Are You Clear?

Whenever I work with clients wanting to transition to a new role, company, or career path, the first question I ask them is “Are you clear on what you want to move towards”? It is often easier to see what we’re moving away from - a frustrating work situation, an unpleasant boss, an ill-fitting role. With pandemic work-from-home creating more isolation, we have been processing these situations in our own minds, with limited access to advice from trusted friends and colleagues over a coffee or lunch. As humans, we write “stories” in our minds and have a tendency to ruminate on the negative, which can get in the way of finding positive momentum forward.

So, as you think about your next career move, spend time thinking about what you have loved in your prior roles. What gave you satisfaction? What circumstances led you to your greatest sense of achievement? What are the necessary conditions for you to feel successful? Why?

Write a list, look for what would attract you forward to a new job, company, and team. Define where you want to go next, rather than letting your resume or a recruiter define it for you. Understanding where you’d like to go, will help you chart your path, especially if your destination requires waypoints along the journey.