By Selina Fisher
We are well into the first quarter of the new year and you might already feel as though you are living last year on repeat. Perhaps you started the year excited for change and new beginnings, but now you are in trenches of work with unrealistic deadlines, last-minute projects, and long working hours feeling like something needs to change. It’s time for that next career move.
It might feel difficult to work on your future career goals when you have a demanding job. I felt that way when I was in a corporation a few years ago. In fact, for a while, the only time I focused on my career was when I was preparing for my performance reviews. Which meant I wasn't really putting in the required effort to build a career that I loved.
Through experience and the work that I do now, I have developed a few strategies that will help you shift from being reactive to becoming more proactive and intentional about your career journey.
Be part of industry events
If you are looking for a new career in a different field, get involved in events in this industry.
The power of networking cannot be understated. When you connect with people in the field you want to move into and put yourself out there at events, your name won’t be all-new should they see your CV pop up down the line.
Not only that, but attending these events will also give you good insight and perhaps highlight any skills gaps that you may have and need to work on.
Work with a career coach or mentor
The ICF (International Coach Federation) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential." Athletes, CEOs and some of the best coaches work with a coach to help them succeed.
If you have been struggling to figure out what you want to do or how to navigate career change, it might be time to reach out to a career coach or mentor. A career coach can help you figure out the next step in your career, what's been holding you back, and help you create a plan to work towards your desired career path.
You don't have to wait till next January to find a job or a career that you love. You can start today by choosing one of these strategies, to begin with today.