A career is the primary source of income for most people, and it is also an important factor in determining how happy and fulfilled we are. But with so many options available today, it can be difficult to decide which career path is best suited for us.
This is where career planning advice comes in. It’s a process that helps you identify what type of work environment will be the most fulfilling for you while also helping you achieve your professional goals.
6 Reasons Why Career Planning is Important
Helps You Achieve Goals
Career planning helps you achieve your career goals by helping you address challenges, set goals and plan steps to reach them. It also provides valuable insights into your long-term goals and how best to reach them.
You should have short and long-term goals that are specific, measurable, and time-bound. You can use these goals to help you determine what type of career planning will be most effective for you, whether it’s a job search or an overall strategy for improving your skills and increasing your earning potential.
Gives Career Direction
You don’t want to waste time or money doing things that don’t lead anywhere. You can create a path toward your dream job or career by finding out what your interests are and which careers match those interests.
Being lost in a sea of options can be overwhelming, but once you know what you want to do and your strengths, it’s much easier to focus on the right things.
Empowers You to Handle Curveballs
Being prepared is about more than just knowing what the future holds. It’s also about handling whatever comes your way when you least expect it. When you create a plan for your career, it empowers you to handle unexpected challenges with confidence and grace—and even turn them into opportunities.
Prevents Stagnation
Have you ever felt the tug of stagnation in your career? It’s a common feeling, especially if you’ve been at the same company for years. But when you’re prepared to pivot, it’s easier to make changes that will help you stay motivated and engaged with your work.
Gain Self Development and Awareness
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle of work. But when you’re prepared to pivot, it’s much easier to see what changes need to be made so that you can advance your career. Looking at yourself with fresh eyes will give you new insights into what works and doesn’t.
And when you have the ability to self-reflect, it’s easier to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This makes it easier to see what skills need development and how they can be applied at work.
Career Growth
You are responsible for your career growth and development. You can’t rely on anyone else to tell you what to do or how to go about it. But when you’re prepared to pivot, it’s much easier to make the changes necessary for advancement in your career.
Conclusion
Career planning is an important process that can help you decide what type of work environment will be best for you. It’s a way to identify and match your career goals with the most appropriate job opportunities available.
Are you wanting to have a career shift? Start your career journey with PathWise today! We help you map your career path, educate yourself about the industry and job market, and provide support throughout your journey.
Want access to more career, leadership, and professional development content? Become a PathWise member. Basic membership is free, so join today!
In today’s evolving and competitive job market, staying ahead of the curve and optimizing your career growth can be challenging. Whether you’re seeking to navigate a career transition, striving for a promotion, or evaluating your professional path, having expert guidance can make the journey more focused and rewarding. That’s where career coaching comes into play, offering specialized support and personalized strategies to help individuals reach their fullest potential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of career coaching, including its definition, advantages, and how it can enhance your professional development. You’ll also learn about the various stages of working with a career coach, the key indicators that it may be time to seek coaching, and the unparalleled benefits of specialized guidance. As you embark on this journey with PathWise, you’ll gain valuable insights and strategies to shape your career, ensuring long-lasting success and fulfillment.
A Career Coach – Who Are They and How They Can Help You
A career coach is an experienced professional who specializes in guiding individuals throughout their careers, offering support and personalized strategies tailored to their unique goals and needs. Career coaches assess your skills, strengths, and aspirations, and then help you devise a plan to reach your career objectives. They provide targeted advice on everything from job search strategies and resume improvement to navigating promotions, career transitions, and personal branding.
With their industry knowledge and expertise, career coaches can help you overcome challenges, stay motivated, and uncover new opportunities within your field. By collaborating with a career coach, you’ll gain invaluable insights, develop essential skills, and learn to make informed decisions to accelerate your professional growth and success.
Ways You Can Benefit From Career Coaching
There are numerous potential benefits to working with a good career coach, regardless of your experience level or the sector you’re in. Here are some of the ways you can benefit from career coaching:
Enhanced Self-Awareness: Career coaches help you gain a clearer understanding of your unique strengths, skills, and interests, enabling you to make more informed decisions about your career path and aspirations.
Expert Guidance: Career coaches possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in various industries, offering specialized advice and best practices tailored to your field, career stage, and goals.
Improved Job Search Strategies: Career coaches can help refine your job search tactics, ensuring you are targeting the right opportunities that align with your career objectives.
Personalized Roadmap: Through regular coaching sessions, you’ll develop a customized career plan outlining milestones, growth opportunities, and long-term objectives, translating into a clear direction and a sense of purpose.
Networking Opportunities: Career coaches can introduce you to valuable industry connections and resources, ensuring you stay well-networked and informed.
Accountability and Motivation: The support and guidance offered by a career coach can help you stay accountable to your goals, providing the motivation and encouragement needed to overcome obstacles and maintain momentum.
As you can see, career coaching offers a plethora of benefits that can play a fundamental role in shaping and elevating your professional journey. With the right coach by your side, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome the challenges and uncertainties that may arise in today’s competitive job market.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Hire a Career Coach?
Understanding the right time to seek career coaching can be essential in ensuring that you receive maximum value from this investment in yourself. Here are some key indicators that it may be time to explore your options with a career coach:
Lack of Clarity: If you’re uncertain about what you want to do professionally, or are contemplating a job or career change, a career coach can help you assess your skills, strengths, interests, and values and set a course that’s right for you.
Career Stagnation: If you feel that your professional growth has come to a standstill or you’re struggling to advance in your career, a coach can help identify barriers and strategize ways to overcome them.
Job Dissatisfaction: If your current job no longer aligns with your passions, goals, or values, a career coach can support you in exploring new opportunities that better resonate with who you are and what you want.
Frequent Career Transitions: If you have made several career shifts or experienced job instability, a career coach can help you identify the underlying causes and work with you to address them and build a more focused, long-term career plan.
Navigating a New Field or Industry: If you’re considering a transition to a new field or industry, a career coach can provide valuable guidance, advice, and resources to help you make a successful switch.
Enhancing Personal Branding: If you’re looking to build a strong personal brand and reputation in your industry, a career coach can provide insights and tools to help differentiate yourself in a competitive job market.
Working with a Career Coach: What to Expect
Embarking on your career coaching journey may feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect can help ease your concerns and ensure that you make the most of the experience. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the coaching process:
Initial Consultation: Typically, your first encounter with a career coach will involve an introductory session where you discuss your background, goals, and expectations. This conversation will help determine if the coach is a good fit for your needs.
Assessment: Your coach will use various assessment tools and techniques to evaluate your skills, strengths, interests, and values. They’ll also work with you to get underneath reasons you’re feeling unfulfilled, unhappy, or challenged. This information will be crucial in devising a personalized career plan tailored to your unique aspirations.
Goal Setting: Together with your coach, you’ll establish measurable, achievable, and realistic career goals aligned with your desires and potential. These goals will serve as a roadmap for your coaching journey.
Action Planning: Based on your established goals, your coach will work with you to develop step-by-step action plans that outline the strategies, activities, and resources needed to reach each milestone.
Skills Development and Support: As you execute your action plans, your coach will provide guidance and advice on improving skills, refining strategies, and enhancing your overall professional effectiveness.
Progress Tracking and Adjustments: Regular check-ins and progress updates will help ensure that you stay on track with your goals. If you encounter obstacles, your coach will help you adapt your plans and devise new strategies to overcome these challenges.
Celebrating Success: As you achieve your career milestones, your coach will encourage you to celebrate your wins and recognize the progress you’ve made, reinforcing your confidence and motivation.
Assessing What’s Next: As you progress through your career, your coach will periodically revisit assessments, help you set new goals and action plans, and continue to develop your skills, address challenges, and adapt. Done well, coaching can become an ongoing part of how you take ownership for your career..
Choosing the Right Career Coach for Your Needs
Selecting the right career coach is a crucial step in ensuring that you receive the support and guidance that best aligns with your goals and circumstances. Consider these factors when choosing a coach:
Coach’s Specialization: Look for a coach with expertise in your industry, career stage, or specific area of focus, allowing for relevant and targeted advice tailored to your unique needs.
Compatibility: Evaluate the coach’s communication style, coaching philosophy, and personality to ensure that you feel comfortable and well-supported throughout the coaching process.
Track Record: Research the coach’s experience, credentials, and client testimonials to ensure they have a proven history of success in helping individuals achieve their career goals.
Accessibility: Consider the coach’s availability for appointments, their preferred communication methods, and the duration of the coaching process, ensuring that your schedule and preferences align.
The Benefits of Working With a Career Coach from PathWise
By partnering with a career coach from PathWise, you’ll be tapping into a wealth of expertise, resources, and specialized support designed to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of today’s job market. Here are some of the distinctive benefits of working with a PathWise career coach:
Personalized Approach: Each coaching relationship is tailored to your specific goals, needs, and circumstances, ensuring that you receive customized guidance throughout your journey.
Industry-Specific Expertise: PathWise career coaches possess deep knowledge and experience in various industries, allowing them to provide targeted advice and strategies that align with your chosen field.
Comprehensive Suite of Resources: PathWise offers an extensive array of tools, resources, and workshops to complement your coaching experience, empowering you to build a strong foundation for long-term career success and focus your coaching sessions on the areas where you most want help.
Supportive Community: Unlock the power of networking and shared knowledge through PathWise’s community of professionals, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and benefit from their collective wisdom.
Track Record of Success: With a proven history of assisting individuals in achieving their career goals, PathWise coaches bring a wealth of insights and success stories to the table, ensuring that your coaching relationship is founded on a solid foundation of expertise.
Maximizing the Benefits of Career Coaching
To fully realize the potential of career coaching, it’s essential that you view your coach as a partner in your career development. Be proactive and engaged throughout the process. Here are some tips to ensure that you make the most of your coaching experience:
Clearly Define Your Goals: Start by clarifying your objectives, aspirations, expectations and timeframe for the coaching process, enabling you and your coach to devise a focused, results-oriented plan.
Be Open and Honest: Build trust by being transparent with your coach about your challenges, concerns, and experiences, allowing for a more accurate assessment of your needs and a tailored coaching approach.
Actively Participate: Engage fully in the coaching sessions, ask questions, contribute to discussions, and complete assignments, ensuring that you absorb the insights and strategies provided.
Embrace Feedback: Be open to receiving constructive feedback from your coach, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Be willing to challenge existing beliefs and explore new perspectives as well.
Monitor Your Progress: Regularly evaluate your progress towards your career goals, and discuss any obstacles or setbacks with your coach to adapt and refine your strategy as needed.
The Long-Term Impact of Career Coaching
Investing in career coaching shouldn’t be viewed as a short-term solution, as it can have profound, long-lasting effects on your professional trajectory. Here are some of the long-term benefits of career coaching:
Sustainable Career Growth: With a solid foundation laid through coaching, you’ll be better equipped to navigate future career challenges and capitalize on opportunities, allowing for ongoing professional development and growth.
Enhanced Networking Skills: Coaching provides strategies and best practices for networking, resulting in a broader professional network that continues to deliver value throughout your career.
Improved Decision-Making Abilities: Career coaching empowers you with critical thinking and decision-making skills, enabling you to make more informed choices about your career path and personal goals.
Self-Awareness and Confidence: By gaining a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, you’ll develop greater self-awareness and confidence in your abilities, ultimately leading to better career choices and personal fulfillment.
Career Coaching for Every Stage of Your Professional Journey
Career coaching is not reserved for those just starting out or struggling in their careers. Professionals at every stage of their journey can benefit from the insights and strategies provided by a skilled career coach:
Early-Career Professionals: For those just embarking on their careers, coaching can help create a strong foundation and roadmap, setting the stage for lasting success.
Mid-Career Professionals: Coaching can assist individuals in overcoming career stagnation, identifying growth opportunities, and realigning their professional trajectory with their evolving goals and priorities.
Late-Career Professionals: Career coaching can support individuals approaching retirement or contemplating a change in professional focus, helping them identify fulfilling opportunities that align with their values, interests, and lifestyle.
Adapting to Career Challenges and Changes with Career Coaching
Career coaching not only equips you to handle immediate career concerns but also provides you with the tools and resources to adapt to unforeseen challenges and fluctuations in the job market. Some ways in which career coaching can help you navigate change include:
Developing Resilience: Career coaching can help you build resilience, enabling you to withstand setbacks and challenges while remaining focused on your long-term goals.
Embracing Adaptability and Flexibility: A career coach can provide strategies for adapting to changes in the job market, industry trends, or personal circumstances, fostering an agile mindset that supports ongoing success.
Evaluating and Reassessing Goals: Career coaching encourages regular reflection on and reassessment of your career objectives, ensuring that you stay aligned with your evolving priorities and aspirations.
The Investment of Career Coaching and Measuring the ROI
Engaging in career coaching is an investment in your personal and professional growth. As with any investment, it’s important to consider the costs and potential returns. The cost of career coaching can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on factors such as the coach’s experience, services offered, and program duration.
To measure the ROI of career coaching, consider these factors:
Career Advancement: Assess the progress you’ve made since beginning your coaching journey, including promotions, salary increases, or successful career transitions.
Skill Development: Review the new skills and knowledge you’ve gained, evaluating how these have enhanced your professional effectiveness and value in the job market.
Personal Growth: Reflect on the personal changes and growth you’ve experienced, including increased self-awareness, confidence, and overall well-being.
Network Expansion: Analyze the impact of new connections and resources provided by your coach, taking into account new opportunities and relationships that have emerged as a result.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, standing out and realizing your full potential requires more than just talent and ambition.Career coaching offers the insights, tools, and support needed to make strategic decisions, overcome obstacles, and capitalize on opportunities, allowing you to build a fulfilling and rewarding career.
By partnering with PathWise’s experienced career coaches, you’ll be directly investing in your professional success – unlocking unparalleled growth, satisfaction, and achievement. So take charge of your career journey and partner with a PathWise career coach today – your future self will thank you.
Ready to elevate your career with customized coaching guidance? Connect with a PathWise career coach and begin your journey toward personal and professional success today!
Want to learn more about the coaching profession and certifications? Check out the International Coaching Federation or iPEC, two of the leading certification programs.
Everyone knows that working a job is fundamental to living a successful life. Many of us work hard on our careers to develop professionally, in hope that it will ultimately lead to greater job security, financial stability, happiness and fulfillment. However, considering your career options and where you see yourself next can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve worked for some time and are comfortable where you are. For this reason, a focused and proactive approach to career preparation and strategic career planning is recommended.
Effective career preparation is about taking control of your professional skills development and career objectives. This can include researching and applying for job opportunities, gaining additional professional experience, and developing yourself through continuing education and training. While it may sound easy enough, many people don’t take these steps because they’re intimidated by the career planning process, don’t know where to start in the short term, or just don’t make the time to develop their career.
Skills and Benefits of Career Management
If you’re managing your career path, here are some of the skills you will learn and benefits you will reap:
#1 – Setting Goals
Career preparation and management involves setting career goals, so you know what you want to achieve in your career and then work toward that goal. Setting goals allows you to focus your efforts and gives you a sense of direction. You can break your goals into smaller, achievable steps to make them more manageable. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
Goals also allow you to measure your progress and see how far you have come to help you gain a sense of accomplishment and pride. Goal-setting can also help you identify areas where you need to improve, so that you can focus your efforts on where you want to grow.
However, you must remember that the goals you set must be realistic. Unreasonable expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration. You should also consider your current situation and resources before setting goals, to ensure you’re not setting yourself up for failure.
For example, if you’re a recent college graduate, you shouldn’t set a goal of becoming a high-level executive at a Fortune 500 company within five years. This is almost certainly an unrealistic goal and could lead to disappointment if you don’t reach it. A more realistic career goal might be moving from entry-level to mid-level positions within a company in five years.
Professional development is about improving your skills and abilities to be more successful in your current job or to prepare for future career opportunities. Professional development can involve attending workshops, seminars or online classes, participating in job shadowing, or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
Professional development is essential for several reasons. It helps you stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies in your field, develop new skills and interests, and gain an edge over your competition. It also helps you stay motivated and engaged in your work and can open up new career opportunities.
Having a network of contacts is an integral part of professional development. A strong network can help you stay current on industry trends, find mentors and advisors, and identify job or other business opportunities. Building and maintaining your network is an ongoing process that requires effort, but it pays off in the long run.
One way to start growing your network is to attend industry events like conferences and seminars and to actively participate in conversations. This will help you meet people in your field and develop meaningful relationships. Additionally, you can join professional organizations, such as trade associations and alumni networks, to meet like-minded individuals and stay connected.
You should also use online networks like LinkedIn to connect with people in your field. You can join groups, post updates, and comment on other people’s posts to start engaging with your network.
Above all else, career management allows you to take control of your career. It means understanding your skills and strengths, setting goals, and taking concrete steps to reach them. It also involves creating a development plan for yourself, proactively seeking opportunities, and effectively managing your time and resources.
Career preparation may seem unnecessary initially, but it can go a long way in supporting your professional development and job satisfaction. Many means to manage your career are available, so it is up to you to take the initiative and take control of your career. This way, you can look forward to more growth and success in your chosen path.
PathWise provides a range of services for career management to benefit you and your unique path. Growing in your chosen career can be challenging and overwhelming, and we’re here to help you take control of your professional development. Become a member today and allow us to help you!
How to Be Happy About Work When Things Aren’t Perfect
We all spend way too much time at the workplace to not be happy at work. Moreover, we live in an era with more professional options than ever before. Compared to past generations, we have the opportunity to shape our careers in ways that align with our passions and values, making happiness at work a more attainable goal.
However, having choices doesn’t automatically mean we feel satisfied. It’s essential to actively evaluate your situation and understand how to improve your professional well-being. Whether you’re seeking career guidance, working on creating a supportive work environment, or exploring your options for change, there are actionable steps to help you feel more fulfilled in your professional life.
How to Be Happy About Work
Happiness at work doesn’t happen by chance—it takes intention and effort. Here are some strategies to help you feel more positive about your work experience.
1. Seek Guidance
If you’re not clear on what you want to do, seek guidance from trusted individuals, such as family, friends, mentors, or career coaches. Platforms like PathWise offer tools and assessments that can help you better understand your values, strengths, and personality. Knowing yourself is a fundamental first step toward happiness in your career.
Start by asking yourself:
What are my professional values?
What type of work excites me?
What skills do I enjoy using most?
Once you have these answers, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that bring you closer to a more satisfying work experience.
2. Identify What’s Missing
Sometimes, unhappiness stems from a specific misalignment between your desires and your current situation. Use a structured approach to identify what’s missing. Is it:
Company culture: Do you feel supported and valued?
Job content: Are your responsibilities meaningful and engaging?
Growth opportunities: Is there a clear path for advancement?
Once you pinpoint the issue, take action. For example, if your dissatisfaction stems from the lack of growth opportunities, consider having a conversation with your manager about additional responsibilities or training programs that align with your goals. If you are clear on what you want to do but your work situation isn’t aligned, dig into what’s missing. Is it the company culture, the job content, the advancement potential, your manager, your colleagues, something else? Again, talk it through with those around you. You can also use our PathWise Location Check survey to evaluate your current situation in a structured way.
3. Build a Positive Work Environment
Your work environment plays a critical role in how you feel about your job. While not every role will be a “dream job,” you can often find ways to create a more fulfilling experience. Start by focusing on what you can control:
Create connections: Building strong relationships with colleagues can make work more enjoyable and provide a support system during challenging times.
Foster a positive mindset: Instead of dwelling on negatives, focus on areas where you can make a difference. Celebrate small wins and acknowledge your contributions.
Consider organizing team activities or participating in workplace committees to strengthen your sense of community.
4. Take Ownership of Your Happiness
Happiness at work often requires taking proactive steps to improve your experience. Reflect on how you can make your role more meaningful:
Set small, achievable goals to maintain motivation.
Take on a new project that aligns with your interests or allows you to develop a new skill.
Ask for feedback to understand how you can improve and grow in your role.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, practice gratitude by keeping a journal of things you’re thankful for in your work life, such as supportive coworkers or learning opportunities.
Feel Happier at Work
Making changes to feel happier at work may take time, but persistence pays off. Some improvements can happen quickly—like organizing your workspace for comfort or taking regular breaks to recharge. Other changes, like developing new skills or exploring a new career path, require patience and dedication.
Evaluate Your Long-Term Fit
If your current job is fundamentally misaligned with your career goals, it might be time to explore other options. Start by asking yourself:
Can my current role evolve to meet my professional aspirations?
Are there opportunities within my company for a better fit?
Should I consider roles at other organizations that align more closely with my goals?
Taking steps toward change doesn’t mean you need to rush into a new job. Instead, research potential opportunities, network within your industry, and consider additional training to prepare for a transition.
Additional Tips to Stay Happy at Work
Incorporating small, intentional habits into your work routine can significantly impact your happiness. Here are some actionable tips:
1. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional responsibilities can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. Set boundaries, take regular breaks, and use your paid time off to recharge.
2. Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy
Stay hydrated and eat nourishing meals to maintain energy.
Incorporate exercise into your routine, whether it’s a walk during lunch or a quick workout before or after work.
Practice stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, to stay calm during challenging situations.
3. Seek Growth Opportunities
Engage in continuous learning by attending conferences, participating in training programs, or pursuing certifications. These activities can make your job more fulfilling and help you advance in your career.
4. Celebrate Achievements
Recognizing your accomplishments, no matter how small, can boost morale. Share milestones with your team or reward yourself for a job well done.
5. Cultivate Positive Relationships
Having a support system at work can significantly impact your happiness. Invest time in building relationships with colleagues, and don’t hesitate to offer help or share a laugh when appropriate.
When to Consider Moving On
While improving your current situation is often the first step, there are times when leaving a role is the best decision. If your job consistently negatively impacts your mental health, relationships, or overall well-being, start actively looking for opportunities that better align with your goals and values.
Transitioning to a new job can be daunting, but it can also be an opportunity for growth. Leverage your network, update your resume, and consider working with a career coach to navigate the process.
The Importance of Happiness at Work
Feeling happy at work is about more than just job satisfaction—it’s about maintaining a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. When you’re happy at work, you’re more productive, motivated, and resilient. This, in turn, improves your overall quality of life.
Start by seeking guidance, identifying areas for improvement, and taking proactive steps to enhance your experience. Whether you’re making small adjustments to your current role or planning a career change, remember that happiness at work is achievable with intention and effort.
Take ownership of your professional happiness, and make the most of the opportunities available to you. Best of luck in creating a fulfilling and rewarding work life!
Want access to even more great career resources? Become a PathWise member! Basic membership is free, so sign up today!
Believing in yourself is the foundation for achieving your personal and professional goals. Self-confidence can propel you forward even when challenges arise or when others doubt your choices. But what does it truly mean to believe in yourself, and how can you cultivate this mindset?
When you focus on owning your career, building actionable strategies, and maintaining a positive outlook, you create a strong foundation for success. Let’s explore practical ways to foster self-confidence, answer the critical question of how can you believe in yourself, and highlights why it’s essential for career and personal growth.
Why Self-Belief Matters in Your Career
A career is not just a series of jobs; it’s a journey filled with highs and lows. At every step, self-confidence plays a vital role in helping you make decisions, take risks, and adapt to changes. Without belief in your abilities, even the best opportunities can seem out of reach. Here’s why self-belief is crucial:
Boosts Resilience: Believing in yourself helps you bounce back from setbacks and tackle obstacles with determination.
Drives Initiative: Confidence inspires you to pursue challenging opportunities and step outside your comfort zone.
Fosters Growth: When you trust your abilities, you’re more likely to take on new learning experiences and evolve in your career.
How Can You Believe in Yourself? 7 Practical Steps to Build Confidence
1. Practice Positive Self-Affirmations
Daily affirmations are a simple yet powerful tool for shifting your mindset. Begin your day by reminding yourself of your strengths and achievements. Write down or say affirmations like:
“I am capable of achieving my goals.”
“I am continuously learning and growing.”
“I have the skills to overcome challenges.”
Choose affirmations you genuinely believe, as unrealistic statements can undermine your progress.
Instead of “I want a new job,” set a goal like “I will update my resume this week and apply to three positions by Friday.” By achieving these smaller milestones, you build momentum and confidence.
Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure your goals are clear and attainable.
3. Reflect and Celebrate Your Wins
At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on what went well. Documenting achievements, no matter how small, reminds you of your progress. For example:
Completing a challenging task at work.
Learning a new skill.
Receiving positive feedback from a colleague.
Celebrate these wins by sharing them with a trusted friend or treating yourself to something enjoyable. This habit reinforces self-belief and keeps your focus on growth.
4. Focus on Personal Growth Over Comparisons
Comparing yourself to others is a quick way to erode your self-confidence. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle will only lead to frustration.
Instead, shift your focus inward:
Reflect on your own growth.
Track how far you’ve come in your career.
Create a personal mission statement to keep your goals aligned with your values.
5. Learn to Control What You Can
Uncertainty is part of life, but you can always control your response to challenges. Focus on areas within your power:
Develop your skills.
Build a strong network.
Maintain a positive mindset.
By concentrating on what you can influence, you’ll feel more empowered and confident in navigating uncertainties.
6. Seek Support Through Coaching
Sometimes, we need an external perspective to recognize our potential. Hiring a career coach can help you:
Clarify your goals.
Identify your strengths.
Create actionable strategies for growth.
Just as athletes rely on coaches to enhance their performance, a career coach can guide you toward greater confidence and success.
7. Revisit and Adjust Your Goals
Life changes, and so should your goals. Periodically assess your objectives to ensure they still align with your aspirations. Ask yourself:
Are my current goals achievable within my timeline?
Do they align with my values and long-term vision?
What adjustments can I make to improve my chances of success?
This ongoing reflection helps you stay grounded and adapt as needed, reinforcing your belief in your ability to manage change.
Owning Your Career Through Self-Belief
Believing in yourself is not just about confidence—it’s about taking ownership of your career and future. Here’s how you can integrate self-belief into your career management:
1. Know Your Value
Identify your unique skills and qualities. What sets you apart? When you understand your strengths, you’ll feel more confident presenting yourself in professional settings.
2. Advocate for Yourself
Whether it’s asking for a promotion, negotiating a salary, or pitching an idea, trust that you deserve to be heard. Self-advocacy is a powerful way to show you believe in your worth.
3. Stay Committed to Learning
Self-belief grows when you invest in yourself. Take courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship to continually enhance your abilities.
Final Thoughts: Building Confidence for the Long Term
Believing in yourself is a lifelong process that evolves with your experiences. By applying these strategies, you’ll develop a strong foundation of self-confidence that supports you in both personal and professional endeavors. Remember, the question isn’t whether you can achieve your goals—the question is whether you’re willing to believe in your ability to make them happen.
With the right mindset and tools, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Start today by asking yourself: how can you believe in yourself? The answer lies in taking action, one step at a time.
No matter how satisfied or secure you feel in your current role, having a career backup plan is essential. Careers are full of twists and turns, and unexpected changes can disrupt even the most stable jobs. From layoffs and company closures to personal challenges and new opportunities, staying prepared ensures you remain in control of your career trajectory.
Let’s explore the importance of creating a career backup plan, how to identify viable career options, and how to choose and prepare for backup career options that align with your skills and aspirations.
Why You Need a Career Backup Plan
Uncertainty in the Job Market
The job market is unpredictable, influenced by economic changes, technological advancements, and company-specific events. Having a backup plan protects you from being caught off guard during layoffs, restructuring, or industry shifts.
Personal and Lifestyle Changes
Life changes, such as relocating for a partner’s job, a personal health issue, or a desire for a better work-life balance, may require you to pivot professionally.
Future-Proofing Your Career
A backup plan ensures you’re not overly reliant on a single role or industry. It empowers you to adapt and transition smoothly when needed.
How to Build a Career Backup Plan
Creating a career backup plan involves evaluating your current situation, identifying alternative paths, and actively maintaining readiness for change.
If I lost my job tomorrow, how long could I manage financially?
What transferable skills do I possess that could apply to other roles?
Step 2: Explore Career Options
Start by listing potential career options that align with your skills, interests, and market demand. For instance:
If you’re in a technical role, could you pivot to teaching or consulting?
If you’re in healthcare, are there administrative or telehealth roles you could explore?
Step 3: Research Backup Career Options
Once you’ve identified alternatives, delve deeper into the specifics:
Market demand: Research the growth prospects of your backup options.
Skills required: Identify gaps in your current expertise and work on closing them through courses, certifications, or on-the-job learning.
Income potential: Assess how these options compare to your current earnings and determine whether they can meet your financial needs.
Key Components of a Career Backup Plan
1. Financial Preparedness
Evaluate your financial situation to determine how long you could sustain yourself without income. Build an emergency fund that covers at least 3–6 months of expenses.
2. Update Your Resume and Portfolio
Keep your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional portfolio current. Highlight recent achievements and relevant skills to make transitioning easier.
3. Build and Maintain Your Network
Strong professional connections can open doors to new opportunities. Regularly engage with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Attend events, join professional organizations, and participate in online communities.
4. Develop New Skills
Stay ahead of industry trends by pursuing ongoing education. Learning new technologies, tools, or methodologies can enhance your value and make you more adaptable to career shifts.
5. Identify Recruiters and Job Boards
Maintain relationships with recruiters in your industry and familiarize yourself with job boards tailored to your field. This preparation ensures quick access to job opportunities when needed.
Choosing the Right Backup Career Options
Selecting backup options isn’t about abandoning your primary career—it’s about having viable alternatives. Consider:
Transferable skills: Look for roles that align with your existing skills.
Alignment with passions: Backup careers should still resonate with your interests and values.
Market viability: Ensure the roles you choose are in demand and offer stable growth opportunities.
For example:
A marketing professional might explore freelance consulting or teaching digital marketing courses.
A software developer could consider moving into technical writing or project management.
Planning the Next Steps
If you’re actively considering a career switch or want to enhance your backup plan, these steps will help:
1. Assess Your Current Role
Ask yourself:
Would I still take my current job if offered today?
Is this role aligned with my long-term goals?
What gaps exist between where I am now and where I want to be?
If the answers indicate dissatisfaction, it may be time to start exploring new opportunities.
2. Investigate Potential Roles
Research roles that interest you:
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed to explore job descriptions.
Network with professionals in your desired field to gain insights.
Look for part-time roles, internships, or volunteer opportunities that allow you to test new career paths.
3. Gain Experience in Your Backup Career
Consider gaining experience in your backup career option before you need to make a full transition. Side gigs, certifications, or online courses can help you build credibility and confidence.
4. Keep a Positive Attitude
Change can be daunting, but maintaining a growth mindset will help you stay motivated and resilient. Remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.
FAQs About Career Backup Plans
Why is a career backup plan important?
A backup plan provides security and ensures you can adapt to unexpected challenges like layoffs, industry changes, or personal shifts.
How do I decide on a backup career?
Evaluate your transferable skills, interests, and market trends. Choose options that align with your strengths and offer stable growth potential.
When should I revisit my backup plan?
Reassess your plan annually or during major life changes. Regular updates ensure it remains relevant and actionable.
What if I don’t have a backup plan?
It’s never too late to start. Begin by assessing your current situation and exploring alternative career paths that align with your skills and interests.
The Value of Career Insurance
Think of a career backup plan as an insurance policy for your professional life. While you may never need to rely on it, having a well-thought-out plan ensures you’re prepared for anything. By staying proactive and open to new possibilities, you can navigate the uncertainties of your career with confidence and control.
Prepare today, so you’re ready for whatever tomorrow brings. Your future self will thank you!
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Put simply, our values guide how we live and work. As author and speaker Ken Blanchard says, “The most important thing in life is to decide what’s most important.”
It’s true: we all aspire to figure out what’s most important to us and to live our lives accordingly. Our values are an articulation of what’s important to us. Whether we are consciously aware of them, they shape our every day.
As Louise Altman of Intentional Communication Consultants eloquently puts it, “Our values are one of the most potent forces in our lives. These intangibles motivate and drive us in our work. They inform all of our decisions. Along with our beliefs and feelings, values form our internal map of reality. Our values are powerful because they supply our work (and everything else in our lives) with meaning. Meaning that has purpose and depth that reflects who we are in the world.”
Living A Life Aligned with Your Values
Our values and our purpose are closely aligned. Think of values as providing the “how” for the “why” of your purpose. In their own way, both values and purpose provide us with an internal compass to guide our work and personal growth.
We know – even if we’re not sure about the specifics – when our thoughts and actions are aligned with our values and purpose we feel good, energized, fulfilled, and inspired. We also know when our thoughts and actions are not aligned – we feel unhappy, deflated, unfulfilled, tired, burned out, lost or rudderless.
While most of us are acutely aware of when we’re happy and fulfilled and when we’re unhappy and deflated, not enough of us explore what’s behind those feelings. By conducting that exploration, and determining what’s most important to us, we open up a whole new world of meaning. As Altman describes, “When we become consciously aware of our values – when we make the connections to the feelings that they generate – and understand what behaviors reinforce them, we can experience that Eureka moment of striking gold.”
It’s important to understand that your values – and your purpose – are unique to you. They’re what fuel your ability to be your authentic self and to share your uniqueness with those around you.
To paraphrase Altman, without a knowledge of your values and how they’re unique to you, you risk getting attached to external motivators and rewards and living your life on a form of auto-pilot. You also risk being swept up in the values of others, such as family, friends, or colleagues. When this happens, it’s possible – even likely – that you’ll lose sight of yourself and end up working / living too much in support of someone else’s purpose and values.
Discovering your Values
Some of us are fortunate enough to have a strong sense of our values without having to work at discovering them. Most of us, however, need to spend more time identifying and living them.
One approach for doing so is to start with a long list of potential values (Brene Brown and others have published lists that will get you started). Another approach would have you develop your own list, writing down as many words as come to mind but also thinking specifically – perhaps over a matter of days or weeks – about what inspires you and makes you happy.
As Karen Kimsey-House, co-founder of the Coaches Training Institute (CTI, now Coactive), says, “To really dig deep into what’s most important to you, look out into the world at large, and ask what’s missing in the conduct of someone who challenges you the most, or what’s present in someone who’s inspires you. It’s these values, which are likely to be those you’ll be most willing to take a stand for.”
Whether you start with your own list or someone else’s, iteratively narrow it down to five or fewer values. It’s harder than it seems, because in all likelihood a number of values will resonate with you. Still, as writer and speaker Patrick Lencioni says, “If everything is important, nothing is.” The more you boil down the list of values to just a few – maybe even just one or two – the more you sharpen your understanding of what is truly most important to you in the long term.
Once you’ve identified your core values, write them down on a piece of paper. Doing so is a form of commitment to them. It elevates them above the many other thoughts passing through your brain. Then conduct a follow-on exercise, suggested by career coach and writer Jessica Dowches-Wheeler, by describing:
What it will mean to you to be living by each value
What will lead you to, or what it will feel like, to not be living by each value
How you will think and behave with intent to give yourself the best chance of living by each value as much of the time
7 Steps to Living your Values
Identifying your values is a critical first step, but living your values is lifelong work.
As Dowches-Wheeler says, “Living your values means to be the most authentic version of yourself in all aspects of your life. Not just at work, or with your family, but in all areas that matter to you…Just as your purpose is a compass leading you back into alignment with who you’re meant to be, your values guide you back to who you truly are.”
Several approaches will help you stay true to your values:
Most importantly, understand that you are the one accountable for living your values, in a similar spirit to the notion of owning your career. Others won’t defend your values for you, though hopefully you will have people in your life who will help.
Regularly re-read the descriptions you developed above. Use this practice to recommit to your values and refine them as appropriate. Understand as well that your values may very well evolve over the course of your life as your work and life situations change – when you get married, have kids, have an accident or a serious illness, or have a family member with the same. Hence, it’s important that you come back to your values every so often to make sure they still reflect how you want to live your personal life and manage your work life
Keep a journal to document how you lived (and didn’t live) your values day to day or that week. Use what you’ve learned to sharpen your understanding of what triggers lead you to be on or off course.
Share your values with others, maybe not overtly, but find ways to let them know what’s important to you. Make clear to them that you are willing to accept feedback when you’re not “walking the walk” or honoring what’s most important.
Build in systems and practices that reinforce your values. For example, if gratitude is important to you, make it a habit to thank at least one person each day for what they are positively contributing to your life.
Accept that you won’t always live your values, nor will others always live theirs. It’s possible you might do so without even realizing it. What’s important in these situations, particularly as it relates to yourself, is to understand why you fell short and to consider how you will avoid doing so the next time. Just don’t accept not living by your values on a regular basis. Once you start accepting exceptions, you head down a slippery slope.
Acknowledge that living your values may require trade-offs. For example, if family is important to you, and you want to see your children off to school in the morning, you’ll need to find a role that gives you the flexibility to start later in the morning or work from home. However, if you’ve honed your list of values well, these trade-offs should feel “right” and shouldn’t leave you with regret.
Having a strong sense of self requires having a solid understanding of your values. Do the work to understand what’s most important to you and how you’ll live your life in alignment with these values. Doing so will put you in a much better position toward happiness and fulfillment, whether at work or in your personal life.
No matter how much excellence you have achieved in your professional life, you have undoubtedly made mistakes and had setbacks and disappointments along the way. The reality is that no one perfectly manages every aspect of their career – no one. Recovering from setbacks is an important skill to develop for success in your career.
Consider, have you ever:
Not gotten a job or promotion you really wanted?
Had a project fail, finish late, or not go as well as you’d hoped?
Not been the one selected to work on a special assignment?
Been put in a “no win” situation that you were left to make the best of?
Made a career move that didn’t play out as you thought it might?
Had a mentor or sponsor in your company depart for another firm?
Done something at work that you later regretted?
Been let go or even fired?
In all likelihood, you answered “yes” to at least one of these questions, and there are certainly a litany of other ways to experience a professional setback. It’s essential to realize, though, that failure is a pathway to success, in line with the adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
How to Recover from a Setback
Even so, too many people underappreciate the important role failures, setbacks, and mistakes can play in fueling their success. However, more accomplished people – across a range of professions – practice a number of principles as it relates to success and failure:
Strive for Perfection
They hold themselves (and others) to a high standard. They strive for perfection, even if they don’t necessarily expect perfection.
On the contrary, they don’t accept mediocrity, and they don’t accept a lack of effort.
Plan, Practice, and Prepare.
They try different approaches to see what works best. Doing these things dramatically increases their odds of success. As the sayings go, “Proper planning prevents poor performance” and “Practice makes perfect.”
Even the great athletes and artists – think of a Tom Brady, a Yo-Yo Ma, or a Meryl Streep – continue to work on improving their craft. And they practice with purpose, focusing on accentuating their strengths, learning new skills, and improving their weak spots.
Leave the Comfort Zone
They push themselves out of their comfort zone. Fitness trainers like to say, “No pain, no gain.” This concept applies equally in professional settings, though hopefully without physical pain.
Think of the situations where you have learned the most. These are likely to be when you did something with which you weren’t comfortable at first or something that was really challenging.
Take Calculated Risks.
They don’t just play it safe. This doesn’t mean being reckless, but risk-taking is necessary if you want to improve. You won’t always succeed, but you will (hopefully) learn, adapt, and get better
Keep Learning
They learn from their successes and their failures. They treat experiences – good or bad – as learning opportunities. They make learning safe for themselves and their colleagues. They use failure as fuel.
Sometimes our mistakes – whether in the form of our words or our actions – are hurtful to others. When these situations occur, it’s important to own the mistake and apologize for it.
Truly take ownership for it – don’t deflect some of the blame to others or make excuses for it. And apologize in a sincere, heartfelt way –insecure or caveated apologies usually just make a bad situation worse.
Forgive Yourself and Move On.
They remind themselves that setbacks, mistakes, and failures are a part of our humanity. They accept what has occurred, they let go of ill feelings, they don’t harbor grudges, and they allow themselves to move forward.
Arguably, this is the most important element of managing failure. If you can’t move past your failures, you will have difficulty in moving on at all.
Live Your Values
They use their values as a behavioral compass to make sure they avoid the worst kinds of mistakes and failures, the ones from which it is difficult, if not impossible, to recover. They maintain a sense of ethics, and they aren’t reckless. After all, it can take just one error in judgment to undo a lifetime of good acts.
If you practice these principles and embrace failure as a necessary pathway to success, you’ll experience more success in your life, day-to-day work, and career.
Even in your darkest days, it pays to bear in mind this quote from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” You can always recover from setbacks.
Advocating is one of those invaluable professional skills, irrespective of what you do for a living. It’s something of a hybrid between influencing (where you’re usually making a softer push) and selling (where you’re making a harder push), and it’s an important blend of the two.
Despite its importance, however, advocating is uncomfortable for many people, particularly when it comes to advocating for themselves in the workplace. It can feel boastful or self-serving, yet knowing how to advocate for yourself at work is crucial for your career success.
Are You Advocating for Yourself?
You’re likely already advocating much more than you think, whether it’s for yourself, your team, your manager, or your company.
Want to convince someone to do a task the way you believe it should be done? Advocating.
Aiming to work on a corporate project for your boss’ boss? Advocating.
Obviously, you have to know what you want to be able to advocate for it. And as much as you might believe that your manager, his or her manager, your co-workers, or human resources know what you want professionally, odds are they don’t.
They have their own interests – which may or may not be aligned with achieving your goals – as well as many other things on their minds. Even if they do know what you want, they often need to be reminded or nudged to act.
Yes, it’s possible to advocate too much for yourself and develop a negative reputation as a consequence. However, most of you should almost certainly be advocating for yourselves more than you are right now.
To a degree, even when managers complain about someone being overly aggressive in asking for what they want, they respect that person for their ambition, and they are more likely than not to take action as a result. As the saying goes, “The squeaky wheel gets oiled,” at least in part because most managers want to be liked.
When you don’t get what you’re seeking – assuming you’re not asking for too much or being too impatient about it – you get a good sense of where you stand (or don’t) in the eyes of your manager or employer.
That’s always helpful intel, even if it’s not the kind of intel you wanted, because it indicates you either need to change others’ perceptions of you to better align with your own self-perception, or it suggests a larger issue that might necessitate making a change. In this sense, you gain, whether you get what you’re seeking or not.
You can advocate for yourself during 1x1s with your manager, if you have such meetings. (If you don’t, that’s a separate issue.) You can set up an ad hoc meeting for the discussion – or suggest you and your manager go to lunch or have a drink after work, where they’re more likely to be relaxed and open to hearing you out.
You can have the discussion with your skip-level manager – and if your direct manager is made uncomfortable by your having such a discussion with his or her boss, it’s an indication that you work for an insecure manager. You can have an advocating discussion setting boundaries of a performance review or career discussion.
The point is – there are many opportunities to have these discussions. You just have to do it – it goes back to the notion of being in the business of you, and owning your own career.
How to Advocate for Yourself at Work
As a simple exercise, consider something you want in your current job situation for which you feel you need to practice self advocacy in the workplace, ideally something you’ve been hesitant to raise. Then write down the following:
I want [what you want] from [person or group] because [why you want it]
It’s important to me because [provide reasons, ideally incorporating some emotion or values statements in your choice of words]
What I’m proposing makes sense because [list of reasons why it will benefit the person or group – this is arguably the most important point]
The person or group I am trying to convince may have concerns about [list of concerns they may have for giving you what you want – this is also important]
They shouldn’t be concerned, though, because [re-state / summarize how what you want benefits them]
To increase their willingness to grant me what I want, I will [actions you will take to alleviate any concerns they have or demonstrate your commitment to what you are proposing]
Planning Your Discussion
Come back to what you’ve written down in a day or a few days later. Make sure you’ve thought through how you want to have the conversation on this topic, with whom, and when, because recipient and timing definitely matter. As an extreme example, you generally don’t want to be asking your boss for a pay raise when the company has just announced layoffs.
In any case, don’t go into the discussion half-cocked. Be thoughtful. Test it on your career development support network, such as friends and family who won’t be threatened by what you’re seeking. Be especially clear on why giving you what you want is in the interest of the person with whom you’re going to have the discussion.
Remember that they have their own interests and you’re advocating for yours. And be persistent. It often takes asking for something several times for your manager (or human resource) to realize that you’re serious about it and that it’s important to you.
Reflecting on the Discussion
Once you’ve had the discussion, reflect on how it went. Did you articulate your message as planned? Did you convey why it was important to you? Were you able to address the other individual’s concerns? Did you agree on a concrete action plan, even if it was just to continue the discussion within a certain timeframe?
Few conversations go perfectly, and you can almost always learn something even when they go well. Take the time to reflect after these important discussions, so that you are better prepared the next time.
The more often you do this (within reason), the more comfortable it will become for you, and the more comfortable your manager or employer will become with hearing you out. It will become an inherent and expected part of your relationship, and if managed well, that can be incredibly powerful.
Remember as well – to quote the Rolling Stones – you can’t always get what you want. Prioritize what’s most important to you and focus on that. But once you’ve narrowed in on what’s most important, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Unless you’re advocating for yourself at work, you’re probably not going to get what it is you’re seeking.
