Do you have that sinking feeling that you are stuck in a rut and have to put up with the same day to day drudgery which is your job? Sound familiar? Do you dream of having a career that inspires and excites you? A job which you would look forward to each morning and feel like it is really suited to you? So many of us get to a certain point in our lives and stop to think, ‘Is this really what I want to do’? Time has probably flown by and we may have families, be very successful and worked our way up that career ladder, or just trundled along with our lives without really stopping to think is this job right for me?
The problem I find with a lot of my clients is that when they do stop to think whether they are in the right job, and look forward to what could be, it is in fact terrifying! With mortgages and bills to pay, families to look after, and a certain lifestyle to maintain, it can all be a bit overwhelming! It takes a brave man or woman to make that career change, but with a bit of planning and seeking support and advice in the right places, dreams can become a reality!
In the first instance, you need to give yourself the time and head space to think about and explore what it is you really want to do. It really helps to speak to a mentor, friend or careers coach like myself, to help you explore your options. Investing in yourself now can make such a positive difference to your life and enhance potential future happiness, so it is worth allowing yourself the opportunity for reflection.
‘Understanding yourself is key’ I realise that this might seem somewhat a strange statement, but I mean try to REALLY understand who you are. We all have passions, talents and gifts which could be utilized in a future career, but we need to recognise these or we will never be ready to make that career change.
Make a S.M.A.R.T. plan, with ‘specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely’ goals, over short term, medium and long term. Talk to people who are involved in your new career option, try to get as much knowledge and understanding about the workplace as possible, and this will help you make an informed decision. This will give you the confidence to make that next step.
Planning is great, but ultimately there comes a stage when you have to decide to just get on and do it! Remember that whilst change can be scary, it can also be exciting and invigorating! If something isn’t working, then have the courage to change it. With constructive help and a strong focus on the possibilities, you can achieve your dreams. Make that next step and ensure it’s a positive one.
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