Career Changers: What Do You Do When No One Is Looking?

10 years ago, when no one was looking, I'd often be reading personal development books (usually hidden behind a newspaper on the train).

15 years ago, when no one was looking, I'd be giving career advice to people twice my age (instead of doing my job).

20 years ago, when no one was looking, I'd be editing my fellow Students' resumes (despite the fact that I had very little to put on my own resume).

When on holiday, I've often been found quizzing the local taxi driver or waitress about their past and discussing their future career aspirations (..yes, I know, very sad!)

......so looking back, it's no surprise what I now do for a living.

The clues are hidden in your past

When people are struggling to make career transitions, the answers or 'clues' to what they should investigate as career options are usually found - not on the internet or on job sites - but hidden in their past.

Usually it's those activities or tasks that we have been drawn to when no one is looking that offer the best clues to the direction we should be heading in the future.

You see, when you let go of the ego-driven need to "look good"' and "avoid screwing up" you get much closer to doing the work you enjoy. The work you're naturally talented at, the work you're best placed to succeed at.

It's the work that's a natural expression of who we are, rather than the work that simply makes a buck and ensures a good self image.

So what are you doing when no one's looking?

Here are some questions for you to ponder:

- If you were locked in a big bookstore overnight, with all the security cameras switched off and no one looking, which section of the shop would you go and sit in to read? (apart from the obvious travel section that most people would wander into!)

- If you were then to move on to another section later that night, which one would it be?

- If you could read any of the magazines at the store, which 2 would you be drawn to when no one is looking?

- If you could go off and "test drive"' any job or career without anyone you know finding out about it, which 3 jobs or careers would you love to test out for a week just for the fun of it?

- If you were to ask your close friends this question: "If you had to pay me to solve a problem, what types of problems would they be?" - what would their typical replies be?

- In your last/current job, what were the things you'd do most often when your boss and team were not around? The things you did for the pure love of it?

The answers to these questions won't solve all your career woes - but they will give you some clues as to what subjects turn you on (professionally speaking) and the areas you could start exploring - whether professionally or as a hobby.

The dots join up backwards

When making a career transition it's futile to compile a detailed career plan as it's not something you can always plan in linear fashion. As I've found with my own career journey, when you make a transition, you'll find that the dots join up when you look back rather than forward.

So instead of looking forward and 'planning' a career move, look back and discover the things you do when no one is looking...

By Sital Ruparelia From 6 Figure Career Management

 

Comments

[Chandlee Bryan]

Sital,

Great post. I can certainly relate to your 10, 15, 20 list though I think you are a bit older than I am...

I also find myself talking to cab drivers about career issues. I once had an extended conversation with a park ranger on a mountain top about his work, and received an e-mail from him months later.

This advice on connecting the dots of past interests is a useful technique for "getting stuck." Thanks for sharing.

All the Best,
Chandlee

[Tim]

Sital:

I enjoyed your post...as a person in transition I am trying to answer a lot of career-related questions. Some of these are easier to answer than others. I love your suggestion about looking back to connect the dots instead of looking ahead. Great advice!

[Sital]

thanks for the comments

@Chandlee - and here's me thinking i was the only one having random career discussions with complete strangers! We should write that book sometime - "career lessons from the taxi rank" ;)

@Tim - when you focus on just taking next steps that you feel instinctively drawn towards.....it will often seem like an illogical, non linear journey that's a little scary. But it's exciting too - and the dots will indeed join up over time when you look back. Enjoy the journey...

[Jordan Sneakers]

The ideas are fashionable,and the key things you said in truth,many comments are right and I think you should be better,and good luck in your life.

[Cat Boots]

CAT Footwear is the world's leading footwear companies in the rankings. They are an experienced, when it comes to make Cat Shoes and Cat Boots, they are proud of the Caterpillar brand owners and their mission is to provide the market with the latest developments in the shoe department of a comfortable, durable shoes. Their area of expertise in their shoes, Caterpillar Boots with special features is just to make sure every footwear will be comfortable to wear as the first priority. Some models have steel toes, and some do not, they have given, to some extent, the inner surface can easily be removed, put back some of the special archs orthopedic support, not slippery. Surprising to know that these features bootshave to prevent electric shock, and thermal insulation of the action.

There are Ladies Caterpillar Boots, while other prominent women's shoes, Caterpillar will be moving within the raised floor, allowed the wearer to replace the floor the other Mens Cat Boots. Orthotics are custom. These boots will provide comfort and protection, women were not the case. Whether you want to put your shoes when working or when you are climbing, this is the best choice, you can. Women's Caterpillar Shoes in different designs, and provide price will vary depending on your choice. ...

[Canada Goose]

Prefer Canada Goose Jackets in Canada Goose Jacket online store, more experience for winter life ! With winter coming, the Goose Down Jacket Canada and Women Canada Goose Chiliwack Parka BLACK with authentic quality will be the best choice for you.
Winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is: which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? Today´s article highlights for you two coats that meet these important criteria: Canada Goose Men's Yorkville Bomber and Canada Goose Outlet Trillium by Canadian Goose.
From Canada Goose Sale, Canada Goose Parka inspired by the label´s iconic Canada Goose Women Expedition design. It´s fitted with plenty of internal and external pockets as well as a versatile removable down filled hood, secure Velcro collar and storm flap protection over the front zipper. The cut is a bit slimmer than we´re used to seeing on vests and outerwear pieces alike, which definitely works in your favor when traveling from work to play and vice versa.