When you are less than satisfied with your job or career the following may help you pin down what it is you really want to alter in your work situation. For some it may not be the right time for you to make a job or career change however it will may help you to spend some time identifying what it is you are missing and how to make the most out of where you are now. The longer term focus and goals can still be set and are there for when the timing is right for you to embark on a job or career change.
Spend a few minutes reading and reflecting on each section. You may also find that you need to revisit this exercise a number of times before you achieve any real clarity.
1) Sorting out what’s really important
- Deciding what adjustments I’m willing to take to do what I want to do
- Changing my work-life balance
- Dealing with current or anticipated changes or events in my life
- Adapting my career management to a shift in my values
2) Understanding where I am now
- Learning the reasons for my career choices along the way
- Sorting out my key competencies and achievements
- Separating my concerns so I can isolate and deal with them
- Taking more control over my career direction
3) Deciding what I want my future to look like
- Clarifying the ‘must’ and ‘wants’ for my career
- Evaluating the career enrichment value of a new job role or assignment before moving into it
- Keeping my short term and long term interests in balance
- Enjoying my current job role more
4) Learning what possibilities there are
- Learning more about alternative career step options
- Learning what abilities will be required • Knowing what my employability is
- Learning what resources and people could help
- Learning how far I have yet to go
5) Planning how to get there
- Finding alternative ways to grow myself and career
- Learning how to enhance my employability for my options
- Documenting my professional development plans and actions
- Preparing to discuss my concerns and plans with my manager
6) Knowing if my plans will work
- Testing the reality of my goals
- Underestimating or overestimating my chances
- Will an opportunity be there when I’m ready
7) Keeping track of how I’m managing my career
- Learning ways to audit and measure my progress
- Getting an unbiased review of my development needs, plans and proposed actions
Maintaining my career situation
- Learning how to hold my own against competition
- How to maintain awareness of new developments in my field
- Improving my visibility to people that affect my career
This exercise is one that offers you the opportunity to explore and evaluate where you are now in your career. Through reflecting on these various areas of your career and understanding what is important to you, it enables you to take the first steps forward.
Note: Some of the issues that arise whilst going through this exercise may require the assistance of a competent career coach to resolve. Contact your local career assocation for information. In addition you will find information about Six Figures Career Coaching, in the Services, Career Services area of the site alternatively you can email us at careersupport@sixfigures.com.au
