Career crisis, or a healthy re-evaluation?
If you are feeling stuck and unhappy in your work, exhausted, unmotivated and wanting things to be different, you may have been told or be worried that you are having a career crisis.
Is it a crisis though?
It could be, from a psychological perspective, depending on how you respond to your situation. But it could also be an opportunity. To consider making a change if you have recognized that you are miserable in your work is arguably a healthy and positive response. Referring to it as a crisis is potentially unhelpful.
Crisis, by definition, is a “time of intense difficulty or danger”.
Sure, changing careers can feel difficult and scary, but dangerous? Maybe, if you are considering a new career as someone who jumps out of planes to test parachutes. Otherwise, I don’t think so.
As for the difficult and scary part – with the right support and a bit of a game plan, it doesn’t have to be.
I’ve helped hundreds of clients through a process to re-evaluate their careers and change direction and, while each individual has their unique circumstances, some common themes come up time and again when asked what it was about the process that helped them push through the scary part and make a change. Below are just some of the steps that helped:
Awareness: Being aware of fears and unhelpful mindsets that might be keeping you stuck
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness techniques to help make room for fears as they arise
Values: Taking time to step back and reflect on what matters – clarifying core values, how you want to show up and the life you want to be living. This can give immense courage and motivation to push through fears of change
Preferences: Being able to articulate what good looks like for you in the workplace and envisage an environment in which you will thrive so you know what to aim for and will recognize the right opportunities when you see them
Strengths: Reassessing not only what you can do, but what you love to do – what you enjoy and find energizing. This will help you identify and confidently apply for roles that are a great fit
Transitional approach: Change doesn’t have to be one giant leap into the unknown. Small steps can be less scary and more realistic, giving some continuity between the old and the new. (For example, initially doing the same work in a different sector, or vice versa).
If you find yourself in need of a career re-evaluation, get in touch. I’d be happy to help.