“Before you go!” Considerations for Career Moves

During this time of year, you may have been bombarded by retail marketing teasers that read “before you go” in hopes you will add another item to that ever-growing cart. However, in another context, that same phrase may be a useful consideration prior to making a career move – especially if you’re not sure about next steps.

Understandably, not knowing your next steps may lead to intrusive thoughts – which can then bring on despair and doubt about your current situation. However, any type of self-blame or other negative thought pattern can sabotage clear thinking and movement in the right direction.

So, let us consider a few questions before making that next move!

What are the current facts of my life? Facts bring clarity to things we can or cannot control. Try to think of those things in a positive light to help understand your specific opportunities.

• Season of life: Considering our age helps assess how much leeway we have with making career changes. Are you just beginning your career? Are you within 10-15 years of retirement? Do you have other aspects that are driving the future, such as a new relationship, small children, or even a retired spouse?
• Economy: Our economy drives the job market, plain and simple. But before you make any assumptions (negative or positive), think specifically about what you want to do and the current market for that sector.
• Skill set/education: Is the sector of your dream job seeking people with a specific skill set, certification, or degree? Think through how you can achieve what is needed and the timing to complete that achievement.
• Family status: Are you single and able to make decisions that ultimately only affect you? Are you a caretaker of an elderly parent? Perhaps you have more options than you realize or, conversely, you may have considerations that need strategizing.
• Financial situations: How much money do you need to stay comfortable? Is your current job situation allowing you to make enough money now so you can reach certain goals or live a preferred lifestyle?
• Personal health: Health conditions often lead to considerations regarding medical insurance with an employer. However, if your health is being affected because of your work environment, then we may need to move towards values. (See those below)!

Remember, facts are not negative! They simply become a guide in the next steps.

What are my values?  Values are important to us as individuals. They differ from person to person and may even change depending on your age and stage. Values can even be regarded as preferences – such as working remote versus in an office. Here are a few you may have:

• Community: Your community may be friends or family. If you make a career move that includes a geographical change, consider your support system and the role they play in your life right now. Perhaps your community would be stronger if you made the career move.
• Flexibility: Without flexibility, you may not be able to thrive or serve in other areas of your life. Technically, yes, you can miss a friend’s birthday weekend or your child’s recital, but as a value in your life, it is meaningful to you and you want to be there.
• Ethics: Ethics are personal and you may have a standard that differs from your current employer. Will I have to engage in any activities that are against my values? If I enjoy what I do individually, is my reputation at risk because of my association? Ethics can be tricky, so be sure not to blame yourself for things that are out of your control!
• Overall well-being: All careers have stressful deadlines or seasonal upswings in activity. However, if you have consistent high anxiety with physical manifestations, your overall well-being may need to be a top priority for making a move. Have friends or family mentioned they notice a change mentally or physically? Are your normal activities being avoided? If you work the traditional work week, do you have a high level of dread on Sundays? Think about how you felt before your current career and how you feel now.
• Work environment (physical and mental): Be honest with what you need! Do you like an upbeat, colorful workplace? Do you prefer to get in, complete your tasks, and then leave to socialize with people outside your job? Do you feel valued and like there is opportunity for promotion within the organization? How we feel during work affects our motivation and ability to thrive in specific positions.

What do I do next? So, you’ve thought through facts and your values but still may have questions. One useful method that provides clarity is listing what you do not want to do. As you establish that list, you will gain clarity about your skills, your preferred work environment and even be able to set goals according to what you can do in the short or long-term.

Remember, you can problem-solve, make decisions and have a great future! If you are not happy where you are, let us here at Simplify Life Counseling help you figure out what is next and what is best!

Sources:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-make-a-career-decision

https://www.psychologytools.com/articles/unhelpful-thinking-styles-cognitive-distortions-in-cbt