If life has a thing called ‘identity crisis’ or ‘mid-life crisis’, there are also moments in your career when you will feel lost or dissatisfied. I call these periods ‘golden opportunities’. Why? If you think about it, these are the times when we dream of what we can become, when we learn more about ourselves, our capabilities, and our aspirations. These are also the moments when we ask ourselves-Am I happy of what I am now? Am I satisfied of my present career status? It is during these periods when we listen to our inner self and think of what else life has to offer in the near future. We remember what makes us happy as career men and women. It is a golden opportunity because it is a chance to unleash your inner greatness. It is important to know when you are on these career crossroads and consider them as challenges and opportunities rather than barriers against self-actualisation.
1. Listen to your Inner Self
Our minds and thoughts are very powerful in letting us know if something in our life becomes unstable or unsteady. Let your mind speak to you and acknowledge that something is bothering you. In my experience, this normally happens before I go to sleep. When you are approaching a crossroad, this inner voice becomes louder and louder until you do something about it by devising a plan. It doesn’t require a concrete plan of action, but it could be a simple idea until you decide to take little steps towards making it happen.
2. Be Open for Change
Part of being open for change is to be open-minded to learning new skills and ideas. It is important to prepare yourself to embrace career challenges, and accept the fact that starting a new role can be overwhelming or difficult especially in going out of your comfort zone. Sometimes people don’t like change because it can be very daunting and intimidating. That is their choice. It is important not to conform or ‘go along’ with the people around you. We are unique individuals and therefore will have different preferences and different career paths. According to Elif Shafak, “Do not go with the flow, be the flow.’’ Take full control of your life. Take challenges and opportunities to optimise your own potential.
3. Discover Different Career Paths
Career crossroads offer a chance to reassess your career plan and aspirations. Set no limitations in your area of expertise and be open to new experiences, knowledge and skills. One purpose of a ‘golden opportunity’ is to uncover possible career paths within and outside your organisation. You should also re-think of how you work as an employee or entrepreneur. Are you a team-player or do you work best independently? Most jobs require both. I remember an interview with Roger Federer by Vogue when he was asked what made him choose tennis over football. He said that he doesn’t like blaming the goalie when things go wrong. He likes blaming himself for his own errors. Choose a job that will be a good fit for you. Also, be smart in choosing a more stable career to provide financial stability especially during uncertainties.
4. Find Time Learning More about Your Career Prospect
It is imperative to have good understanding of your new job and its role requirements in order to prepare yourself in facing a career change. Making an appointment with the manager or meeting your future colleagues are opportunities for you to ask questions about the job, and how they feel about working in their organisation. Take time to research about the job role and how it will impact your work-life balance.
5. Update your CV and Apply for the Job
Maintaining an updated portfolio and CV is essential in whatever career field you are in. Practising good portfolio management will save you from cramming and looking for proof of trainings and competencies. Applying for a job is very daunting but think of it as a training opportunity to improve your interview skills and self-confidence. Having at present a stable job, you have nothing to worry about the outcome of the interview or application because you actually have nothing to lose. People sometimes become nervous and hesitant when they get to this stage because they are afraid to hear ‘no.’ The way I always see this is-if you don’t try, you will forever be wondering. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get it.’’ Believe in your capability in facing new challenges to unlock your hidden capabilities.
6. Settle Personal Toxic Work Behaviours
Career planning is an opportunity for self-reassessment both as a colleague and an employee/entrepreneur. Do you consider yourself as an asset of your organisation? How are you as a colleague? Do you have good work ethics? Well-developed self-awareness is one of the ingredients in fulfilling your dream job. It will help you distinguish toxic working habits that require improvement. It is incredible what we could do to create a positive working environment, but change should start from oneself.
7. Remember What Motivates You to be Career Happy
I try keeping a habit of re-evaluating my life at least every five years. Like a self-MOT to determine whether I still feel grounded by the same principles that makes me generally happy. I do this not only for my career but also for my personal life. This is the time when I also try imagining what the next 5 years would look like. I ask myself what I could do now to prepare for what I want to be. If I want to buy a house in 5 years for example, I would think of how I can save up and financially prepare for it. The same with career planning. If you have a dream job, you can start building your portfolio even through tiny little steps. It is important to note that the path won’t always be plain sailing or uncomplicated. When there are some diversions, bumps and sometimes frustrations, think of yourself as a seed. The deeper you are buried, the more resilient you become to whatever challenges life throws at you. Being happy with your career and overcoming challenges are what pushes you to work hard and accomplish more without limitations.
I wish you all the best as you deal with your own career crossroads.
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