With a new year on the horizon, it’s a good time to take stock and reflect on what it is you want from your career in 2024 and beyond.
Perhaps your career priorities have changed, your values have shifted or you are just ready to try something new this year. Here are some tips to help you kickstart your career goals and start moving forward.
Understand your value
It can be helpful to think about what skills you have and what value you can bring to the table. If you struggle with this you could think about feedback you have received in a previous role or if you have been on a career break think about personal situations in which you have received positive feedback. Chat with colleagues, family and friends to jog your memory and start to build a picture of all your transferable skills. You can then start to think about where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Are there gaps in your knowledge and skills set? If there are, what could you do to address this?
Follow your passions
What drives your energy and passion? Let this provide a framework for your career path. If you are looking to return to work or change your career, think about what type of work is going to give you fulfillment. With the average person now changing jobs 5-7 times over the course of their working life, you don't have to stick to one career path. Pivoting your career is becoming far more commonplace. You can use the skills and knowledge you have built up to adapt your career in a new related direction, which plays to your passions and values.
Build your network
Developing and talking to your network can help you to build confidence and move forward with your career plans. Find people who can act as mentors, support you and who you can learn from. Explore who works in the career field you would like to move into, find out what skills and experience they have and how they have got to where they are now. Your network can provide inspiration, insight and different perspectives to help you make career decisions.
Get out there and test opportunities
Waiting for that perfect opportunity can often lead to frustration and start to erode confidence. Sometimes simply taking that first step to get started and kickstart your career plans can serve you well. The work you take on may not relate to your long term career goals but you can still learn and build confidence. Your transferable skills will help you in any role and you can still work on those long term plans on the sidelines. Developing a side hustle or parallel career is another way to start working, particularly if you want to test out a new career direction. It’s low risk and can help you build up valuable experience to add to your credentials.
Career Coach
Working with a career coach can help you to learn more about yourself and help you gain clarity on what it is you want from your professional career. It provides you with an opportunity to take time out for you and reflect on areas of confusion. It can help you overcome challenges, build confidence and start moving forward. Please book a chat to find a bit of clarity and get planning for that flexible job you want and deserve!
Kickstart your fulfilling career and start moving forward with your goals for 2024!