Sticking to my original plan.

Amy

December 7,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

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Sticking to my original plan.

A few weeks ago I saw a job post for what I would have thought was my dream entry level job into working at a library (didn't need a library degree! in another lifetime that is what I would go to school for..), but stopped myself because it would have been more than a $10k drop in salary (and as the breadwinner I cannot afford that).

Then yesterday I saw a job offer that was in climate change (love), decent rate again for entry level, only 20 hours a week. I spent a day staring and thinking about it. 20 hours plus my 40 hour job, I can make that work! ..... but do I want too? I am use to working 5 jobs at a time. I reminded myself I do not want to do that.

Not that I know if I would have gotten either of those jobs. The applicant pool is beyond full at this moment for all jobs. But more importantly I reminded myself what my goals are and to focus on steps to achieve them. Not just day dream into jobs I would have applied for before this current one.

Is anyone else getting distracted from their goals? How do you stay focused on them?

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Trie AngelevaDecember 7,2022 at 6:43PM UTC
It's great you have several interests and passions! I can relate. Once I realized I needed to be more intentional in my approach by balancing my short-term goals with looking longer term at where I wanted to be in a few years (or more), that really helped me navigate different opportunities.
Now as a career coach, I help clients develop a very specific vision of how they'd like every aspect of their life (not just career) to be within a certain time frame so that the choices they make about work are made in context with the other important aspects and goals of their lives.
AmyDecember 7,2022 at 6:55PM UTC
Yes, that is what I need to do. Align both career goals with other goals in my life. Getting there slowly : )
tiffany birchDecember 7,2022 at 6:50PM UTC
It sounds like you are off to a good start in reminding yourself what your goals are, and focusing on the steps necessary to achieve them.
I stay focused on creating a list of core values and deal breakers. When I'm looking at jobs, are they matching my deal breakers, and when I am being interviewed does the company match my core values. I was laid off in due to COVID in 2020, followed by a sports injury, hospital and rehab. I am in the job market. I've been ghosted after good interviews and had some other odd things happen in the process. However, I know my value and what my deal breakers are. This helps me to be 100% clear in being my best self. There is always compromise, a give and take to come together for a positive outcome.
AmyDecember 7,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
I like this idea of a list of core values and deal breakers. I am working on writing reflections of 2022. I am sure I can use this to make sure my path reflects both of those, deal breakers/core values.
Thanks and good luck on your job search!
IkyDecember 7,2022 at 7:21PM UTC
When I detect myself being distracted by seemingly more interesting things/tasks/opportunities, I ask myself, "What am I trying to do?" This is one of the techniques I learned from my friend, Steven Pressfield (author of many bestsellers, like The War of Art). It works if I'm willing to quiet myself first.
Good luck with everything. Have a wonderful day, Amy!
AmyDecember 7,2022 at 7:27PM UTC
Thanks for the advice! That is a great question to ask myself. Have a wonderful day also!
Brittany Wilson, Transformational Career CoachDecember 7,2022 at 7:27PM UTC
Hi there! I always have a list of priorities that are important to me in a job. For example, some of mine are compensation, benefits, remote work, peer learning, and career growth. I also rate how important each of those priorities are important to me on a scale from 1-10. That way, when jobs come my way I have a tangible list of what I'm looking for.
While this list usually stays stagnant when I'm searching for jobs, it often changes between my job searches, as my life changes. For example, I never used to have "benefits" on my list, but as I get older, they've become more of a priority to me. So, I added benefits to my list of priorities.
I use this all the time. And I keep it up and close to me. I also coach all my clients to use this as well, and it helps them find what's important to them.
Best of luck in your job search! I hope this was helpful.
AmyDecember 7,2022 at 9:06PM UTC
Thanks! I can easily come up with this list. Plus what my cutoffs are for things that need to be included. Like how much compensation, dental benefits, remote including providing computer and so on!
Brittany Wilson, Transformational Career CoachDecember 8,2022 at 11:07PM UTC
Amazing! That will definitely help you! Best of luck in your job search! If you every want any more help, feel free to reach out!
AmyDecember 9,2022 at 4:15PM UTC
Thanks!