How to Find a Career You Love

How to Find a Career You Love

If you are looking for a career change or out of a job and don’t know what to do next, this article is for you.   Here are the first steps you need to take that will help you to make the right decision.  

1.             What do you love doing?

Imagine leaping out of bed in the morning and looking forward to everything you will be doing at work today.  List everything that excites you and gives you energy.

Then, imagine dragging yourself out of bed in the morning because of what you will be doing at work today.  List the things that are energy drainers for you.

Identify what you enjoy doing and be honest with yourself about how skilled you are in each area.  If you are highly competent in something you love then it will be easy for your to market that skill, if you are lacking competency in something you love are you willing to upgrade your skills through extra study or work experience?

You will be happiest in roles that will give you abundant opportunities to perform those activities that inspire you.  Of course every role will have some responsibilities that won’t make you leap for joy, however roles that provide 80% or more opportunities to do what you love will excite you enough to help you leap out of bed in the mornings!

2.             What Values drive you?

Many clients I have worked with were not aware of their core values and consequently couldn’t put their finger on what was missing in their careers and personal lives.  What is important to you in your personal and professional life?  Could it be reward and recognition, financial independence, affiliation, work/life balance, friendships, belonging, acquisition of knowledge, independence, teamwork, technical/functional competence, leadership or dedication to a cause or service?  The list goes on.  All values are important however there are some that are more important at different stages in your life.   You need a role that aligns with your current values.  You need to work in an organization that respects your values. 

One of my past clients had a very successful career in a global financial services organisation and her compensation package more than made up for the long hours she was required to work and the late night conference calls she was required to attend plus the frequent overseas travel.  This satisfied her until she and her husband started a family.  With this change in her personal life, her values changed.  The role was no longer satisfying in the way it used to be.  Her top values of recognition and advancement changed to family and work/life balance.  It took some skillful negotiation and realignment of her role to create a win-win situation for both her and her employer at that stage in her life and career.  What stage are you in now?

3.             Research industries and organizations that inspire you

Once you have identified your preferred skills, your level of competency and your personal and career values, conduct research to find out which industries and organizations within those industries that may be a good match.

Use the Internet, library or professional association for your initial research and then talk to people within your network who may be able to guide you especially if they work in an area that interests you.   If you don’t know people who can provide in depth guidance, ask for a recommendation to someone who can or consider a career coach who will be able to assist. 

Think about the Can Do, Will Do and Best Fit screnarios.  You want to find a role that you ‘Can Do’ well with your level of skills, knowledge and competencies as well as one that fits in with the ‘Will Do’ personal preferences regarding the way you are willing to work – hours per week, length of commute, etc., and the ‘Best Fit’ for you regarding your personality, values and corporate culture.

4.             Qualifications

Through your research you may find that you need additional qualifications or skills in order to perform successfully in a role you have identified.  Whether it is an MBA , a Certificate IV or simply a driving licence, are you willing to take the time and effort to gain those qualifications or skills?  If the answer is yes then you can take the next step towards your desired role, if the answer is no then continue your exploration and research through your network or with your coach to discover a role with an employer who will value the existing skills and knowledge you love to use.

Once you have considered all that is important to you, if you need to devise a marketable resume and require assistance with your interview techniques, email jane@stylesuccess.biz or have a look at www.stylesuccess.biz and take the next step to achieve that dream role!