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Record numbers of employees changed careers since the pandemic, and those numbers are predicted to hold strong throughout 2022. I have heard many reasons for this, such as work-life balance, pay, culture, concerns about career growth, and many others. As we begin a new year, many people are reflecting on both their personal and professional lives to evaluate areas of improvement. Self-Improvement is the leading New Year’s resolution, and falling within that category for some will be considering a career change.
If you are considering a new career path, now is the time to sit down and honestly assess your skills, goals, and passions to help you discover and understand your career vision.
Below are four questions to ask yourself as you start to reflect. The key to reflection is to think deeply about these questions, dig deeper than surface-level answers to truly assess your skillset and potential areas of improvement. Additionally, consider writing your answers down as you reflect instead of casually thinking about the questions.
1. What energizes me and fuels me the most?
Think about the days you are really proud of, days you felt you were in your element and days that you thought you won the day. What energized you? Was it specific tasks, the ability to tap into your creativity, partnership with colleagues, spearheading a new initiative, etc.? Think about those things you do really, really well—the situations where thoughts and ideas flow easily. The days you go home feeling your absolute best. Pinpoint these tasks/situations/days and envision a career where you can have more of those.
2. What do I know for sure I do not like?
Understanding what you don’t like helps bring you closer to what you do like! It is typically much easier to list things you do not enjoy or take away from your energy, so this might be a good starting point for some. Think about the situations in your day where you start to disengage. Try to be conscious of what is outside of your control. You have to give a little and take a little in some situations, so try to identify what is within your control.
3. What skills do I bring to the table?
Look back at your career to date and evaluate the skills you have learned and acquired throughout your experience. Write down your areas of expertise and how you can provide value. Think about your transferable skills and how you can interpret those to new career fields. Take a comprehensive look at who you are both personally and professionally to truly determine who you are and the value you can provide.
4. What are my skill gaps or perceived weaknesses?
Dig in deep to both your personal and professional self to consider what components could be holding you back. Remember that these could be perceived areas that you need to spotlight or showcase your true abilities. If you lack knowledge or experience, make a note of how you can improve. There are endless resources to improve your skillset, and many resources are entirely free. Most people are good at showcasing their strengths, but addressing areas that do not come naturally to you and overcoming those situations could make you shine.
Now that you have taken the time to think about your future, it is time to put it into action. Think about the goals you want to achieve and what you need to be doing to achieve those goals. Start looking for careers or companies that align with your personal and professional self. Network with individuals across your community to build your network, and you might make a connection to your next career.
Self-assessing can be difficult but will allow you to truly understand what you are looking for as you start to entertain new companies and careers. You will be set up for success in the interview process and allow yourself to shine while also having clear and concise plans for your career. Make this year all about you and align your goals with your future.
