If you’re anything like me, the state of the world is calling for a lot of re-evaluation. For me, it’s not so much related to career, but life priorities and values in general. We’re all being confronted with something we have never seen or experienced before, and it’s causing a shake-up in our lives in more ways than one.
One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic may expose is the reality of your career — namely, where you stand, where you are headed, and if you really want to be there when it is all said and done. So many people have had their livelihoods stripped away. Others have seen broken systems exposed or found that their career wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be.
Needless to say, a lot of people are shifting priorities and looking to make some big career moves. Don’t let the restlessness of self-quarantine cause you to make a big decision, though. If you’re contemplating a post-COVID life change, there are a few questions that demand answers.
3 Things to Ask Yourself Before Pivoting Your Career
There are many, many points of discussion to include when you’re considering a change in career. Maybe you’re considering breaking out as a self-made entrepreneur. Maybe you’re unhappy where you are and see greener pastures elsewhere. Whether your dreams were bigger from the beginning or you’re just now sensing a need for change, these are the three essential questions you should ask from the beginning.
1) How do I define success?
We all define success differently. For some, success is in fulfilling work. For others, it’s the flexibility to spend time with family. Others still value financial security, the comfort of great benefits, or the ability to utilize their best, most-prized skills.
Defining success isn’t easy. Our standards of success rarely stay the same throughout our lives, so re-evaluation is often necessary. Compare yourself now to the idea of a future self. What would you rather be? Financially secure? More skilled? More flexible? Happier? Define what it is that you value in a career and what, for you personally, would be a success.
Too many of us chase a standard of success that is not ours, and, as a result, find ourselves feeling unfulfilled. Knowing who and where you want to be, at least in the big-picture, begins to show you if you need to change or stay where you are.
2) Am I making this an emotional decision?
Emotions are a big deal. Some people who have the “best” jobs in the world are miserable on the inside. And let’s not get it wrong — your emotional and mental well-being is extremely important. It can affect overall health and performance as well as your relationships. Emotions do matter. However, we have to avoid making decisions solely based on emotions.
Don’t wait until you dread going to work every day to decide you want a change. Because you’re miserable where you are, you will likely jump at any opportunity for change whether or not it is the right decision.
Every angle, every factor, must be considered. Just as making more money isn’t the most important thing, getting away from what makes you unhappy isn’t the most important, either. There is no ideal, perfect job. Every job comes with its fair share of problems. Be careful not to view opportunities with rose-tinted glasses!
Allow your emotions to inform a decision, but do not allow them to control it. They will, if left unchecked, skew your view of other opportunities as well as the decision to stay where you are.
3) What makes me thrive?
I would consider this question different from that of the first. It is less about defining success for the future and more pinpointing what it is that makes you come alive. I know, I know. I’m not really for the whole “find your passion” school of thinking. Passions fade. Priorities change. But I do think there is something to be said for what makes you thrive.
Different people are more engaged and excited by different kinds of work, utilizing different skills, and tackling different challenges. Do you really like working with people? Don’t have a career that sets you in front of a screen all day. Do you feel like your skills are being wasted? Maybe you need to find a job that allows you to grow and use what you’re truly good at.
Thriving isn’t so much about tangible success as it is about personal satisfaction. Does your job, your boss, your environment, make you feel empowered? Does it encourage you to grow into the best version of you there is?
All of us have to work jobs we don’t like and don’t truly want from time-to-time. That’s the nature of the beast. However, when you look to change careers, pinpointing that which excites you most is a great signpost to look for.
When you come to a professional crossroads, what factors impact your decision-making? Share in the comments.