As we move into this hopeful new year, unfortunately, many of us are still dealing with the fallout of 2020.  Maybe you are an unemployed casualty of the recent economic struggle and pandemic prompted layoffs. Perhaps you are still working, but feeling stuck in a job that is unfulfilling – with no possibility of promotion. Or maybe you find yourself trapped in a job with a boss who is, at best, non-supportive, and at worst, an abusive bully.

What you know is that it’s time to make a change.

The hard part is to know where to start.

You know you need an updated resume and a cover letter template, but between online job boards and LinkedIn, it’s hard to know where to begin. Sometimes, it’s easy to just sit at your desk, and fantasize about all the other things you could do. We can get stuck in the “if only” game – “if only I had majored in _______”, if only I had taken that other job, If only…”

How do you break free and kick off a new job search that leads to promising interviews and solid job leads?

The first step is getting clear on what you really want.

When I ask most clients what they really want to do, I get a lot of hemming and hawing. “Well, I just really want to do something different.” Or “I really want to do something where I’m not stuck in front of a computer all day” Or “I just don’t want to do this anymore.” The reality is that it’s hard to know what you want to do

Here are 5 strategies that sound simple but can add so much clarity to your career dreams.

But here’s the real trick. You have to take the time to sit down and actually write out your answers – on paper or in a computer doc. Just thinking about them doesn’t have the same impact. What really helps is to see your answers looking back at you in black and white. You don’t have to make complete sentences. Just use bullet points or make a list. But take the time to write it down.

Here are the 5 simple strategies to get clear on your dream job

1. First, start with that job you don’t want to do anymore. Often it’s easier to start with what you don’t want than to fully imagine what you do want. Most of us know what we don’t want.

   Make a list of all the things you don’t like about your current- or previous position. Go for it – wide open. List everything from those redundant administrative tasks to the fact that the coffee pot leaks. Add that annoying co-worker who pops her gum all day long. Make a LONG list. You can also add things that you didn’t like from previous jobs.  What do you NOT want to do anymore? 

Not only is this a clarifying list – it can be therapeutic. Get it all out – all those annoying things your boss asked you to do. All those things you dreaded. Write them down.

 Whew! Feels better, right? Now, spend some time with that list. Are there themes you can identify? Are you an introvert in a very extroverted job? Do you find yourself constantly yearning for some quiet time to get tasks accomplished instead of constant people contact and interruptions?  Are you overloaded with paperwork when you prefer real client contact?

Begin to identify and define your own work preferences and work style. That’s one giant step toward clarity.

2. The second step is to flip that first question around. What do you like about your current job? What skills do you enjoy using? Maybe you’re great at motivating others or perhaps you excel at tasks that are detailed and structured. Maybe you really like getting deep into solving complex problems. What do you enjoy doing? What do you look forward to when it shows up on your agenda? What tasks feel easy and natural?

Again, be expansive. Maybe you really like your co-workers or your work team. Maybe you really like setting your own schedule or perhaps you find you work best with clear structure and deadlines for getting things done.  Perhaps you like a work pace that is steady and predictable each day or a pace that is varied and filled with interruptions. WRITE IT ALL DOWN.

3. Now think about your lifestyle. How do you want your career to fit into your life? Do you want a career that encompasses the breadth of your life   - or a job that leaves plenty of time and energy for your family, hobbies, or other interests? How much time do you want to spend in the office? How much business travel do you want to do?  Do you want to be in charge of your schedule or are you happy with a regular 9-5? What kind of salary do you need?

 For more questions to help you figure this out, download the free Blue Sage Career Questions Worksheet which offers over 100 questions to help you make career decisions or job changes. It’s like getting free career coaching!

4. Now it’s time to envision your new career. Read through your answers to the previous questions and write down any observations or any themes you can identify. Spend a few minutes getting comfortable, take a couple of deep breaths, and then imagine yourself a year from this date, happily settled in your dream job. Your alarm clock goes off and you roll out of bed, eager to get started on a new day.

What job are you heading off to?

What are you doing? What salary are you earning?

Are you working in an office with other people, in a corporate setting? Are you working independently, running your own business, and setting your own schedule? Are you back in school, retooling for the future? Are you part of a small team? What work are you doing?

Spend several minutes imagining what you would like to be doing in a year. Imagine the details – how the coffee smells when you reach your office in the morning, what your office looks like, who you will be interacting with throughout the day. What does your entire day look like? Walk yourself through the day in your new position.  Make sure to write it all down.

Try this visioning process several times. It may be that you are imagining yourself in several different jobs or careers, so try it out with each one. What do you like about each one? Make notes as you go through the visioning process.

5. Now that you’ve done the dreaming, it’s time to get real and do some research. Spend some time researching the top 2 or 3 career possibilities you dreamed up. How do you get into that field? What do you need to know about that career?  

Ask these questions about potential careers:

• Will there be a strong demand for that career in the future?

• What are the current trends that could influence future demand for that career?

• Are there local jobs in that field, or will you have to relocate?

• What skills, education, languages, and experience are required?

• What is the average salary for entry-level jobs in the field? What is the potential for income as you become more experienced?

Good places to find answers include:

• Google. Ah, yes, always google. Google the question: “Will there be a strong demand for “___________” in the future? Fill in the blank with your possible career. For example: Will there be a strong demand for data programmers in the future?

• ONet online. Check out ONetOnline. It’s a great source for career information and offers information about salaries, job outlooks, career trends, and much more - and it’s free.

• Your local library. These places are overlooked gold mines of information and resources. All you have to do is ask.

• Your contact list. Do you know anyone who works in this field? The best source of information is often a real person in the field.  

Use this visioning process to get started on the career of your dreams.

If you need help, I’m always around.

Anita Flowers is a Board Certified career and life coach at Blue Sage Career Strategies. A little different than most life coaches, Anita’s background in clinical psychology and years of experience as a counselor gives her a rich understanding of human development and family dynamics. Her work history includes 13 years working with an international business company and 12 years doing individual and family counseling as well as career counseling. This blend of counseling and business experience gives Anita a unique perspective on the world of work and life. Anita works with people literally all over the world to help them discover a life and career they love. Contact Anita here to get started on your new career and life!