In conversations over the past few weeks, here’s what I’ve heard… ” People like me don’t have careers”; “I can’t be bothered with career planning…”; “What’s the point in training, everyone’s losing their job anyway…”. While all of this may sound pessimistic and fearful initially, the underlying message is “I don’t have the confidence to face change” , ” I don’t deserve the benefits that come with preparing for change…it’s not for me”…
Very often, we are reluctant to face career change, even when it’s obvious to all that we are dissatisfied with the status quo. We don’t want to rock the boat. We know we can achieve more but somehow we convince ourselves that it’s not for “people like me”. As Marianne Williamson said (famously quoted by Nelson Mandela), “ Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine! It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone”. We can all be catalysts for change wherever we do our work and motivate others to shine.
So, here are my 5 tips to keep on your RADAR as you get started on your career journey:
1. Regroup – take stock of where you are now. What do you like and don’t like? What are you passionate about?
2. Assess –what type of change are you seeking? Have you set yourself some career goals? What resources do you need to help you get started?
3. Decide – is where you are the best place for you – short term, medium term, long term? Is this the right time for change? What can you do to develop new skills or if you already have them, to ensure that your skills remain current?
4. Action – schedule your time to get started on your task. Let others know that you are starting on your career plans, get their support if needed.
5. Review – how far have you got with your achievements? What can you do differently?
Go on, take the challenge. Who knows where it might lead to and you may actually enjoy the journey of discovery. As Bob the Builder, Barack the President and all of us know…
Yes. You. Can!
PS. Even if you are happy in your job the above still applies!
Until next blog – go tackle those transitions!
