Unsure about my career. What’s my next move?

Advice for when you’re debating what’s next and uncovering what you value in a career.

What advice do you have for those unsure of what they want their next career move to be? 

You and me both! I’m kidding, sort of.

I’ve been “Broke Millennial” for almost a decade. Like any career, it’s had its highs and lows, but I’m not sure if it’s forever. Actually, I can guarantee you that it won’t be forever. As I grow and change, so too must my career and brand. 

Quick answer

It’s okay to acknowledge that there are seasons in your career(s). It’s okay to be honest with yourself that you’re entirely unsure about what should come next. In these times, try to take other jobs out for a test drive prior to making an official leap. E.g. volunteering, shadowing, side gigging, or at least getting unfiltered, honest information from an experienced person in that field.

Detailed answer

In these moments of uncertainty, I’d challenge you to write down the answers to these questions: 

• What do you like and dislike about your current career? (Include both lifestyle elements and the job itself.)
  

• What kind of lifestyle do you want?
  This should include thinking about: where you want to live, do you want to be married, do you want to own a home, do you want to have kids, do you want pets, do you want to live near certain friends or family members, do you have access to the activities you enjoy or want to try?
  

• Is your career at all compatible with your desired lifestyle?
  

• What types of careers would be compatible with the life you want to live?
  

• Do you need additional education to pivot into the new career you want?
  

• Is it possible to test run the career you think you want, just to make sure! (E.g. volunteering for similar work or working that job before pursuing additional education to move up.)
  

• Is this about money? Are you feeling undervalued and/or underpaid? Would changing companies help or is this an issue across your entire field?
  

• Are you focused on earning as much as possible as quickly as possible? If so, are you willing to make the social/relationship sacrifices that often come with working a high-paying, high-stress job in order to amass money quickly?
  

• Are you just feeling burned out? If so, what are your biggest pain points and triggers with burn out. (In my experience, it’s usually the things that make you cry for no reason.)

And, to be a total creative cliche, I’d recommend doing The Artist’s Way. You don’t need to be interested in pursuing a career as a creative or in the arts to find it a helpful tool. Journaling with the purpose of word vomiting on paper whatever comes to mind has a clarifying effect when done for weeks. 

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To Recap: 

• Your desired lifestyle should impact career decisions. 

• Is burnout the key issue or are you truly ready to completely switch careers? 

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