Changing careers can be a daunting process. It can be easy to stick with a job we know well even if it is not providing the fulfilment we are looking for. The first step is to be clear about what we want. If you have a general idea as to what you are looking for, you might like to try Exercise 2 or Exercise 3. If you're not sure at this stage then Exercise 1 may be a better starting point.
Exercise 1: Exploring Career Options
- Collate job adverts that interest you from the internet, newspapers and professional journals. Review what you like about each role so you can begin to identify what is important to you.
- Look back on jobs you have had and list what you did and didn't enjoy about them.
- What skills, experience, knowledge and attributes would you like to utilise in your next role?
Exercises 2 and 3: Visualising Your Ideal Career
Visualising our goals is an important step towards achieving them. It is interesting to note that Olympic athletes spend 70% of their time visualising achieving their goal and only 30% training. Invest some time in completing the following two exercises. Don't feel that you need to start writing straight away; you may want to reflect on it first then start to jot your thoughts down. You will be amazed at the ideas that unfold when you give yourself the chance to explore without boundaries. Have fun!
Embarking on a career change can be daunting and easy to put off unless we are truly committed. These exercises aim to help you get in touch with what's really important to you. Keeping your responses handy so you can re-read them if setbacks occur can help to keep you motivated during your career campaign.
Exercises 2: Ideal Working Day
We are what and where we are because we have first imagined it
Donald Curtis
Imagine your perfect working day. What will you be doing? What skills and talents will you be utilising? Write this in the present tense and in detail, from getting up in the morning to going to sleep at night. Don't put down only the possible - you have absolute freedom, unlimited means, and all the skills and power you've ever wished for. Visualise, feel, hear, taste, smell - be there!!!!
Exercises 3: Retiring From Your Ideal Career
Of all the sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these - it might have been
John Greenleaf Whitier
Imagine yourself the day you retire looking back on your working life.
- What role will you be retiring from?
- What will you like to be remembered for?
- What will you have achieved? What are you most proud of?
- Review your career history. What roles or achievements will be included on your CV?
- What did you do to ensure you led a working life of minimal regrets?
- What was made possible in your life by having a dream career?
We hope these exercises help you begin to explore what you are looking for in your career. If you would like to work with a coach to clarify your vision and goals, keep you focused on what you want as well as support you through your fears then please contact us. In any event, we wish you the very best in your quest for a fulfilling career that enables you to play to your strengths.