Essential Questions for a Career Change

7 Questions To Ask Yourself (When You Don’t Know Which Career Path Is Right For You): 1. What Energizes Me? Grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. Label one side “Energy Creators” and the other “Energy Drainers.” Now reflect on all the projects, initiatives, etc. you’ve worked on over the past few years. Label and categorize each one. Now look out for roles where the majority of the work is focused on energy creation. 2. What Do People Come To Me For? Everyone has a specific skill or strength that other people look to them for. If you’re not sure what it is? Ask 5 friends and 5 colleagues this question and see what they say. That can help you identify a skill that’s in demand that you’re also recognized for being good at. 3. What Problems Do I Enjoy Solving? Every job has problems. In fact, work and business are really the process of identifying and solving problems. So if you’re going to be spending your life solving problems, it’s important to know which ones you like to solve. Reflecting on this will help you see which challenges you enjoy taking on. 4. If Money Wasn’t An Issue What Work Would I Do? Most of us work to make a living. But it can be helpful to start from a place of what you love to do, and then work backward into the overlap between that and making an income. You’d be surprised at how many jobs exist where people are able to work on things they’re passionate about while also earning. 5. What Does My Ideal Workday Look Like? Some people love traveling for work, some hate it. Some people love sitting at a desk all day, some don’t. Some people love combing through spreadsheets, and…you get it. Painting a picture of the ideal day will help you dial into jobs that align with that schedule, workflow, and balance. 6. What Am I Willing To Struggle For? Most things that are truly worth doing are hard. If you’re not willing to take on some big challenges, to do hard work, and to deal with some uncertainty? You’re limiting your potential. So think about paths and outcomes that you feel are worth struggling for, then aim to align your work and career with that. 7. Whose Career Do I Admire? Finally, think about someone whose career you admire. A friend, a former colleague, etc. Reach out to them and ask them if they’d be willing to chat more about their journey and their job. This will give you a ton of insight into what they do and how they got there so you can see if it’s a good fit for you!

Are you feeling unsettled in your career? Start Here. If you’ve been questioning your career path lately, you’re not alone. More than half of middle-income professionals in the U.S. are considering a career change. And this year, 44% are already taking steps to pivot. So what helps turn reflection into action? It starts with clarity about your values, strengths, aspirations, and evolving goals. What energized you five years ago may not light you up today. That’s not failure, it’s growth. If you’re ready to realign your career with who you are now, these reflection prompts can help you move from doubt to direction: + What brings you energy? + When do you feel most “in flow”? + What are your natural strengths, and what do others say you’re great at? + Which accomplishments felt deeply fulfilling? + Is there room to grow where you are, and does that still matter to you? + What’s your biggest fear when it comes to your career? + Are your skills being fully utilized? + What new skills or experiences are calling you? + Who inspires you and why? + What does a balanced and meaningful life look like to you? Write it down. Take 15 minutes. Be honest with yourself. This kind of reflection doesn’t just help you decide what’s next, it empowers you to pursue it with confidence.

I've done a lot of career switching. I’ve switched industry, I’ve switched role type, I’ve switched my own priorities. As I’ve looked across my career, there is a common thread. I like to be in the thick of a transformation, I'm really comfortable with ambiguity, and I like it if I can join in the messy middle (said in non-corporate jargon = I like to navigate changes, build new solutions, and support people in the process). If you’re thinking of changing lanes, here are some questions to consider before you update your resume, send another Linkedin message, or request another networking meeting. 1. What are my values now and how have they shifted? The version of you that took the last job is likely now the same person in this moment. 2. What skills do I carry that I no longer want to monetize? You don’t have to monetize everything that gives you energy. 3. What’s the story I want to tell next and how do I want people to feel when they hear it? This is your personal brand. Spend some time thinking about it. You control the narrative. 4. Who are the three trusted people I can reach out to today and ask for feedback on my personal brand and networking approach? Networking takes practice! Ask a few trusted advisors for 15 minute syncs to give you some quick, direct, and honest feedback. 5. What does rest look like in this new season? Name it +  put it on your calendar or it will not happen. 6. How will I know this move was successful? The goal doesn’t always have to be an achievement. The goal can be peace. Pick the one question that surprised you? I’d love to hear about it. Let me know your thoughts in the comments. ✨ #CareerSwitch #RestIsStrategy #CareerReinvention #FutureOfWork #DearRosie