Next Career Steps: How To Know If and When to Take Them
Resource Sponsored by StrateCamp
Maybe you're standing at a crossroads, your heart racing with the anticipation of what lies ahead. It's a place we've all found ourselves in at one point or another, asking the critical question: "What's my next step?" Those of us that find ourselves anywhere in the workforce, be it corporate industry, government, healthcare or entrepreneurship and beyond, will, at some point, be in pursuit of the opportunity or leap to take. Whether it's a career change, a personal transformation, or a leap into the unknown, knowing when and how to move forward is an art in itself. It’s human nature to want to progress and evolve. Knowing how and when are the hard parts of navigating the natural inclination to pivot.
Start with your why.
I know, you hear it often. There are books and internet gurus galore who will often encourage you to start with your why. In this case, that’s exactly what you want to do.
It's not just about identifying your motivations but also understanding how they align with your long-term vision and values. Your 'why' is the driving force behind your actions, the core reason that propels you towards a particular path. It's a combination of your passions, your skills, and what you believe to be truly important.
When you align your career choices with your 'why', you ensure that your professional journey is not just about achieving success as defined by external standards but about fulfilling your own personal and professional goals. This alignment leads to greater satisfaction and a sense of purpose in your work.
The areas of thought to consider in this process are:
Reflective Thinking: Take time to reflect on your past experiences and achievements. What made you feel most fulfilled? What activities do you find most engaging? Reflective thinking helps you understand your true passions and strengths.
Future-Focused Planning: Envision where you want to be in the next five, ten, or twenty years. What kind of work do you see yourself doing? What impact do you want to have? This forward-looking approach ensures your choices are in line with your long-term goals.
Value-Based Decision Making: Assess each career opportunity against your personal values. Does this choice allow you to live authentically and uphold your principles? A value-based approach ensures that your career path is not only successful but also ethically and personally rewarding.
Integrating these approaches into your decision-making process, offer you the chance to be better equipped to make choices that are not only strategically sound but also deeply fulfilling.
Resume vs. Range.
Range is one of the most pivotal considerations as it relates to your career. A resume is a great place to showcase the skills you’ve gained from previous jobs along with any education and training you’ve completed. Is the trajectory expressed on your resume pointing toward your ultimate goal in terms of career? Although a great trophy, a resume addition is not necessarily the only thing that should be considered. What about the range of skill and experience you will gain in taking the next step? For those seeking higher positions or even if you eventually leap into full-time entrepreneurship, it is a better idea to consider the range and depth of experience you will gain versus the volume of what you can add to your resume.
Validation vs. Values.
Ethics is a personal core value that provides a safe place to land in any decision-making process. Going for a position because the title carries professional or social weight yet the organization itself is known for unethical business practices and discriminatory policies, is an unwise choice. Aligning yourself with an organization that may not offer the positional clout you desire but they are known to have a healthy staff culture and are equitable in their business practices is likely the better choice.
It's essential to recognize that the lure of external validation can sometimes conflict with our internal value system. This conflict is particularly evident when we're faced with choices that offer significant recognition or advancement at the cost of compromising our principles. The key is to prioritize values over validation. A high-profile position might bring temporary satisfaction and admiration, but if it requires you to act against your ethics, the long-term consequences can include a loss of self-respect and fulfillment. Conversely, choosing a path that aligns with your values, even if it lacks immediate prestige, can lead to lasting contentment and a sense of integrity. Remember, titles and accolades are fleeting, but your character and the respect you earn for standing by your principles are enduring. Ultimately, the choices that resonate with your core values not only define your professional journey but also shape your personal growth and sense of self-worth.
Short game vs. Long game.
The short game is the short term objective and the long game is the long term objective. Oftentimes while in positions that may no longer prove to be optimal, we look for the fastest way out. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that pursuit, we tend to only keep the short term in mind. Looking for an escape is okay as long as we’ve considered what our next step will be in light of our long term objectives. In the pursuit of balancing the short game and the long game, it's crucial to align our immediate actions with our broader life goals. This alignment ensures that even our quick decisions contribute to a larger narrative, a grander plan that we've set for ourselves. When considering a change, ask yourself: How does this move fit into my long-term aspirations? Is it a stepping stone, a detour, or a leap towards where I want to be? Often, the allure of immediate gratification can overshadow our long-term vision, leading us down paths that may feel right momentarily but don't serve our ultimate purpose. It's important to pause and reflect, to understand that every choice is a thread in the tapestry of our lives. By keeping the long game in perspective, we ensure that even short-term choices are not mere reactions to our current circumstances but thoughtful steps towards a future we desire.
Understandably, there are many additional details to consider when leaping from one thing to another and we certainly didn’t cover them all here. Nonetheless, these three considerations can prove to be a stable starting block for your next leg of the journey.
Knowing when and how to take the next steps in life is a process that involves introspection, patience, and courage. It's about listening to your inner voice, weighing the risks against the rewards, and embracing change as an opportunity for growth. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer; your journey is uniquely yours. As you move forward, trust in your ability to make the right choices, learn from each experience, and keep moving towards your goals.
The road ahead may not always be clear, but with each step, you're crafting your own story – one that's worth telling.
