Maybe you have a job, but you’re unfulfilled. Are you climbing the monetary ladder, but your gig isn’t in line with what you see yourself being happy doing long term? Maybe you are looking to switch careers but have no idea which direction to turn. Maybe everyone is telling you you need to “Follow your passion!” but you have no freaking idea what that might be. No matter what your sitch, let me guess… you’re stuck, frustrated, lost and freaking out to varying degrees.
It has become ingrained in our culture that we need to “Follow Your Bliss” and “Do What You Love” and all sorts of other platitudes. Don’t forget that you have to have your Dream Job. And yeah - I believe that you 100% should do the things that bring you joy and that light your fire and yeah, that you’re passionate about. But I do NOT agree that you need to make your passion your source of income.
Are you bored at work? Has it been a long time since you’ve actually been challenged on the job? There’s a reason. Sometimes you can be too comfy.
I'm not actually talking snuggies, yoga pants and comfy sox. Those things are awesome. I'm talking about feeling totally, yes too, comfortable in your career.
The 'devil you know' comfort is born out of fear. You stay where you are, doing what you're doing, because of fear of the unknown. Where you are might be crappy - but at least you know what kind of crap to expect... right?
Unless there's something on your horizon that gives your stomach the jitters and freaks you out just a bit... something that pushes you out of your comfort zone... you will always be *exactly* right where you are. That's fine... right?
There is a time and space that you get to where you know it’s time to leave your job but you also know that it's a safe place and the devil you know is better than whatever freaky, hypothetical, scaries are out there in the world.
If you want to know “How do I network now?” I'm going to myth-bust this idea of needing a “local network,” cool?
First off, needing to have a “local” network is a big fat myth. Due to the wonders of the internet, ALL networks are local networks!
Secondly, you actually DO have a local network you just may not realize it. You really do have what you need, you just gotta tap into it.
What is one simple trick you can use to boost your confidence? A Wins List is something that can help you get a better gig, or get a promotion at your current gig.
If you’re looking to change careers or move up in your current one, this weekly practice will give you the confidence (and stockpile of goodness) you need to make it happen.
If you are one of the many who have lost their job and are feeling lost, I am sorry. If you’re taking this time to explore your options and possibly make a career change because of losing your job, your next immediate steps should be to get you back on track and set you up for success. Losing your job can be devastating but know that there still lots of opportunities out there for you after losing your job.
How to get a job with no experience?
You have no experience in the job you want. Where do you even start? First off, whether you realize it or not, you most likely actually do have some great experience!
Remember you're not starting fresh. You worked. You gained experiences. You've gained knowledge. You know how to work with people, with teams, using skills you can take with you to your new role. This is your footing when you're networking. You're not a complete noob - you're coming into this as a professional person who's just looking to do a new type of task.
What do you need to do to get a promotion this year? Whether you’re aiming for an elevated position at a new job or want to move up in your current company, in order to do this thing right, you’ve got to think strategically. As I like to say ‘You gotta do the work to do the work.” (Even if you’re not jockeying for a promotion - these actions will help you be a better employee, leader and coworker.)
