Bloom Where You're Planted
by Markell R. Morris, Futures in Motion, Inc.
"Thank you for suggesting ways to make my current job work better for me while I figure out my next career move."
Frustration at work doesn't always mean making a massive career change.
A recent client was frustrated that her job wasn't aligned with what she wanted to be doing. She felt that her knowledge and skills were being underutilized, but she didn't know what to do about it. In this type of situation, a typical first response is to change jobs.
Changing jobs is a hassle and isn't always necessary- at least immediately.
What if there are other options?
For a lot of people making a few adjustments to their current job can improve their attitude, satisfaction, and impact.
Let's face it, while money isn't everything it's hard to walk away from a decent salary and benefits. Also, if you've been at your job for a while, you've established a level of comfort with the internal workings of the company, a reputation, and a community.
Changing jobs means you have to recreate all of that. It could be exciting yet it often feels like a hassle.
Many of my clients are in that situation and waffle between staying and going. They're ambivalent/unsure because their current position does have it's positives that matter to them while lacking in other important areas.
The problem is that they aren't clear about what they have and what they want, so they can't see a clear path to opportunities which makes changing jobs feel too risky.
If you're in this situation take these 5 actions to get clear about your current situation and discover your options, before you launch a full blown career change.
Frustration at work doesn't always mean making a massive career change.
A recent client was frustrated that her job wasn't aligned with what she wanted to be doing. She felt that her knowledge and skills were being underutilized, but she didn't know what to do about it. In this type of situation, a typical first response is to change jobs.
Changing jobs is a hassle and isn't always necessary- at least immediately.
What if there are other options?
For a lot of people making a few adjustments to their current job can improve their attitude, satisfaction, and impact.
Let's face it, while money isn't everything it's hard to walk away from a decent salary and benefits. Also, if you've been at your job for a while, you've established a level of comfort with the internal workings of the company, a reputation, and a community.
Changing jobs means you have to recreate all of that. It could be exciting yet it often feels like a hassle.
Many of my clients are in that situation and waffle between staying and going. They're ambivalent/unsure because their current position does have it's positives that matter to them while lacking in other important areas.
The problem is that they aren't clear about what they have and what they want, so they can't see a clear path to opportunities which makes changing jobs feel too risky.
If you're in this situation take these 5 actions to get clear about your current situation and discover your options, before you launch a full blown career change.
Take these actions to get clear about your career options
Take stock- Take an in-depth look at your interests, skills and preferences, so you can Define your career goals and aspirations. This will be the foundation of your Personal Career Action Plan which is your roadmap to a meaningful career path.
Invest in yourself- Take advantage of training and development opportunities to gain new knowledge, learn new skills and enhance your professional visibility.
Build Professional Relationships- Conventional wisdom is that people get job opportunities through connections. Eventually, you’ll want to look for another job or get promoted and will need references and job leads. The people you work with can speak to your work ethic, knowledge and skills. They may also know other people who can help you. An added bonus is that good professional relationships make any job more enjoyable.
Gain Visibility through Professional Involvement- A great way to help advance your career is to become involved in professional organizations and company activities. Both are sources for professional contacts and help you stay up-to-date on industry trends. In addition, many professional organizations offer opportunities to showcase your knowledge by taking on leadership roles or speaking to members. They also offer specialized, industry-specific training.
Create a Personal Career Action Plan- This is your roadmap for career satisfaction which is driven by your personal and professional goals.
Invest in yourself- Take advantage of training and development opportunities to gain new knowledge, learn new skills and enhance your professional visibility.
Build Professional Relationships- Conventional wisdom is that people get job opportunities through connections. Eventually, you’ll want to look for another job or get promoted and will need references and job leads. The people you work with can speak to your work ethic, knowledge and skills. They may also know other people who can help you. An added bonus is that good professional relationships make any job more enjoyable.
Gain Visibility through Professional Involvement- A great way to help advance your career is to become involved in professional organizations and company activities. Both are sources for professional contacts and help you stay up-to-date on industry trends. In addition, many professional organizations offer opportunities to showcase your knowledge by taking on leadership roles or speaking to members. They also offer specialized, industry-specific training.
Create a Personal Career Action Plan- This is your roadmap for career satisfaction which is driven by your personal and professional goals.
Professionals who take these actions over time have more confidence and clarity about their career goals, have established a robust network to tap into when they need it, and have a head start on personal branding to go after new career opportunities.
You can take these actions without spending a lot of time or money.
You may ultimately decide that it's time for a new job, but you'll be better equipped with clarity, a refreshed network, updated knowledge and skills, and updated job search materials.
In the meantime, with focused, consistent action you can turn your current job into your dream job. I can help you get started.
You can take these actions without spending a lot of time or money.
You may ultimately decide that it's time for a new job, but you'll be better equipped with clarity, a refreshed network, updated knowledge and skills, and updated job search materials.
In the meantime, with focused, consistent action you can turn your current job into your dream job. I can help you get started.
You can confidently decide your next career move and take control of your career. Get monthly career advice and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Join the Futures in Motion, Inc. newsletter.
Markell R. Morris is an international speaker, career counselor and job search coach based in Long Beach, CA. Her mission is to help frustrated career changers get excited about their life and career after loss and personal challenges. She has created career programs and resources that help her clients gain a sense of direction and hope, so they can go after their goals with confidence. Download her free ebook, Create a Career You Love, for career advice to discover your meaningful career path.
REPRINT GUIDELINES: You may reprint these articles free of charge in your newsletter, magazine, or on your web site, provided that they are unedited, and that the copyright, bio slug, and contact information below appears with each article. Articles appearing on the web must provide a hyperlink to our website. Please provide us with a courtesy copy of the print or email issue containing the article, or the URL of any article posted to the web. All articles are written by Markell R. Morris, Futures in Motion, Inc.
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