As a midlife professional who wants a career change, I wonder what will be important to you now in terms of the kind of work you do, compared to when you began your career? Your circumstances are probably quite different. You may have a mortgage, and a family to support. You may have been through a separation or divorce. Or you may have chosen to go it alone right from the beginning. Regardless of your circumstances, I’ll take a punt that your values have changed as you’ve gained experience and new perspectives.
I invite you to think about what you truly enjoy and value about work. Just by taking some time out to answer these five simple questions can help define what makes you tick, and lead you to think more deeply about what will drive you in a new career. Find a quiet place and make two lists:
1. what have I really enjoyed about my work so far?
2. what’s important to me about work?
If you’re struggling to add to your lists, it may be easier for you to think about the opposite aspect of these questions (even if you’re not, answer them anyway!):
3. what haven’t I enjoyed about my work so far?
4. what isn’t important to me about work?
Understanding what you don’t value will help you get clearer about what you do want going forward. Now you can go to your first list and add what you would prefer instead.
Once you’re focused on what you want, it’s much easier to identify what you already have at your disposal that will help shape a career you’ll love:
5. what skills, talents and interests do I have that could help me shape a career that’s in line with what I want?
Now you’re ready to come up with some career ideas that fit your criteria. Don’t limit yourself at this point. This is time to get creative and explore all the possibilities!
If you’d benefit from career coaching, I can help you find a more meaningful and fulfilling career. I’d be delighted to offer you a free 40 minute consultation. Or, take a look at my Exploring Possibilities mini-workshops. They are small group workshops only 30 minutes from central London and just £15 to attend. You’ve got nothing to lose!
Warmest,
Sandra