How to Determine Your Next Career Move

Career moves can be difficult to make, because despite the frustration one might feel at their job, it’s also “comfortable” and secure. But if you’re ready to challenge yourself and grow professionally, a career move might be just what you need to break the cycle of the daily work doldrums.

The good news is, you don’t have to be left in the dark, lauding others for bravely changing course. We’ve got just what you need. Consider this your step-by-step guide to determining your next, great career move, no matter where you’re at in your career.

Consider your unhappiness

What are you trying to escape by shifting direction in your career? There’s no shame in wanting to escape a job you don’t enjoy, or certain tasks or commutes that turn life into a drudgery. But admitting and defining why you’re looking for elsewhere can help direct you away from falling right back into a work situation that’s not right for you.

Map out your ideal day

It’s time to get your creative juices flowing. This isn’t the time to dive into the big life decisions. It’s a brainstorming session to determine what you actually want to be doing in your day. Are you a desk-sitter? Prefer to be walking and talking? Love to be fiddling around with tech gadgets and programs all day long? What kind of people do you want to be surrounded by? Think through your ideal day, and feel free to dream big.

Tap into your passions

What do you enjoy about your current job (or life)? What do you know you would love to do (or love about) your next one? Start to form a list, and assign each item a happiness number, 1-10. Do puppies make you happy? Sure, add it to the list. You might just find that a pet-friendly environment is vital to your work life. Or do you enjoy striking up conversations with complete strangers, and seeing them become lifelong clients or friends? Envision the possibilities if you let your happiness and professional (or life) passions be your guide.

List out your dislikes

Along this same road, list out the things you really dislike doing, or the types of people you don’t enjoy being around. While not every job will be filled with only things you love, by knowing the tasks you simply can’t stand to do, you can weed out jobs and career paths that might not be in your best interest.

Get inspired

Schedule coffee meetings with people from a number of industries or professions you are curious about. There’s no better way to get an in-depth look at a job or industry than talking to someone who’s actually doing the things you’re thinking about.

Put the pieces together

As you look over your likes and dislikes, does any career or position materialize? Consider all the pieces, including your personality, experiences, and the things you’re naturally good at.

Focus on the next 5 years

Too often, we fail to make a move in any direction because life decisions can be terrifying. But don’t consider this move a life decision. Consider it as part of your next “5-year plan.” Doing life and decisions in smaller segments makes them more accessible and cuts out the fear of a “forever change.” So focus on the next 5 years, take action, and get eager about your next 5 years!

Plan, plan, plan

Is your next career move a promotion within your company? Or a higher position in a new company? Or are you completely changing your industry and starting from the beginning? Every goal will require its own path of transition. Plan out how you will get from where you are to your big move. The planning steps are vital, acting as a roadmap to help you take the first step and reach your destination. Consider people you should reach out too, any education, credentials, or training you might need, and how you’ll make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Making a career move doesn’t have to strike fear in your heart. With a little thought and some proper planning, you can make your decision and transition as pain-free as possible.