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Have you ever felt stuck in your career because you lack “clarity” or direction?
A lot of us have been there. Matter of fact, a lot of the people I wind up coaching initially express some level of frustration over wanting more career clarity.
And it is frustrating. Because here’s what that leads to:
- Stagnation and/or procrastination
- Stress and anxiety
- Boredom or boreout (yes, that’s a thing and it’s exactly what it sounds like)
But especially that first one. It’s easy to feel kinda lost in the sauce when you start thinking “Where do I go from here?” When you don’t have an answer to that, it’s somewhat natural to just say “…nowhere. Once I figure that out, I’ll get a move on.”
Let’s take a look at that for a minute, though.
The Fog In SF
Have you ever driven through heavy fog? I have because I lived in SF for a while (freakin’ Karl. Yes, its actual name is Karl the Fog. Look it up). It’s disorienting and a little bit scary. Sometimes, you can’t even see the car in front of you.
Here’s the thing you learn about driving through fog, though. As long as you stand still, you’ll never be able to see what’s around you. The only way to gain clarity about your direction and what’s coming is to move.
Standing still and thinking, reasoning, imagining, strategizing, or whatever is going to do you no good. You kinda just have to hit the gas. Lightly and responsibly, but still.
And as you start to move, the road–and environment in general–starts to reveal itself to you.
Finding clarity in your career journey is a lot like that. You don’t have to wait until the fog *hopefully* lifts. The best way to gain clarity is to start moving. You can even do it–you guessed it–lightly and responsibly.
If you’re struggling with finding clarity in your career and it’s holding you back, remind yourself that you don’t have to hit any home runs, get things perfectly right, or land your dream job. Here’s a couple tips:
Take A Small Step
One small yet intentional first step will do. Check out someone’s LinkedIn profile to get an understanding of their path (bonus if you actually reach out to them). Attend a networking event in a field you’re somewhat interested in. Follow the blog of someone who’s writing about relevant stuff. Anything to help expand your knowledge and field of view can be helpful. Engage your curiosity!
Aim For “Good Enough For Now”
The pressure of finding and then landing your dream job is a very high bar to clear. It’s possible, but overwhelming enough to stagnate you. Instead, ask yourself: What would be good enough for now?
What’s a simple next step that would provide me with what I need and set me on a pathway towards better things? A solid stepping stone, in other words.
Good enough for now is not only productive and positive, it’s also much more attainable than identifying and landing that “perfect” job.
Moral of the story: If you want more clarity in your career, you have to DO something. It doesn’t come just by thinking about it.
Take a free course, attend a networking event, do some informational interviews, lurk around on LinkedIn.
It may seem scary, but it’s how you learn to see through the fog.
The Brave Club!
If you’re looking for a way to be more effective in your job search (in other words, get better at landing interviews and jobs), come join The Brave Club!
It’s my group coaching program designed for job seekers. If you’re an educator, leader, or career pivoter, this was built for you.
The Brave Club is a more affordable/accessible coaching option that provides you with community, strategy, accountability, and confidence you can use to more skillfully and successfully navigate the circus that is the job search.
Check out some quick details below:
- 6 45 minute group sessions focusing on Branding, Resume Development, Job Alignment, and Negotiation
- Access to the private Facebook group for members
- Regular job search advice straight to your email inbox
- Open office hours for you to get specific answers to your questions
Register as an early member by Friday, January 24th and you can get in for only $75!
Click here to learn more and get started with bolstering your job search!
Here’s what someone from the pilot group had to say about their experience in The Brave Club:
I had a great experience for someone that has a non traditional job and has not worked in a corporate environment it definitely made me start to think differently in my current role. I feel more confident having the tools to start applying I am not as scared. I highly recommend anyone to join (already have a few friends that are interested). Come in ready to share job search and interview experiences.
-Alicia S.
This is your sign! Come sign up and let’s get to it. See ya there!
Curious about coaching?
Speaking of small steps, come talk to me! Getting to your next step isn’t always easy. And job searching sucks, especially nowadays.
If you’ve been thinking about exploring the world of coaching, sign up for a free consultation.
We’ll get acquainted, chat about your goals, and discuss how coaching can be the right resource for you. If you’ve been feeling a little stagnant or anxious about how you’re going to land your next job, now’s the time to get active.
Click here to sign up. What do you have to lose? It’s freeee!
Brandon creating a very comfortable environment for me to be honest about my frustration and journey. I felt validated and seen. I also appreciated that we were strategic and tactical. There wasn’t anything “lofty” about our meeting time. There were always take aways, notes, and resources shared.”
Adetola O.
Brandon is a wonderful supporter, provides a space to explore, and asks really thoughtful questions. Invest in yourself! You are worth it, and you will have a great friend to guide you along the way with no judgement.
Kristine L.
Brandon was awesome. He really listened and didn’t just try to keep us on a timeline or a schedule.
A. W.
Be Gallant Coaching 