As with many decisions, it sometimes helps to put thoughts down on paper or screen; and play with the answers. Mix it up. Be honest. Here’s a career choices tool that can help you identify what you want and do not want in functions or tasks (your professional goal), field or industries (your target market) and other factors (work environments and logistics related to work).
Awareness is power
Writing down options and possibilities helps you see how to transfer skills into other functions or industries; and then to define short-term and long-term goals. It’s good to remember that the jobs or tasks you performed in the past are not necessarily the best ones for your future. A job should maximize your best skills, but should also cover other important factors—your values, interests and preferences to name a few.
It worked for Brian
My client, Brian told me he felt like a deer caught in the headlights. For the last 18 years at a software company, he had worked his way up the corporate ladder, earning an MBA in marketing along the way. In his last position as a regional vice president, he was accountable for one of his company’s largest and most profitable business units. Brian loved the autonomy and diversity of his responsibilities. He considered himself a hands-on but quiet leader, good at wearing many hats. He took great pride in his ability to motivate and challenge staff to do extremely well.
Then the acquisition was announced. Brian had to decide whether to move his family or stay in his current city. A community leader, active in many organizations, Brian decided not to relocate, accepted the separation package and set about finding another position. He had loved his career, but was uncertain about what direction to take.
Brian’s written words
You could put this in a chart or table format, but here’s the gist of Brian’s written discoveries:
Professional goal / job functions or tasks: What kind of work do I want to do?
- Do not want: Heavy sales or financial responsibilities
- Might want: Marketing, consulting, managing operations or supervising people
- Do want: To run the show
Target market / fields or industries: Where do I want to work?
- Do not want: Financial services, insurance, transportation, retail or a mammoth company
- Might want: Computer industry, own a business, non-profit
- Do want: Small-to-medium-sized organization
Other ingredients / work environment: What’s the culture? What are the logistics?
- Do not want: Relocation or excessive travel
- Might want: Something new and different, moderate travel
- Do want: Remain in current location, making a difference, a challenge, time for outside interests
Brian tweaked and modified as he continued in his search. The career choices tool helped him with some metrics to find the best overall fit. Combining his leadership and marketing experience with his love for community outreach and making a difference , Brian accepted a position as Marketing and Membership Director of a mid-sized non-profit headquartered in his hometown. Now seven months into his new job, Brian is feeling confident that he chose wisely. He credits putting thoughts to paper (or screen) as being very helpful.
Photo: Mike Licht
