After a year like no other, I’ve had many conversations with people lately who have been reflecting on their career paths. The world has changed and Covid has seen to that! Some have experienced a change that was out of their control, others are feeling stuck and want a career change. They want to find their passion but have no idea how to go about it.
1. So how do you find out what’s “in” you?
You don’t find your passion, you ignite it from the inside out. It’s not a quick fix, it does take energy, self-reflection, courage, and a willingness to see things differently.
To get started, get to know yourself a little more.
How would you answer these questions?
- What are you doing when you get “lost” and time just flies?
- If you were asked to teach somebody something, what would you choose?
- What activity would you love to spend all day doing?
- What were the things you really enjoyed, and what were the things that dragged you down about your current/past work?
- What kind of people do you like working with?
- What are your deal breakers, your values that you will not compromise on?
These are just a sample of the questions that start to uncover what you love in life, what you don’t like, and what you care about.
Some of the buzzwords for 2020 have been to “pivot” in your career and utilise your “transferrable skills” to change roles or industries.
Do you have a good grasp on your “transferrable skills?”
Things like problem solving, communication, planning, or leadership?
2. The important part
Write a complete list of all your skills, ask your friends if you like. Which of these skills do you enjoy utilising? Which ones are OK? Which skills do you not enjoy using?
This is important to review, as you may be good at doing something, but you’ve burned yourself out doing it.
3. Now What?
Once you start to see a pattern, start looking at job ads. Don’t apply for any but save those that pique your interest – it doesn’t matter if you have no experience. Be playful – visualise yourself in that role. Keep adding to the list. Then go back and see what the common theme is to those roles. What is standing out for you?
Start thinking about the “why” behind these desired jobs that stand out for you.
Think you’ve found your “jam?” Before you look too far ahead, start with one step to move forward – something that lights you up. Start with something that will allow your passion to grow from the inside. Take an online class, attend a workshop, read books. There are so many options to begin to make that change that could lead to your next career move.
4. Everything is scary until you do it
We are all afraid of trying something new for fear of failure. But finding your jam can give you a renewed sense of purpose, strengthen your career and ensure you maintain your focus.
You’ve invested a lot of time in your current career but taking the time for self-reflection could also reveal the elements you could preserve that would make you happy.
Carol has over 15 years helping people with their career journeys as a coach and advisor. She has held leadership roles within the banking and HR consulting sectors and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business – Human Resources Management from the University of Auckland.
Carol is passionate about supporting others’ career journeys, mentoring in the “Future Leaders Programme” at YWCA Auckland and with First Foundation, a trust founded to assist academically talented New Zealand students worthy of support to achieve their potential through tertiary education and to prepare them to positively influence and benefit their communities.
Always willing to help, Carol is available for practical one on one coaching.