How to Discover What You Really Want from a New Career
Discover (or re-discover) what you're really passionate about., Get feedback from family and friends., Do some soul searching., Visualize your perfect day., Consider what people ask you about on a consistent basis., Focus on what you want, not what...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Discover (or re-discover) what you're really passionate about.
If your new career isn't something you could feel passionate about, then it's probably not the right choice for you.
Think about what you enjoy doing in your spare time: your hobbies, what you like to watch on TV, what you like to read and study, and what you like to discuss with family and friends. -
Step 2: Get feedback from family and friends.
Talk to the people you trust, and ask them to give you an honest assessment of where they see you going in life (but be prepared; you might not like the answers you get).
Also ask them what they think you'd be good at, what you'd be happy doing, and why.
But be careful when asking people you work with these questions, especially if you plan on staying at your current job for awhile. , Think back through your career and identify times when you felt really excited and happy with what you were doing.
Times when you were energized by your work, and could hardly wait to get back to the office the next day.
What was it about those times that made your work fulfilling? What would it take to recapture that feeling in your new career? , This is a technique used by self-help gurus like Tony Robbins to help people focus on what they really want in life.
Find a quiet place where you can be alone for 30 minutes or so, and then close your eyes and picture what your perfect day would look like, from the time you wake up to the time you went to bed.
Who would you be with? What work would you be doing? What activities would you find stimulating and fulfilling? Be as detailed and specific as you can.
Then write it all down in a notebook or journal. , This is another clue as to what you're good at, and what you might find fulfilling in a new career (as long as it's something you enjoy doing).
What things do you consider yourself an expert in, either at work or at home? If you could become a teacher in one topic, what would that topic be? Many people have turned their hobbies and part-time pursuits into successful careers. , Too many people get caught up in what they don't like about their current job or career
-- it's boring, they hate their boss, there's no room for growth, etc
-- instead of focusing on what they do want out of a new career.
It's been said more than once that positive thoughts lead to positive change. , If you're upset or frustrated by your inability to pinpoint your ideal career, give yourself a break.
Spend some quality time with your family or friends, take a long weekend trip, take a walk on the beach.
You'll probably find your frustrations melting away, and often the answers to your questions will come to you at the most unexpected times. -
Step 3: Do some soul searching.
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Step 4: Visualize your perfect day.
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Step 5: Consider what people ask you about on a consistent basis.
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Step 6: Focus on what you want
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Step 7: not what you don't want.
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Step 8: Don't forget to take a break.
Detailed Guide
If your new career isn't something you could feel passionate about, then it's probably not the right choice for you.
Think about what you enjoy doing in your spare time: your hobbies, what you like to watch on TV, what you like to read and study, and what you like to discuss with family and friends.
Talk to the people you trust, and ask them to give you an honest assessment of where they see you going in life (but be prepared; you might not like the answers you get).
Also ask them what they think you'd be good at, what you'd be happy doing, and why.
But be careful when asking people you work with these questions, especially if you plan on staying at your current job for awhile. , Think back through your career and identify times when you felt really excited and happy with what you were doing.
Times when you were energized by your work, and could hardly wait to get back to the office the next day.
What was it about those times that made your work fulfilling? What would it take to recapture that feeling in your new career? , This is a technique used by self-help gurus like Tony Robbins to help people focus on what they really want in life.
Find a quiet place where you can be alone for 30 minutes or so, and then close your eyes and picture what your perfect day would look like, from the time you wake up to the time you went to bed.
Who would you be with? What work would you be doing? What activities would you find stimulating and fulfilling? Be as detailed and specific as you can.
Then write it all down in a notebook or journal. , This is another clue as to what you're good at, and what you might find fulfilling in a new career (as long as it's something you enjoy doing).
What things do you consider yourself an expert in, either at work or at home? If you could become a teacher in one topic, what would that topic be? Many people have turned their hobbies and part-time pursuits into successful careers. , Too many people get caught up in what they don't like about their current job or career
-- it's boring, they hate their boss, there's no room for growth, etc
-- instead of focusing on what they do want out of a new career.
It's been said more than once that positive thoughts lead to positive change. , If you're upset or frustrated by your inability to pinpoint your ideal career, give yourself a break.
Spend some quality time with your family or friends, take a long weekend trip, take a walk on the beach.
You'll probably find your frustrations melting away, and often the answers to your questions will come to you at the most unexpected times.
About the Author
Dennis Jordan
Experienced content creator specializing in organization guides and tutorials.
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