When climbing the career ladder, many people ultimately end up knocked down a rung, dissatisfied with a new job that pays more or offers faster promotions than their previous position. However, finding career satisfaction and a job you love simply requires a plan of action.
Unfortunately, many job seekers jump at more money, more prestige, or merely a promotion, and forget to put in the work required to insure they’re landing the ideal position for them. It’s not uncommon, and it’s easy to overcome if you employ some simple steps to assess what you want from your career.
Start by evaluating your dissatisfaction with your current job. If you feel unchallenged, are there opportunities for you to shine that you haven’t seized? Have your job requirements or expectations changed? Before you leap to another job, consider the opportunities to make a positive change for yourself that would alleviate your dissatisfaction.
Next, consider what you enjoy in your present job. What do you enjoy doing? What skills do you possess? Are there interests, values, abilities, or specific areas you prefer to work in? Write down the answers to those types of questions and refer to them when evaluating jobs you apply for. If the job you’re considering doesn’t match up, odds are you’ll be unhappy in the long run.
From there, communicate with your boss. Why wait for an annual performance review to evaluate your career path? Discuss productivity, career satisfaction, and performance by initiating a conversation with your supervisor. Ask for recommendations, volunteer to take on new projects that align with your career goals, or develop suggestions to help the company then offer to drive those goals.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to network. Evaluate your professional network and maintain those contacts. Stay abreast of changes in your industry through your contacts to enhance your understanding of those trends. Use that information in interviews or transitions within your present company and talk to people in your field of expertise to insure those changes will be beneficial to you and your skills.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek career advice from a peer, mentor, or executive advisor. You go to the dentist when your teeth hurt. You go to a mechanic to fix your car. So getting career advice can be the last piece of a plan of action to find the right career path, and the perfect job, for you!
