Figuring out the Next Step in Your Career Path

Building your career is a very responsible job that everyone of us has to do. It requires a lot of effort and each step should be well-weighed. So, whether you’re about to change a job or in search for one after a long jobless period, you need to make the next step right.

On average, every person changes jobs ten to fifteen times in a lifetime, with 87% of them only lasting at their previous place of employment only for nearly 5 years. For the job market such high personnel turnover is normal, but for each employee changing a job also means changing their lifestyle.

So if you’re about to change the job, you need a smart and organized approach. How can you do that?

Here are 5 smart tips to figure out the next step in your career.

Tip #1: Take your time

Use all the time you need to figure out what you’re going to do next. Look at various job offers and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. Writing pros and cos down will help you better analyze them and figure out the right decision.

You should always research a company for a job interview. If you’re really interested in this particular job, the specificity of working in a company that’s providing this job offer is essential. Failing to do so may lead to losing an opportunity to get the job you want.

Tip #2: Plan your day

Having a big picture in your mind is great, but to aim big you first need to think small. What you need to do is to spend some minutes figuring the small steps. You’ll only need 18-20 minutes every morning to write down the answers to some basic questions, which will help you achieve your goal:

  • What is your next step?
  • What would I like to do with my life?
  • How can I improve my talents?
  • How can I best show my talents to my future employer?

Also read: In the World of Career Development, One-Size-Fits-All Is Dead

These are only some questions you can ask yourself. You can write down different questions the next day and re-read them anytime you need to remind yourself about your preferences. This way you will be able to build the foundation for what your future career will look like.

Download our eBook on Learning and Development Trends and find out how technology enables continuous learning in organizations.

Tip #3: Remind yourself of your dreams

Many of us dreamed to be a doctor, an astronaut, or a singer when we were kids. Childhood is the time to dream without limits, but when we grow up we often forget about our ambitions.

We all know that having the ability to fulfill your dreams is a key to happy life. But we often get carries away by the rush of life and the pressure of responsibilities, and often forget to keep track of what we really want to do with our lives.

The best way to do it is to keep a dream journal. Keep it on your nightstand, write down your dreams every night and re-read them in the morning. Do it every day, visualize your dreams and set your mind only on good things. You’ll notice how fast this approach will change your perceptions of many things surrounding you.

Tip #4: Talk to people that inspire you

Meeting successful people and asking them about career advice is a great way to get inspiration to start a new career path. Look for seminars and lectures in your area, go and listen to people who have a lot experience in building a successful career. They usually give away the best tips on choosing the right career path, using on their unique experience.

Also read: [Infographic] 15 TED Talks for Sparking Creativity

Also, draw inspiration from your family and friends. But besides that, they will actually provide you with great support, which you need to get more decisive about your next step towards your career.

Tip #5: Your health comes first

Your health is the foundation of your future success. The more working days you skip because you feel bad, the longer your way to your next promotion becomes. So keeping yourself healthy is the key to the successful career too.

There are numerous tips on how to keep yourself fit and healthy, including correcting your diet and exercising regularly. But you should choose what’s right for you and what you enjoy the most.

And to top it all

Taking the next step towards your new career may look hard, complex and stressful. But it’s all about how you treat it and approach it. To make it less tiresome, try to approach it with a positive mindset. This will motivate you to move on and pursue your dreams.

If you’re leaving your current place of employment, you might need some time to recharge and let your body and mind to recharge. With fresh thoughts and a body full of energy, you’ll be able to accomplish more and aim bigger.

Download our eBook on Learning and Development Trends and find out how technology enables continuous learning in organizations.

About the author

Tom Jager is professional blogger. He works at Proessaywriting. He has degree in Law and English literature. Tom has written numerous articles/online journals. You can reach him at G+  or  Facebook.

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