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In my career change search/journey, maybe I should ask a different question first.
For a couple of years now, in my quest to find that career change path, my focus has been on asking myself to what career path do I want to transfer my skills. I have not come up with a definitive answer. Instead, I get overwhelmed by the choices of careers; confused by job descriptions full of words that do not tell me what the job actually is or does; and completely dejected after applying for jobs and never getting a reply.
So instead of asking the 'what', maybe I should start with the 'where'. After all, if you are not happy where you live, that will impact every part of your life. I know where I could see myself living/relocating, so why not focus my career change search in those geographic areas and then, maybe, the other answers will fall into place.
Hi Jennifer, there may be some deeper longings and questions to unearth that would impact your choice of geography and what you choose to do professionally! For example: what do you want? It sounds like you are at a turning point, seeking to change your life in a holistic manner - where you live, who you are in relationship, how you show up in the world. Are you familiar with the adage 'wherever you go, there you are'? Context is part of the picture, and your location may be an important part of whatever shifts you make, however changing location rarely brings us fulfillment without the accompaniment of internal change. What type of shift do you need that calls you to look for a new job and new location? What do you want to be different? Who do you need to be to make that change? (I'd be happy to hop on a call to talk it out if it serves you!)
Hi Jennifer - you mentioned that you have been confused by the job descriptions that don't really tell you much about the job. What about researching careers in different ways like doing informational interviews, or talking to professionals working in different careers to get a more accurate & realistic view of what a job is really like?
You can use LinkedIn and search under "people." Type in keywords that relate to the type of career you want to research. Then you can browse people's profiles, and send a personalized connection request or ask a mutual connection to introduce you.
You can also do some job shadowing and / or volunteering in various fields to get a first-hand look at what the work and work environment entail. Use your contacts you make on LinkedIn to see about a job shadow. Sites like volunteermatch.org or idealist.org to look for volunteer gigs.
Hope that helps. Good luck!!
You could also start with what things do you love and what drain you. Take a piece of paper, turn it landscape (wider/shorter) and fold it in 1/2. On one side brainwrite what you love to do or who's involved (teams? individuals? alone?) on the left and on the right brainwrite what drains you and see what you come out with. That might help you focus in on jobs that include more of the things you love and less (probably not all) of the things you don't.
This is a great idea! To add to that, if you are having trouble identifying what excites or drains you, I heard Amber Rae talk about doing a schedule audit. You go through your normal day and after you finish a task reflect on how your feel (excited, 'ehh', or drained) and then compile the lists into what was exciting you and focus on that.