Career Advice
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do”- Steve Jobs
From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Career Transformation Journey
Are you at a point in your career where you're proud of your accomplishments but feel like there's something more you could be doing? Maybe, like me 15 years ago, you're working hard in a job you thought you'd love but instead feel burned out and frustrated. I was a nurse, dedicated to caring for patients and making a difference in their lives. However, I realized I needed more – more work-life balance, and more financial stability. I was tired of feeling defeated despite my hard work.
If this sounds familiar, or if you're just seeking better balance in your life, you're not alone in wanting change. What I've learned over the years is that having someone to guide you and provide a strategy for making career moves can be invaluable. I wish I had that guidance. Instead, I made mistakes along the way, some of which cost me jobs I thought I wanted and needed desperately.
After years of trial and error, I identified six core principles that took my career to the next level. I'm talking about more than just doubling my salary and working from home. I'm talking about using my nursing degree to make an even greater impact on patients while being there for my kids. These principles have guided me in every career move, even when I lacked experience in the positions I was applying for. So, what are these principles?
Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is a crucial asset in the professional world. It involves seeing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This mindset is rooted in the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and effort. By adopting a growth mindset, you open yourself to new possibilities and are more willing to tackle challenges that can lead to personal and professional advancement.
Wondering if you have a growth or a fixed mindset? Consider this scenario: Imagine you're working on a project that doesn't go as planned, resulting in negative feedback from your team. Someone with a growth mindset would view this setback as a chance to learn and improve. They might see the feedback as valuable input for future projects and an opportunity to develop new skills. On the other hand, someone with a fixed mindset might take the criticism personally, believing that their abilities are fixed and cannot be changed. They might feel discouraged and avoid similar challenges in the future.
Take the free mindset quiz to determine where you stand on this principle. If you need help cultivating a growth mindset to propel your career forward, the Embracing A Growth Mindset Workbook is designed to help you develop the mindset you need to overcome challenges and achieve your professional goals.
Setting Career Goals
Setting career goals is a process that goes beyond mere aspirations; it entails breaking down those aspirations into concrete, actionable steps. This approach involves setting SMART goals, which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals provide a clear framework for defining your objectives, creating a roadmap for your career, and monitoring your progress effectively.
To illustrate, let's consider a SMART goal for someone aspiring to advance in their marketing career:
Specific: "Increase my digital marketing skills"
Measurable: "Complete a digital marketing certification program"
Achievable: "Allocate 2 hours every day to study and practice"
Relevant: "Enhances my current role and prepares me for future opportunities"
Time-bound: "Complete the certification within 6 months"
SMART goals are crucial for professional development because they provide clarity, motivation, and a sense of direction. They help individuals focus their efforts, efficiently use their time, and ultimately achieve their career objectives. To get you started on setting your career goals you can download the free template or if you want to dive deeper into setting these types of goals there is the Goal Setting Success workbook available to get you started.
Networking
Networking is often the unsung hero of career advancement, yet many overlook its significance simply because they're unsure how to navigate it successfully. However, the reality is that networking can be as simple as engaging in a meaningful conversation with a stranger. Personally, most of my job opportunities have arisen from networking in some form.
Building a strong professional network is key to unlocking new opportunities and forging valuable connections. It's more than just collecting business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It's about cultivating genuine relationships with people who can support and inspire you on your career path. Effective networking requires a proactive approach, where you give as much as you receive and nurture those relationships over time.
One of the most important aspects of networking is that it's not just about what you know, but who you know. Many of the jobs I've had came from connections I made through networking. These opportunities often arose from casual conversations or networking events where I took the time to get to know people in my industry.
Networking can seem daunting, especially if you're introverted or new to the workforce. However, it's a skill that can be developed over time with practice. Start by attending industry events, joining professional groups, and reaching out to colleagues or acquaintances for coffee or informational interviews. Remember, networking is not about using people to get ahead; it's about building mutually beneficial relationships based on trust and respect.
Since networking is crucial, I've developed a Networking 101 resource to help you enhance your networking skills and make the most of this valuable tool. This resource covers everything from how to introduce yourself at networking events to following up after a networking meeting. By investing time and effort into networking, you can open doors to new opportunities and advance your career in ways you never imagined.
Resume Building
Early in my career, I didn't fully appreciate the immense value of my nursing background and how my transferable skills could pave the way to other roles, such as sales. By emphasizing these skills, I was able to demonstrate my qualifications for a sales position. Many job seekers overlook their transferable skills, which typically include soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills, acquired through diverse experiences such as volunteering or hobbies, are highly valued across various industries. Identifying and showcasing your transferable skills can set you apart and attract employers looking for candidates with a versatile skill set. Building your resume to reflect these skills is essential and can be a crucial step toward securing an interview. If you need a resume template to get you started, click this template.
Interview Preparation
Nailing the interview is key to landing your dream job. Being well-prepared, showcasing your skills and experiences, and effectively communicating your value to the employer can make a big difference. This can be done through interview preparation which goes beyond just researching the company and practicing common interview questions. It's about understanding and articulating your strengths and experiences clearly and confidently. It's also about being prepared to answer unexpected questions and demonstrating your passion and enthusiasm for the role.
Career Growth and Development
Finally, continuous growth and development in your career are essential. This involves seeking new challenges, learning new skills, and taking on new responsibilities to advance in your field. Career growth and development are about climbing the corporate ladder and personal fulfillment and satisfaction. It's about continuously learning and evolving, taking on new challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, and seeking opportunities for growth and advancement. It's being proactive in shaping your career path rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you.
Implementing these principles has not only helped me advance in my career but has also brought me greater fulfillment and satisfaction. If you're looking to make a change in your career, consider adopting these principles. If you need specific support in each of these principles Recalibrate Your Career has what you need from a workbook to a course that can teach you all you need to know to be successful. These guiding principles are the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving your career dreams.
If you've ever found yourself wishing for a clear path to achieve your career goals and dreams, you're not alone. I've made my fair share of mistakes on my professional journey, often missing out on opportunities due to a lack of strategy. That's why I created a comprehensive course designed to teach you the strategies I've learned to help you reach your goals in both your professional and personal life. The Career Creator Academy offers this and much more. Click the link to discover how you can benefit from these strategies on your professional journey.
To also help you on your journey to career success I am including some of my favorite things that have guided and supported me over the years. My hope is that you too will gain some valuable insights and support as well.
Books
The Energy Bus by: Jon Gordon
Lean In by: Sheryl Sandberg
Atomic Habits by: James Clear