During a workshop a while ago with a very varied group of women, a question came up of wanting to transition careers and wanting something different but not knowing what that even looks like.
The question was posed by a woman who had a non-traditional career in a creative field that was definitely not a nine-to-five corporate office job. She was thinking of changing her career path for the future but didn’t know what that looks like for her.
I told her, and the rest of the group - the same thing that I tell all my one-on-one clients, you have to start with two foundational questions before you can make any of these decisions for your future.
Before you even can move forward you need to:
#1. Define “Career.” You need to know what you even mean by “career.”
What are you thinking when YOU think ‘career path’? Does it mean that you are starting a business? Does it mean that you work a corporate 9 to 5? Does it mean that you work three part-time, temp jobs? Does it mean that you work nights a job that you don't love so that you can volunteer all day long?
This idea that “career” solely exists within the Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 corporate container is wrong. Many people have careers that look nothing like this and somehow generally that is seen as, either a stepping stone to the corporate world, or they are seen as an anomaly, an outsider. For example: the service/hospitality industry.
But what we're seeing in our current climate is mass dissatisfaction with the traditional work environment and how corporations and large and companies have handled the last two years of our lives and many people have come to the realization that there are other ways to do things. There are other models, there are other ways to be who you want to be.
So in order for you to be content, for you to be happy, for you to be someone who enjoys what they do and how they do it - you have to define what that is for yourself first:
My definition of Career is________________________________________________.
Now, that isn't the only step you need to take.
#2. After you know what that definition of career is for you, what does success look like for you when that career (however you define it) is part of your life?
Scrap everything that came before. Throw your to do list out the window and start fresh. You can (and should) give yourself a fresh start.
Taking a look and your values & priorities, how will you define success for YOURSELF? Success, for you, not based on societal pressures. Not based on what you were working towards before. Not what you had thought you were ‘supposed’ to be doing - but what would success look like, for you... now?
Write down what success looks like for you now and write down why it's different and why that difference is important. Then write that down in your journal or your notes app or on a Post-It …. however, wherever you will see it regularly.
My definition of success is__________________________________________.
Now that you have your definition of Career and Success you can begin to work towards what you want, in the way that you want it.
Once you have that definition you can decide if you need special training or can just jump into it at full speed.
When it comes to your career, it's essential to have your own definition of what that means to you. Your career is a significant part of your life and will likely take up a considerable amount of your time and energy. Therefore, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and what success looks like for you.
Need reasons as to why you need to define your own career?:
1. Your definition of success will differ from others.
What one person defines as a successful career may not align with another person's definition. For some, success may be climbing the corporate ladder and earning a high salary, while for others, it may mean having a flexible schedule and the freedom to pursue other passions. It's essential to define your own success to ensure you're working towards something that aligns with your values and goals.
2. You'll have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.
When you have your own definition of your career, you'll have a better understanding of what you want to achieve. This can help you set clear goals and work towards them with purpose. It's easy to get lost in the day-to-day tasks of your job and lose sight of the bigger picture. Having a defined career path can help you stay on track and ensure you're making progress towards your long-term goals.
3. You'll be able to make informed & intentional decisions about your career.
When you know what you want to achieve in your career, you'll be able to make more informed decisions about your job and future opportunities. You'll be able to weigh the pros and cons of different options and make decisions that align with your overall career goals. This can help you avoid taking on jobs or opportunities that don't align with your values or long-term objectives.
4. You'll be more motivated and engaged in your work.
When you have a clear definition of what success means to you, you'll be more motivated to work towards that goal. You'll be more engaged in your work and more willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve your goals. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and a more fulfilling career.
5. It can help you navigate career challenges.
Every career comes with its challenges, whether it's navigating office politics or dealing with a difficult boss. When you have a defined career path, it can help you navigate these challenges more effectively. You'll have a better understanding of what you want to achieve, which can help you stay focused and motivated during difficult times. It can also help you make decisions that will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your long-term career goals.
Having your own definition of your career is crucial for you to have the success you want in the way you want. So go ahead, get to that defining. But make sure it’s personal.
Yours in ‘what’s your definition of career?’ goodness,
EBS
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EB Sanders
Career Coach for Creative Types
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Helping you figure out what you want to do and how to do it your way!
