As a child and a teenager, I was always clear about what I wanted to do in life. I wanted to be a Language Translator, a Writer, then after my University, I opted in for a Recruiter Career and now I am a Coach.
Although I changed my mind a couple of times I was quite clear about my job description.
But it doesn’t mean I didn’t end up in the unknown.
There were a few times in my professional life when I asked myself: What’s next for me? It happened because I wasn’t happy in my career or I changed cities or countries and needed to redesign or reinvent my career.
And as an expat, you can change your career path quite a lot. Or maybe you feel that your hands are tied and you don’t know in which direction you should go. You feel disappointed and frustrated. You don’t know what you really want from your professional life.
Here are some steps which can help you to discover your new career and life direction:
1.Pause and reflect
Take some time off. Even one hour a week and reflect on your possibilities. You don’t have to jump on your next career opportunity but think if this kind of career matches out your life vision.
Taking a break from over-thinking will help you to gain a new, fresh perspective on your career.
Often we spend too much time thinking and thinking.
2.Brainstorm and explore
Do some brainstorming. Make a list of all jobs, careers, business ideas you are attracted to. Reconnect with your passion, past interests.
Explore all the possible and impossible options for you.
Describe your ideal career.
What do you want to do?
Even if you are not sure what is the job title for your position write down your own dream career description. Do research online, check what are skills, responsibilities required to pursue this kind of career. And you will be surprised with your ideas!
And you will be surprised with your ideas!
3. Evaluate your values
How clear are you on your life and career values. If your career is not congruent with your values you will be unsatisfied with your profession.
Make a list of the three most important values for you.
Here you can find a list and more information about how to evaluate your values: What are your career values?
I personally value freedom/independence, variety, and helping. And as a Coach, I feel that my values are respected and they have an impact on my work and life satisfaction.
4. Do the skills check
What skills do you enjoy using? In your new career, you can use the skills you enjoy using not the one you are good in! Do you like planning, organising, helping people, doing videos, writing…. what do you like to do?
Once again think about your past interests or maybe you have new hobbies.
Here are 4 questions which can help you:
- When have you been so absorbed that you didn’t notice the passing of time?
- What would you rather be doing?
- How do you use your leisure time?
- How can you use those skills in your career? Who is looking for that kind of skills?
Get Free 3 Step Skills Inventory
5. Take actions
The time for taking actions is NOW. It is not tomorrow, not in one week or one month but it is NOW.
There will be never a right moment for a career change. So do not wait but take actions!
If you are stuck and you really do not know what is your next career step, start exploring potential options.
If you are an expat partner and you don’t know what or if there are any career opportunities for you in a new country, take actions, explore those opportunities.
You can start volunteering to taste a new, potential career or to develop some skills. You can start a business you have always dreamt about.
Take one small step every day. Ask yourself which action can I take today?
Keep your eyes open and look for your opportunities. You never know where your career path will take you.
Did you like this post? If yes please leave your comment or share it with your friends. Need clarity? Get your FREE 3 day e – career coaching programme and clarify your career goals in 3 days. Start your career change today! Clarify your career goals and elaborate your action plan to achieve them. Click here!
Currently, she is enjoying a laptop lifestyle while travelling across Europe.
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