a desk, out in the field, or working remotely?
3. Risk Tolerance – What is happening with the market? With the industry I’m in or interested in? Would I rather be self-employed, working for someone else, or contracting? If I am interested in more physical / manual labor, what are the risks of injury?
4. CORE VALUES – Though listed last on this list, it is far from the last item to consider! For more detail on the importance of core values in investigating possible career moves, check out my “Core Values: What’s Really Driving You?” blog.
What are your experiences pro-actively exploring “What if….?” Please share so others might benefit from your experiences.
And of course, to chat more about your “What?” strategy, challenges and questions so that you can gain clarity and lead a more fulfilling work life, contact me here via my website, schedule some time to chat, or give me a shout at empoweredresultswithkat@katresults.com!
#careercoaching #careermanagement #careertransition