It’s not easy to explore the next step in your career when you work in the not-for-profit sector. It’s likely your job is all consuming, spilling into evenings and weekends, leaving you little time to reflect on the future.
So, when you feel it really is time to move on, it’s tempting to head for the job sites, knocking up your CV and job applications on the run, and going with shiny opportunities that just happen to come along. I see this a lot in my coaching – people are often quite fed up at work, feel desperate to move on, and will grab at whatever is out there because it offers something new. Sometimes these moves work out, and sometimes they don’t.
I would love to see more third sector professionals taking the time to explore what they really want next, so they can find themselves doing meaningful, joyful work that truly makes a difference. Here are seven easy steps:
Clarify what you want
Give yourself time to understand what you want for the future. Ask yourself, “if I could have exactly what I want, and I knew I couldn’t fail, what would I choose?” When you begin to picture your ideal work and life, in colour and detail, it’s far easier to get there.
Think positively
The biggest thing to change is the negative voice that kicks in the minute you start to push through your comfort zone. Messages such as, “you can’t do this”, “what will people think?”, “I’m not good enough,” are dream-killers. They will sabotage you, no question about it. Instead, recognise that what you’re doing is challenging and obstacles will come up but it is perfectly possible to succeed.
Discover your unique contribution
Everyone has a signature set of strengths, skills and talents that no one else can offer to the world. Spend time understanding what yours are. Identify skills you use at work, but don’t stop there. Look beyond, to the practical and soft people skills that others value you for.
Know yourself from the inside out
What core values do you hold? What are you passionate about? What do you love to do? What type of learner are you? Get a personality test done if you haven’t done already and consider what this information reveals about the kind of work you enjoy doing.
Make the most of your current job
As long as you’re in post, doing your current job, don’t give up on it. This is a good time to test things out. Do your research and begin to match what you can offer with what’s needed, and build relationships with people you admire. If possible, shadow someone, get a coach or mentor and take the opportunity to upgrade your skills.
Do one thing a day
Set yourself a motivating and inspiring goal, with a deadline. Write it down, read it often and take an action towards it every single day.
For example, even after a busy day at work, when you’re feeling sluggish, take a few minutes to invite someone to write a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile, or take a look at one or two relevant blog posts. Remember these small efforts all add up.
Become your own expert
Don’t just wonder whether your LinkedIn profile or CV are brilliant enough, or if you’re doing your absolute best in interviews and presentations. Find out.
You could, for example, ask a supportive colleague to assess your performance after a meeting, and really take on board what they say. Or you could be brave and pick up the phone for feedback after an unsuccessful interview.
Commit time to learning what you need to know. Get all the tools in place and land a job that will have you leaping out of bed each morning.
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