Mid-life career changers often feel stuck when they consider finding a new career. They aren’t sure what they want to do next and often they don’t want to do anything at all.
Usually this happens when executives have experienced a series of frustrations. They think they have found a new career so they feel a burst of hope. They get energized. Then something goes wrong. The new job goes away. Or it turns out to be dreary and depressing, even worse than the first career. For this I gave up what I enjoyed before?
What do you when you don’t feel like doing anything? Here are a few suggestions to get started.
What do you find yourself doing effortlessly? Keep doing it.
You never know where these activities will take you. I started writing reviews of books and music for an online bookstore. To my surprise, this activity opened up all sorts of opportunities. My reviews attracted clients. Publishers sent me books. Today I sell products to help others write book reviews as a path to professional success.
Avoid sharing your frustrations with family and friends. Definitely don’t discuss career issues with colleagues, bosses and business associates.
You’ll be most likely to find a new networking resource when you come across as confident and satisfied. More than once, I’ve heard, “I was impressed by X and was ready to recommend him for an opportunity that seemed perfect for him. But when X started telling me about his doubts, his lack of motivation and his frustrations, I hesitated. He doesn’t seem to know what he wants to do.”
Don’t hide. Keep talking to everyone you meet in a strong, positive way.
Most career changes don’t follow a straight line. One study after another shows that career change tends to follow from a serendipitous event that could not have been anticipated. Your success depends on being available and open to recognizing a new opportunity. Chances are it will come whe you least anticipate it, from a source you hadn’t seen as related to your career.
To learn more: Sign up for my 12-session Career Strategy E-course. Get started at http://www.midlifecareeerchoice.com
