Setting a New Direction for Your Career

How are things going with your work and career?

If your work is not fulfilling you, setting a new direction may be just what you need. This article shows you how.

First, Realize You’re In The Right Place

You haven’t made a terrible mistake if you’re unhappy in your work. You did your best with the information and opportunities you had at any given time. There is no point or merit in bemoaning the career choices you have made, or the experiences you have had in the past. They got you where you are today – ready to create a new direction!

Bring yourself to a place of acceptance. The present moment is the best — and only — place from which to set a new direction.

All that you have experienced will enrich your journey to work that fulfills you and makes you happy.

How to harness your past experiences, good and bad, in setting a new career direction

Make a list of what has brought you to where you are today. These things could be:

education or skills you have developed
choices you have made regarding where you wanted to work or live
what you have wanted for your career
goals you have set and whether or not you have met them
things you have learned along the way
things that drain your energy at work
things that fulfill you
what you would like to change in your career
what you have identified so far that you want to include in your new direction.

This list is your starting point for setting a new direction.

**Decide What You Want To Create**

As you embark on setting a new direction for your work or career, take your own counsel first. It is you who knows best what makes you happy and where you want to go. Too often, we scatter our thinking and allow others to influence our choices before we even set out in a new direction. You control this journey, making the choices that are right for you.

Take some time and go within. Create some open space in which to think about what direction you want to go in.

Do you want to work for an organization?
Do you want to have your own business?
What industry or sector appeals most to you?
What kind of culture do you want to work in?
What kind of work/life balance is best for you?
What lifestyle will this direction provide for you – both good and bad.
What kind of impact do you want to have with your work?

Once you have an idea of the direction you want to go in, start reaching out. Do some research on the options available to you. Explore places you may like to work. Reach out to mentors, colleagues or friends and run your ideas by them. Pursue developing skills that you need, so you can be competitive in your field. Then, start moving. Develop a resume, a portfolio and whatever else you need to pursue your new direction. Set a time frame and goals, so that you maintain your focus.

Know That You Have Absolute Freedom

One thing that can trip you up in finding a new direction that is right for you, is not acknowledging the freedom you have to set that direction. In doing so, you limit your options and possibilities, as well as your chances for happiness and fulfillment, from the very start.

Sure, there are realities and practicalities, but they can be dealt with. They do not have to stop you. I have seen clients begin setting a new direction with perceptions such as, “I can never work in the arts; I have to pay my mortgage” and end up finding work they love in the arts and still being able to pay their mortgage. I have also seen people say, “I don’t have the skills for the job” and, when they start to research, they realize the skills that they already have are transferrable. They may need to get a certification or hone some new skills, but that is doable, and they get where they want to be.

Do what you can to acknowledge and own the freedom you have to set a new direction for your work or career. Start with your truest (and wildest) dream for what will make you happy and challenge you in positive ways. Write down your dream — what you are ready for and what may take some work. Set a plan for pursuing that direction. See what comes of it. There may be some obstacles, but acknowledging your freedom will bring you to a much better place than self-limiting your freedom.

You’re Ready For A New Direction!

You deserve to be happy in your work. It is up to you to make it happen. Take the steps suggested here and you will be on your way to creating a new direction. Pursuing your new direction will bring you satisfaction, challenge, growth and new surprises. You will stay vital and get better and better. I’m rooting for you!