"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Dan Millman in "Way of the Peaceful Warrior."
For every working professional making a career transition from a current job to a new one is a much-anticipated change when it is a career advancement that happens in the ordinary course but can prove to be very taxing when it is an involuntary decision or driven by current work conditions that are motivating the change.
If you find yourself in the #opentowork community, you may feel uncertain and anxious about your future career prospects. However, it's important to remember that this can also be a time of opportunity and growth.
Perhaps you're seeking a new challenge, want to pivot your career in a new direction, or have been impacted due to recent organizational changes.
One of the first steps is to reflect on your career journey thus far and identify why you are #opentowork.
One of the challenges I often hear about is the difficulty in finding clarity on which role/ industry/ company to target for the next role.
"If you don't know what you want to do, don't settle for a job that isn't leading you in the right direction." - Oprah Winfrey.
Doing a self-evaluation on the following could help think through the situation to find clarity in a period of chaos.
Self-assessment: What are your skills, strengths, and values? What kind of work do you enjoy and find fulfilling?
Industry research: What industries align with your skills, strengths, and values? What are the growth areas and potential career paths in those industries?
Skill-building: What skills and experiences must you develop or acquire to succeed in your desired career path?
Networking: Who are the key players and influencers in your desired industry or career path? How can you connect and build relationships with them?
Job search: What job roles or companies align with your career goals? How can you position yourself as a strong candidate for those roles?
Career advancement: What are the potential career paths and growth opportunities within your desired industry or company? How can you continue to develop your skills and advance your career over time?
Financial Impact: What are the salary and economic benefits of the industry or specific job roles?
Work-Life Balance: What is the expected work-life balance in the industry, company, and job roles?
Culture Fit: How well does the company culture align with your personality and work style?
Being open-minded, flexible, and willing to explore new roles and take on new challenges, even outside your comfort zone, can help land more opportunities and help you learn and grow personally and professionally.
Seek guidance and support from trusted colleagues, mentors, or career coaches. They can provide valuable feedback and perspective on your job search, offer support and encouragement, and help you identify potential roadblocks and solutions.
In conclusion, being #opentowork can be a challenging time, but it can also be a time of exciting opportunity and growth. By reflecting on your career journey, researching, remaining open-minded, and seeking guidance, you can successfully navigate your job search and find a new role that brings greater fulfillment to your career.
If you are in the midst of a career transition or thinking about one and would need help with a more detailed questionnaire, please reach out to me.