How to create a meaningful career path in 2020
At this time of year, the resolutions you made as you welcomed 2020 may be long forgotten, or you might have written them down but have yet to make the changes you’re seeking. Everyone strives for a job and career they enjoy and find meaningful – but this isn’t always a straightforward path. As a business communicator, you likely share stories regularly of clients, employees or business leaders overcoming challenges to create connections and a sense of purpose. Can you share your own career story this way? Here are three steps you can take this year to create change in your own career.
Know yourself
Self-awareness is a big part of any personal growth and progress. Do you have a clear sense of your values and how they integrate with your work? Entering a new life stage or experiencing personal change can help you reflect and realize we want to make a change. Maybe you’re in a role that you’ve outgrown or in an industry or sector that no longer makes sense. Before jumping ship or pivoting your career path, take some time to get to know yourself and what you value. We’re living in a time of constant innovation and change, and sometimes the job that aligns with your strengths and interests isn’t where you think it is. Am I being challenged? Am I growing in my role? Do I believe in the mission and purpose of my company? These are questions that take you beyond your salary, title or status of the company and help you personally reflect and decide if your work is meaningful.
Be purposeful with Your experimentation
Taking on a side-hustle, pursuing further education and training, or volunteering your time can be excellent ways to explore something new. They can also be a colossal waste of time and effort. Let’s face it, do you really have time to throw away? I didn’t think so. Instead, take time to assess what it is that you want to learn or experience. Be intentional about how you spend your time and the opportunities you take on outside of work or your personal life to expand your perspectives. Consider searching for volunteer opportunities by skill, or networking to find the right fit for your situation. Before committing to further education ask yourself what you’re hoping to have learned at the end of it all. Talk to people who’ve decided to freelance before taking the plunge yourself. You’ll feel more confident with the choices you make and the time you invest in yourself.
Don’t expect perfection and seek trusted supporters
Listen, some of us don’t get it right on the first try. Or even the second. Remember to be patient with yourself and don’t expect perfection. Meaningful work is a very personal thing, and only you can decide if you’re happy with the path your professional life takes. Fight the urge to seek external validation to confirm your success and instead focus on the journey while seeking support from trusted friends, colleagues and mentors. Consider reaching out to leaders you admire and ask if they’ll listen to your ideas about career exploration over a coffee. Not all bosses will be willing to do this, but if you have someone, you can bounce career ideas off of be sure to take advantage. Most of all, have fun with the process. Be open to new things, be willing to look a little silly and laugh along the way. A career pivot or change can happen at any stage of your professional life and help you find work you not only enjoy – but love.
- By Loretta Kooymans, IABC Waterloo Board Member