Career Change: What do you really really want?
Wed, March 3, 2010 at 21:00 
Don’t be kidded into believing that this “fantastic job opportunity for you”
- is great because the headhunter/recruitment agency says so (the prospect of commission can lead to less imaginative and safer bets) or
- is great because you know you can do it, or
- is right because it is the route your admired predecessor took, or
- is a good stepping stone because it meets your immediate needs for security and sense of worth
All fine, so long as the primary reason for taking the role is that you really, really want it.
Blindingly obvious, but unearthing what you want can be tricky. Try testing yourself with some of these.
1. Be prepared to seriously pose yourself the question “what do I really want?” “Being rich” for example, requires exploration… in what way? So what will that give you? And in turn, what will that give you? Until you get to the root of it, the value that is driving the initial response.
2. Think about what is meaningful for you, what gives you pleasure, and what your strengths are. Look for the intersection. Tal Ben-Shahar (teacher at Harvard University) calls this finding your “Calling”. Conventional careers advice would counsel you to look for where your interests, your skills and market opportunity overlap - but your Calling might be a more useful idea. It may be time for a career change.
A market opportunity is hard to evaluate, articulating your true calling will help you find/sharpen your offer; your passion will help you find or generate the market.
3. Imagine yourself living your ideal life in 2020, what would a fly on the wall documentary show of a week in your life? What would be the thoughts that occupy your mind? What would be the feelings that inhabit your heart?
- If you are going to get to this “ideal” life in 2020, what do 2015 (and 2012) need to look like?
- What resources can you access to help you get there?
- What beliefs do you have about yourself right now, that would have to change?
There are lots of ways of checking what you (really really) want and different things work for different people. If you aren't doing what is right for you it could be time to consider a career change and to evaluate your career choices.
Finding that understanding around what you really want will enable you to either accept or reject the job offers mentioned above, and to be focused, smart and confident in the decisions you make. Our 100 Career Change Tips and How to Get the Job You Want eBooks both offer helpful advice on finding a job or career suited to you, your desires and your needs.
As a career guide with Position Ignition, I am very clear on my “Calling”. It works for me, and it is just the greatest feeling to help someone else find theirs. If you think working with a Career Guide on this journey might be for you, give us to call and explore.
About the author
Joanna Pollard is a Position Ignition Career Guide. She works with individuals and teams, to help them get them become more creative, effective and fulfilled. She has a wealth of experience across Organisational Effectiveness and Individual Effectiveness in public and private sectors. Hopes - to complete the SW Coastal Path soon, fears - jelly and marzipan.
Similar blogs:
Reader Comments