Career Change: “What Should I be Doing…”
One question I frequently receive is: “What kind of work should I be doing at this point in my life that’s likely to result in greater personal satisfaction and congruence with my values and unique combination of skills and capabilities?”
First, I don’t think there’s just one kind of work for everyone. Most people can find fulfillment doing a variety of things. It’s harder for some people than for others. For instance, the NYC Ballet has been forced to lay off several dancers, who may be facing new careers. Some welcome the opportunity to grow while others feel they’re losing themselves. Athletes feel the same way when they get injured or displaced from professional teams. They’ve been doing the same thing since they were young children.
Yet even these folks almost always find new careers. Louise Nadeau, retiring from the Pacific Northweset Ballet, wants to explore nature photography.
Second, the path to a new career can be (and usually is) a winding road. Much of career counseling and coaching has been based on anecdotes, not tested theories. Even the venerable What Color Is Your Parachute can be questioned. I don’t buy the idea that you can figure out your career goals by the people you want to spend time with.
Besides, the core principle of Parachute – the notion that you can just call strangers for “informational interviews” – is no longer valid. Busy executives won’t talk to anyone without an introduction. Independent consultants can’t devote an hour or two, even with a referral from a friend.
The new buzzword is “serendipity.” Research suggests that most people find new careers by chance. They happen to talk to someone who offers a suggestion. They volunteer for a one-time project and realize it’s what they’ve always wanted.
So how do you get serendipity working in your favor?
(1) Get active. The more people you meet, the more likely you’ll find someone who has the key.
(2) Be open to ideas that seem totally unappealing. Every s often I make a specific suggestion to a client. All too often, the client refuses to follow through or explore. “I know I wouldn’t like that.” With one client, I recommended one career that might work. She followed up with informational interviews but decided against the field. I’m convinced her willingness to consider all options was what got her to the career of her choice.
(3) There’s something about activity that generates solutions. Clients who don’t make progress are those who lack time, energy and commitment. If you’re already working 60 hours a week and/or have family obligations, there’s no way you have time to change careers. You have to clear the decks first. Sometimes you find creative ways to scale back; sometimes you take a new job with fewer hours; sometimes you save money till you can take time off. Each solution has pros and cons.
For more: Check out the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover.
Another good book is Teach Your Intuition to Send You a Telegram, Not a Post Card. Your intuition is your best career coach.
