Recently a client came to see me and explained that a friend of his had suggested that ‘he take the summer to explore what he wants to do’. I agreed that this was excellent advice, especially as my client had just revealed he had no idea of where he was going with his career.
It might be great advice, replied my client but what am I supposed to do? I know the answers aren’t going to come by sitting in the garden.
We talked this through and agreed on five realistic things he could do.
Work shadow someone in a role that appeals to you
The best way to describe this is ‘try before you buy’. Essentially this involves asking someone you know, who’s job you are interested in, can you be a fly on the wall for the day. This will give you the chance to see: what they do; go where they go; meet who they meet. Therefore providing a window into their world to answer the question you need answering, am interested in that career, Yes or No?
Find a job online that you think looks interesting and phone up to find out more.
To make this task a little less scary, I suggest doing it for an advertised position in a different part of the country. Phone up, and ask what the job involves, what type of person they are looking for, how much experience are they looking for etc. This is an excellent way of building up your understanding of different roles, getting experience of selling yourself, and most importantly building your confidence
Do something new this summer?
This might seem a bit arbitrary but you can really boost your confidence by doing something that you have never done before. It could be as simple as going somewhere new, or doing a new activity e.g. Kayaking, paddle boarding or going to an exhibition etc. It really doesn’t matter too much what it is. The main thing is taking yourself out of your comfort zone and opening yourself up to fresh ideas and experiences.
Identify your priorities as a head, heart or hands person.
What are you ruled by?
Your head, so you are therefore looking for a career that will use your Maths degree.
Your heart, so you are keen to help people who have been through issues and experience like you, or
Your hands so you are now itching to get a hammer out again, to start building something to be appreciated for years to come.
Establishing which one you are is a good starting point.
Relax and dream
Mad as this might sound, spending time actually visualising yourself in a job that you would enjoy is halfway to getting there. If, for example you know that you want to have flexible working arrangements; if you know that you don’t want a desk job; if you know that you want to be creative and if you know you don’t want too much pressure, all these are ideal pointers to help you decide what you want to do. Get dreaming and your reality might become clearer.
Know someone who might be interested in this blog? Share it with them.
Want some help with moving forward with your career. Click here for support with Jill
Comments