New Year - New Job or Career?

Time for a change?

For many people the new year is a time for thinking about changing jobs or career. Most people are comfortable thinking about changing to a similar job. This might be to progress your career and move up the career ladder, earn more money, work for a competitor or perceived better company, work more locally to have less travelling time and cost etc. This isn't really that scary is it? What about changing careers?

Research consistently shows that 1 in 2 people are 'in the wrong job' and anything up to 2 out of 3 people are unhappy and unfulfilled. This means that most of us know people who feel this way or maybe this is you?

How serious are you about changing careers?

Despite the startling statistics, the reality is only a small minority of people bite the bullet and take the 'leap of faith' to totally change careers. Why is this? Because unless you are really serious, changing careers becomes like most other new years resolutions i.e. a wish or a whim. The initial motivation and surge of enthusiasm is often replaced by FEAR! This might be fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of not earning enough and so on. However do you want to always live your life in compromise, thinking 'what if'?

My mantra is: "You spend more waking hours at work than in any other activity. Life is too short so why be unhappy? Take the 'leap of faith' and do what you love!" So how serious are you about changing your career this year?

Setting your goals

Most new years resolutions peter out after only a matter of days or weeks because what seemed like a 'good idea at the time' becomes hard work, too difficult or too far outside your comfort zone e.g. going to the gym to lose weight or giving up smoking. So, rather than 'resolutions', for any change it is important you set clearly defined goals, have clarity on the purpose of the goal (your WHY) your outcome/s, you take positive action and follow through. Your goals should be written down clearly so you can see them and measure your progress, otherwise nothing will ever change, will it? For anything to change, you must first change your thinking and ultimately your behaviour!

Getting help

People understand the benefits of working with a personal trainer to achieve your fitness or well being goals. Likewise, investing in a career coach to achieve your career change or career well being goals will pay dividends and should be viewed as a positive investment in your future. A good career coach will challenge your thinking, get you focused, unlock your potential and hidden talents so you can build a vision for your future, boost your confidence, keep you motivated and on track to achieve your goals, as making a change on your own isn't easy, is it? It also helps if you have a process to follow, such as my highly acclaimed 6 step career Navigation Cycle process.

Working on your career change in a small group

Some people prefer working on their career change within a small group. The benefits the group dynamic can generate, especially in terms of the camaraderie, positive energy and supportive nature a group of like-minded professional people all looking to make a career change can bring about can be extremely powerful. If this appeals to you check out the link for different Masterclass options: http://www.steveprestonthecareercatalyst.com/masterclasses

Resolution or serious career and life goal?

Only you can decide whether it is 'change alley' or 'blind alley' for you. If 2015 is to be your year to achieve the career change or life change you have been thinking about then start to take positive action now and navigate your way to a brighter future!