Six career questions you should answer today.
The fact you’re reading this article means you’re probably open to change, but if you need that extra push, read on to see if you should embark upon a whole new profession.
As a better than average strategist, I tend to consider the immediate impact and likely future outcome before I start a new project or venture. I do my risk assessment, scan the competitive landscape, consider market forces, research customer requirements and ensure the balance sheet is healthy enough to go the distance. When it comes to personal decisions, I don’t necessarily do all of the above, but at the least, I’ll calculate a mental list of pros and cons to ensure I’m making the right decision for me and my family.
Lessons taught by COVID
That being said, there are times in your life when a pros and cons list doesn’t really cut it and when that little voice inside your head becomes loud enough to make you sit up and listen, it’s definitely time to act. When we’re stuck in a job, career, house, relationship or whatever else that seems impossible to change, we tend to ignore that little voice because it is drowned out by the weight of responsibility. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s how to pivot successfully, but sometimes a pivot is not enough. A full u-turn may be required in order to set yourself up for success and happiness.
“The only way to do good work is to love what you do.”
Now I don’t pretend to be a psychologist or a qualified career counselor, but as someone who has wasted time living in situations where I don’t want to be and doing roles that I don’t really want to do, here are six questions I believe you should be asking yourself VERY regularly to ensure you’re where you should be in life.
Career questions
- Am I fulfilled doing what I do for a living?
- Do I do what I do because I’m good at it, or because I like doing it?
- Is my passion in the career/industry/role that I’m currently doing?
- If I were receiving half my current salary, would I be doing the same role?
- Do I have more good days than bad days at work?
- Is my personal brand really reflecting who I am and what I want to achieve?
If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, I suggest you have a good think about what you’re doing. My advice would be to talk to someone who is qualified to provide advice on the steps you should take to change your situation. It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as the great resignation, or the big quit which have been brought on by COVID, but you might like to start making some changes that will eventually get you on the track toward fulfillment.
When do I start?
And when is the right time to start making changes? Well, right now of course. Life is short and your dream situation may not be as out of reach as you think.
