I’m working with more and more clients wanting to make or actually making a career change. Part of this rush to change is related to the Great Resignation (or perhaps Great Reshuffling.) The reasons are numerous. Some folks want a new challenge; others want to be on their own and out of a corporate setting. Still, others are thinking about finding something that fuels their passion.
Everyone, it seems wants to find more meaning in their life and their work
Twenty-five years ago, I co-authored a book on career development. Most people don’t give much thought to planning out a career path, deferring instead to hope and luck. People think their company will take care of them, or they’ll have an entrepreneurial dream of creating the next great technology. Everyone relies on thinking their resume is the front door to the next great thing.
Nothing is further from reality.
Considering how much time we spend working and how much we look to our work for rewards and satisfaction, taking charge of our careers is essential for life success.
Here’s how to start. There are three questions all of us must answer to find meaningful work:
- What am I good at, and what do I enjoy doing? Most of us are not able to fully enunciate our greatest strengths. While technical skills (understanding contracts if you are a lawyer, writing code if you are a software engineer) are essential, there are many other skills that most people possess and love using that are often overlooked. These may include leading teams, making decisions, and collaborating with or helping others. These “essential skills” are what drive career success.
- What are my job values? Clients are always surprised by the idea that these factors typically contribute more to a career decision than anything else. They include (1) the kind of company you want to work with, (2) what is the mission and purpose of the organization, (3) what are their working conditions include hybrid schedules, (4) what kinds of people interactions will you have, (5) what is the salary and level of responsibility you desire and (6) how is your dignity recognized.
- How do I get this job? This is where building your network is so critical. Most great jobs come from tips and referrals. People spend way too much time on their resume, which is an extended calling card. Thought leadership, reconnecting with colleagues, and being in the public square, are the most excellent tools for getting noticed and building the connections and job you aspire to achieve.
I’ve been working with people in their careers for over 25 years. It is an excellent source of resilience when people find meaningful and rewarding work. Everyone deserves to find a job and position that feeds your talent and fulfills your professional and personal goals. Give me a call, and we can discuss more how to build and find the job you are dreaming about securing for yourself.
© Richard Citrin 2022
