Is This All There Is? Stop Procrastinating And Explore A Career Change

Threepost-ot pads. A pink one says “Don’t Procrastinate.” An orange one says, “Late is too late.” A yellow one says, “Get started today.”

Yesterday, did you ever stare at your computer screen and wonder, "Is this all there is?"

If you did (or if not yesterday, in the recent past), you can join millions of people worldwide who were thinking the same thing.

Yet how many people do something about it?

The idea of a career change can be paralyzing.  

Swirling in your mind is self-doubt you can do this successfully, “what ifs” about what could go wrong, and a dread of starting from scratch.

So many people push the thought of a career change to the back of their mind.

But it will pop up…again….and again…and again.

So, instead of ignoring it, let’s tackle it head-on.

Let’s figure out how to start thinking about a career change.

Core Considerations

The greatest journey of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust

When considering a career change, there are three main areas to consider: your interests, strengths and skills, and values.

Interests

Exploring your interests can spark ideas for a career change. If what you are doing is boring, thinking about what would excite and interest you can spark ideas for a change.

What energizes you when you're consuming content? Are you constantly watching travel documentaries? Perhaps tourism or hospitality could be a good fit. Notice which topics consistently grab your attention and leave you wanting to learn more.

Free-write about your "dream project." What would it be if you could dedicate your time and skills to anything? Don’t put constraints on this exercise. Doing this can reveal underlying interests that can translate into fulfilling careers.

Reverse engineer your interests into careers. Start with your interest area instead of getting stuck on specific job titles. For example, if you love animals, what career could involve animals? Don’t know what careers could be in your interest area? Ask one of the AI helpers like ChatGPT.

Skills & Strengths

We all have innate abilities that astound others since they cannot easily do what we do, like idea generation or making what is good even better. We also have learned skills that get us excited when we use them. When you contemplate a career change, what areas can take advantage of your innate and motivational skills?

Strengths in Action: Think about past projects or experiences where you excelled. What strengths were you using? Was it your ability to build relationships with anyone, your success wooing a customer, or your discipline to get things done on time? Identifying situations where you naturally shined.

How Do You Solve Problems:  When you have been asked to solve problems, what was your approach? Do you prefer collaboratively brainstorming solutions or tackling challenges head-on methodically? Recognizing your problem-solving style can reveal strengths in areas like critical thinking, creative thinking, or analytical skills. These strengths can be transferable in a variety of professions.

Skills Through Feedback:  Review past performance reviews or ask for feedback from colleagues or friends. What skills do others consistently recognize you have? Feedback can be a valuable tool for identifying strengths you might undervalue. 

Values & Work Environment

Our values are our “why.” It is why we decide to get out of bed each day. If you are contemplating a career change, it might be because your values are not being honored in your present employer (or career).

The "Why" Behind Your Interests:  Look deeper into your hobbies and interests. What underlying values motivate your passion for those activities? Do you enjoy cooking because it allows you to be creative with hum-drum staples? Or do you like the hospitality component of feeding others? Understanding the "why" behind your passions can reveal values like creativity, community building, or nurturing that can be guiding principles in your career path.

Moral Dilemmas and Your Choices: We all have faced a moral dilemma. What factors influenced your decision? What did you prioritize: fairness, efficiency, or helping others? Analyzing your past choices can highlight the values that guide you. Finding careers that align with those values can lead to greater professional satisfaction.

Role Models and Admiration:  Who are the individuals you admire the most, professionally or personally? What qualities or values do you respect most about them? Understanding why you are attracted to these individuals can reveal your core values.

Additional Factors

The self-discovery process is essential. Knowing yourself first helps you narrow down endless possibilities and find what is right for you. After this step, you can consider lifestyle and personal considerations, further narrowing down your options.

Work Preferences

Onsite or Remote: If you work better in a remote or even hybrid role, some work, such as that of a chef or a quality control specialist, may not be available to you if it must be done onsite.

Work-life balance: How important is it to clearly separate work and your personal life? Some jobs require long hours, unpredictable schedules, or 24/7 availability. Will that work for you?

Market Opportunities

New jobs and industries are evolving constantly. Just a few years back, no one had heard of blockchain or the Metaverse. It can be helpful to look at what opportunities are available now and will grow in the future.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)

The U.S. Department of Labor provides detailed information on hundreds of occupations, including projected job growth over the next decade. It also offers information on wages, education and training requirements, and typical work activities for each occupation. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs Rankings

This annual U.S. News & World Report ranking considers factors like job growth, salary, and work-life balance to identify the 100 best jobs in the U.S. The rankings are accompanied by detailed job profiles, including information on future outlook and skills needed. https://money.usnews.com/careers

Indeed Hiring Lab Reports

This popular job search website publishes reports on hiring trends and job market analysis. These reports often highlight the fastest-growing job titles and industries based on real-time job postings on their platform. https://www.hiringlab.org/

Are You Ready To Take Action?

You can continue to think about “what if,” or you can make “what if” a reality. 

Don’t use the excuse you don’t know where to start. Use this information to help you explore what a job where you would truly thrive looks like for you. Once you realize you will be happier on a different path and have some idea of what that could be, I know you won’t be happy to settle for, “Is this all there is?”

Learn more about my Career Clarity services, which help you understand who you are and what path is right for you, at www.mycareergps.com/services.

Shelley Piedmont is a Career Coach who focuses on understanding your unique skills, interests, and aspirations and provides personalized coaching to guide you toward roles where you can truly thrive. Whether you are stuck as to what your next career move should be or need help with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or interview preparation, Shelley is here to help you. Please set up an exploratory call to find out how she can help you reach your career goals.