Let’s
face it, change is scary. When it comes to changing
a job or career, the fear can really go sky high.
Why is that? You may cling to the thought that being
able to find something else that will pay the bills
will be too difficult. You may feel stuck in your
present job, or you may believe finding something
else will take too long.
Despite
the fear, let’s say you’ve decided the
desire to change your situation is too strong to ignore.
Now what? Would you feel better if you discovered
the process is much easier than you thought?
Well
take heart. Below are 6 easy steps to move you in
your desired direction starting TODAY. You’ll
be surprised how simple it is to make the real change
you desire!
1.
Know What You Want: This may take a little
soul searching in order to make a final decision.
There are many on-line tools available to help with
the self-assessment process. One that I recommend
is called the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI).
This link
will take you to the abbreviated but useful edition
to help you zero in on your preferences. There are
many ways to arrive at knowing what may be a good
fit for you in the workplace. This particular instrument
will help you understand your personality type, which
can provide insights into your work preferences and
will help you identify your best bet on career direction
and goals.
2. Explore Your Options: One of the
most powerful ways to do this is by networking with
others. The process of networking is very simple.
It involves interacting and talking with people in
such a way as to get to know them better. In the process,
you learn about their needs and they learn about yours.
As a result, you may be able to gain exposure to their
acquaintances who may be looking for someone with
your skills and interests. In most communities there
are plenty of opportunities to network with people
in your field of interest.
One
outcome of your efforts may be the option of having
formal “informational interviews” with
people in prominent positions who are willing to give
you specific guidance to help you succeed.
3. Get Organized: A vital component
of any important change is to budget your time—
allowing you to focus on relevant activities within
the limited hours available. You may choose to set
aside one hour per day to work on your plan while
you’re employed. Identify in advance what you
want to accomplish and stick to doing things such
as career research, networking or other tasks you
have outlined in your action plan. Remember, you are
investing in yourself. This has a high priority! Simplify
other activities to create extra time in your day.
Get your family involved as a support. It can make
an important difference having them help you create
the life you want and deserve. Look at it as a family
event.
4. Get Trained: Depending on what
you have decided as your goal, now may be the time
to begin training for your new field. You may choose
to enroll in a graduate, undergraduate or vocational
program to get started. This will affect the amount
of time it takes for you to ultimately achieve your
career goals.
5. Get Coached: Enlisting the services
of a coach can make all the difference in supporting
you in your efforts. Lots of successful people are
where they are today because of the presence of a
coach.
A
career coach will help you move faster in the direction
of achieving your daily and longer range tasks. A
coach will partner with you on the creation of your
strategy, understanding your own thinking to ensure
you aren’t standing in your own way, help you
manage your environment and clarify your goals. Effectively,
a coach can increase your motivation beyond that which
you have on your own. He or she can provide help with
such things as job search skills and getting your
resume ready. A coach is with you every step of the
way and is well worth the investment.
If
your finances aren’t yet ready for a coach,
purchase a book on the subject, such as, The Portable
Coach by Thomas Leonard.
6. Make Your Move: Whether it takes
you one month, 6 months, or one year, once you’ve
planned your work and worked your plan, take action.
It’s time to go for it! By now you have thought
through the details, including the financial aspects
of making a change, getting your family on board,
and most importantly have decided to take charge of
your life. At this time, you realize a career or job
change will not threaten your survival and that the
fear you felt at the beginning of this process has
long faded away.
You
are not alone. There are many other people like you
who struggle with this issue every day. As a result
of taking simple, ongoing and consistent actions,
it’s possible to find yourself doing the type
of work you want for the rest of your life—in
a short period of time. Make this the year you finally
make a difference for yourself!
Robert
Bowen is a Certified Career Coach who specializes
in helping individual veterans and their spouses with
transition and career change (www.careercoachconnection.com).
He has more than 25 years of private sector Human
Resources coaching experience. To have Robert speak
at your next event, call 760-271-6385. To receive
a free eBook entitled “Ready, Aim,
Fire! Hitting the Career Transition Bullseye”,
send an e-mail to Robert@careercoachconnection.com
and a link will be sent providing access to the PDF
document.
6
Easy Steps to Make a Change