How to Make A Career Change | Part 2 - Finding What You Love

There are so many situations that could warrant a career change, all stem from a desire that you could be happier.  When people decide their current circumstances are not satisfying them on the career front, they naturally look for other options that could satisfy them more. In our privileged world, there are so many options and choices, it can be paralysing to even know where to start.. this is insight on how to find what you'd love to do as a career.

1. SOURCE OF FULFILLMENT

- Really consider and write down what now in your current life gives you fulfilment. Consider the elements of your current job that you really enjoy and feel like you are thriving at. Also consider the education you're currently studying for and the hobbies that you partake in. What gives you the most pleasure and makes you feel like your life was not wasted today?

- Dig deep! Think about what you would do if you could have anything in the world, or what you would do if money was no consideration.. or what you want to achieve before you die. (Cast any lack of self belief or concerns of how you will get there at this point!)

- Think outside the box in terms of how these sources of fulfilment could translate into a new career path. For example; if you love the gym, but hate customer service, an online personal training business may be up your street. Or if you work in a supermarket and are more interested in the commercial/operational side of the business, working in finance at head office might be your thing.

- Furthermore, you can consider your interests - what TV, newspaper articles and conversations naturally draw your attention in? And consider what you really dislike doing... then consider the opposite. Asking trusted friends and family what they see as your strengths at what they think you might enjoy is also useful. Others' perspectives are great insights.. not more than your own gut though.

2. VALUES i.e. Know who you are.

In terms of find what you love, and finding your passions, I think it's also important to consider what your values are.. so your ideal career and life can be based around these.

What are your values? In the sense of what beliefs do you stand by? For example, someone who loves engineering and does not believe in gun ownership will not enjoy life as a firearms mechanic. Values may be based on faith, morals, financial stability, family/friends based or any other beliefs you hold. If your dream jobs is not in line with your values, then it may need tweaking slightly for you to be very fulfilled from it.

3. STRENGTHS

I am a believer in finding a way to make something happen, should you want it enough. When unexpected opportunities present themselves, just go for it, then find a way to make it work.

Also if you have a huge passion for something, hours of preparation and practice will make you good. Getting good at something, and committing dedication to it is amazing self improvement, and gives you something to show for your life.

Following your natural strengths will make things easier, but ultimately a mindset of dedication and self belief if far more important. Lack of being good at something is no reason not to start.. and you'll probably find that working on ways to increase your confidence is probably a better place to start!

In conclusion - think & take action.

Really considering all the above, and writing down your answers should give you more of an idea of your likes and dislikes, and the type of work you would like to do.

The internet is an amazing resource! There are so many people making money from all sorts of hobbies and passions.

Selling your services, or selling goods you have made has never been easier. If you are considering this route, focus on how you can solve a problem for people.

The internet is an amazing tool to research companies and industries, as well as job roles. You can also use linked-in to see what roles people are already doing in these companies - or even ring companies up to find out more! At this stage you've really got nothing to lose, and it's important to gather all information to assess this when making your decision of career direction.

You've only got one conscious* life, so go out there and enjoy it!

*The other day I told my colleague she's only got this one life so there's no need to wait for motivation, she needs to create the motivation. She responded - how do you know there's only one life? I've hence edited this to say only one life I'm conscious  of currently!