Feature
leave for work on Monday mornings? • What matters most to you in a work environment? • What kind of lifestyle do you want? • What salary would support this lifestyle? • Do you prefer working alone or in a team? • How much variety and responsibility do you want? Answering these questions will enable you to better explore all options available and make more informed choices. After answering these questions and exploring your options, the next hurdle is looking at any negative self-talk, such as “I can’t do this, because…” It’s usually fairly easy to come up with reasons why not to change and we are quick to doubt ourselves and our abilities. Because of this, we often feel trapped by our circumstances. Spend some time jotting down some of your self-imposed limitations, then challenge these and realise negative self-talk can get in the way of us taking
responsibility for the things we do have the power to change.
Ready, Set, Go Now you have worked through your current situation, evaluated the bigger picture, worked out where your career fits into your overall life plan, thought about your ideal job and challenged any self-imposed limitations, it’s time to take some action. Get out there and do your own market research by reading up on, and talking to, people in the industry or company you are interested in. While this may sound scary, remember most people are happy to help and share their experiences – and insider’s knowledge can provide much needed insight into the day-to-day realities of the role. Consider whether there is anyone else who
can help you with this decision and what your next steps need to be to make the change. Making a career change can be daunting and often involves a lot of hard work and tough thinking. But consider how positive and enthusiastic you would feel if you worked in an area you were passionate about. Also think about the drawbacks of not making any changes – such as killing time in a job where you find yourself clock-watching and wishing the days away. Lyndsay reminds us, “It’s never too late for a career change. Before he taught himself how to paint, Vincent van Gogh was an art dealer, schoolmaster, student priest and missionary. Indeed, he was well into his thirties before his artistic talents were recognised. Not too shoddy for a mid-life career change!”
Tarryn Brien is practice owner of The Happiness Institute in Sydney and offers corporate and individual coaching sessions, programs and workshops. She can be contacted via email at tarryn@thehappinessinstitute.com or phone 1300 733 743.
NATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT WEEK
2009
“Get excited, get involved and get results!”
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE High Five Principles of Career Development: 1. Change is constant 2. Learning is ongoing 3. Focus on the journey 4. Know yourself, believe in yourself and follow your heart 5. Access your allies
Go to www.ncdw.com.au for career events, information, resources & free stuff