This month’s Ask Me Anything is a question that many of my coaching clients find themselves working on, during our sessions. The fact it’s popped up as a question in the AMA makes me think that there are lots of people at a similar career crossroads right now! Rather than” I don’t know what I want to do career-wise”, it is “I have too many choices! Many would say it is a great dilemma to have, but still, one that is a challenge to work through on your own. I only have a limited amount of time/space to cover this (as you can imagine this can be the goal of a whole coaching package), so I’m going to give you some core areas to consider if this question resonates, and hopefully, this will help you get some more career clarity.
“I have a couple of paths I could take for my career; how do I decide?”
Get Back to Basics
The first step in making any decision is to identify your values. What’s important to you? Is it financial stability, work-life balance, flexibility, creativity, all the above or something else? Knowing your values will help you evaluate potential career paths and determine which ones align with your priorities. If this is a new concept, then check out this values blog to help you start to consider what your values are.
Envision Your Future
I’m going to invite you to play a little. Yes, it may seem odd, but leaning into your imaginative side is a great way to help you get unstuck! Imagine yourself in a rocking chair, reflecting on your life and career, many decades from today. How do you want to talk about the experiences you have had over this time? How will each of these career options support this? Again, head over to my earlier blog about the rocking chair exercise to experience this for yourself.
Identify Your Priorities
Sometimes we need to get practical; What do you want? It’s okay to be honest and consider the practical things you want for your life and family. Be unapologetic about – needing a certain income level isn’t something to be embarrassed about. You may also have other priorities, such as time for yourself and your family, the opportunity to focus on your health, the ability to travel, or the need for flexibility for childcare. Break it down and think through what matters most to you.
Consider the Short Term
Linked to the above, when evaluating career paths, it’s important to consider your needs in the short term as well. What are your immediate priorities? How long will they be important to you? Which career path will best meet your needs in the short term? Remember, your priorities may change over time, and it’s okay to make decisions based on your current situation.
There’s No Right Answer
Finally, remember that there’s no one right answer regarding your career. You may have to make trade-offs and sacrifices along the way. The key is to make the best decision based on what you know right now and what’s important to you. The worst decision you can make is no decision!
In my experience, both personally and professionally, making career decisions can be a challenging process. However, by getting back to basics, envisioning your future, identifying your priorities, considering the short term, and remembering that there’s no one right answer, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your values and goals.
For those who submitted this question, I really hope that it’s helped! Come on over to Creating Careers to Enjoy to share what your next steps will be.
If you would like to check out the previous Ask Me Anything videos, you can find them in the group, as well as the latest Q&As on the blog.
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
