Finding a Job You Enjoy
One of the most common questions among professionals across the globe is “Can I really find a job I enjoy?” The answer is “ABSOLUTELY!” While there isn’t an exact step-by-step checklist you can follow to figure it out, I have put together a 4-part framework to get you moving in the right direction. The key is to RISE - review, identify, solidify and engage.
REVIEW YOUR CURRENT STATE
At the foundation of any rewarding career is clarity. To love your career, you need to have a deep understanding of who you are and what you truly value. Ask yourself the following questions:
What motivates me?
What have I liked and disliked about your previous jobs?
What would I consider as "non-negotiable" when it comes to my job?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What would I consider my core skills?
How far am I willing to go to create a career I'll love?
IDENTIFY YOUR DESIRED FUTURE STATE
Based on your responses in the Review section, you can begin step two -informed research. Below are some ways to identify positions that line up with your skills, experience, and interests:
Career aptitude test
Conversations with current network
Old-fashioned internet searches
SOLIDIFY ALL OF YOUR BRAND DOCUMENTS
Before these companies speak with you, they're likely learning about you based on how you represent yourself on your LinkedIn profile, resume, cover letter, and/or personal website. It's essential to put your best foot forward as you re-introduce yourself to Corporate America.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Do my brand documents paint a complete picture of who I am as a professional?
Do my brand documents highlight my key selling points for the new career?
ENGAGE & GET GOING
Active pursuit requires ACTION. Below are some of the action steps that will help bridge the gap between you and the career you'll love:
Network, network, network!
Identify your board of trusted advisors.
Try some things out - volunteer, take a part-time gig, begin the certification process, etc.
Apply strategically.
Next Steps
There’s no way to know something is certainly right for you without giving it a try. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your current work, try following this framework to test out a different path.
"Thank you for your interest in our ________ position but...." We've all been there. The canned reply that screams REJECTION. The truth is, in this digital age, we're exposed to way more rejection than ever before. Employers have made it easier and easier to apply, thus increasing the number of applicants... ultimately increasing the number of people who inevitably will be “rejected”