We all have days when we wake and think, ‘I can’t face going to work today!’ You get up, see to the kids, your spouse, the dog, etc… Then its travel into work through traffic and show up to work only to go through the motions.
Is this really how you envisaged your career?
Get a Grip & Get a Plan
If you answer no, then your first step is to get a grip and then a get plan.
The fist step is to address your ‘inner voice’ and plan the necessary changes to steer your career path on an alternative course – changes that will bring a new dynamic to your working life.
Next, stop daydreaming. We all need to feel emotionally and psychologically fulfilled in our life; we spend a lot of time in the workplace and with our colleagues.
Some of us just fell into the industry or job we’re currently in; be honest with yourself and consider the following, to determine what you’d really like to do:
- What transferable skills do you have?
- What is the likelihood of being employed in another sector?
- Are your skills up-to-date?
- How will you come across in an interview?
- What salary does the desired job attract?
Get Exposure
I have always recommended that as an individual, you need to take the impetus to ‘up-skill’ – go on courses, ask your employer for training, or request a temporary transfer to another department. To be seen as a valuable staff member, you need to be multi-skilled and talented – a bit like a chameleon.
Remember, if you are changing industry sectors where you will be unknown professionally, you will need to have key skills in terms of work performance and success.
Interviewers want to know specifics so they can transfer that information into a value for their business.
Get Inspired
If you feel unhappy in your current job but simply don’t know the best way forward – then stay put! Look at what you feel inspired by in the workplace – what makes you feel creative and enthused?
Look at previous appraisal feedback you’ve had from your direct supervisor and ask your self this:
What have been your particular professional successes?
Where did your employer feel you added value to the business?
You also need to look practically at your lifestyle. Some people are happy burning the candle at both ends. But many people have personal commitments to consider and cannot devote their time exclusively to work efforts. Do not embark on a change of circumstances if it is not going to be worthwhile, both emotionally and financially.
We all need to make sacrifices at times in our lives, it’s about knowing what’s important, and what’s not.
Get Help
I would encourage anyone in this situation to seek professional interview guidance.
Sometimes, we’re oblivious to our behaviour, posture, body language, etc. A professional interview coach will direct your conduct, evoke questions to ask at interview, offer CV guidelines, etc. and draw relevant information from your working background and achievements so that you can present yourself effectively.
If you are planning a change of industry or a side step into a new career, don’t assume you can command the same salary that you now receive. Do your research, contact the HR department of organisations you would like to work for and ask the question, ‘What salary does XYZ job command?’
This research alone may determine if you are able to pursue this path.
Get Real
The most important thing, I feel, from personal experience, is…..to give it time. Changing career or direction may feel like ten steps backwards to go one step forward.
But if you are pursuing your dream it will be worth it eventually.
We all do a fabulous job – if we genuinely enjoy what we do for a living. Don’t stick with a lousy career. Take a step back, look at the situation realistically and then ask yourself: ‘What am I going to do, today, to improve my situation?’
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Louise Wightman is Business Coach at Approach The Coach
She is a Qualified Coach / ILM Trainer and Business Consultant
Email | LinkedIn | Web | Blog | 07739 345803
Image Source: maxcdn.creativeadawards.com, bp.blogspot.com, rafaqat.com
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