Discovering Just What You Want to Do - CareerAlley

Discovering Just What You Want to Do - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? Dr. Robert Schuller I dont think there are very many of us who havent been here for at least some point or period in our lives. We tend to take whatever job we can get right out of college, because lets face it: the time to finally start paying down those loans is just around the corner, and more than ever, the real world is staring us down in the face. And sometimes, it looks downright scary. But then, then we get stuck. We stick around long enough to make sure our resume looks good, and a 6 month stint isnt such a great reflection. And then we stay because the benefits are looming around the year mark. And then we stay because we envision a 2 year raise. But then we find ourselves in a job that we never really wanted and still dont really want, but we dont even know what we want to do. And that in itself frustrates us! Been there? Are there? Youre not alone. But, guess what, theres hope. Ive got 6 easy tips for you that just might help. 1) Think Backwards I know this might not sound like solid advice, but heres what I mean. Start thinking back over all the things youve done in life. Is there anything (s) that stand out you feel like or wish you could do over and over and over again? What really got you excited? When was the very happiest time in your life? What were you doing? What made that time period different? Have you ever wished you could be someone in particular? Why? What do they/did they do? If it was that it was filled with time with friends and social activities, maybe you need to start thinking less of the office job and more of the social world. Did you volunteer for some non-profit that got you all up and arms and ready to conquer the world? Maybe its not so much what youre doing, but who youre doing it for that would make the difference in your attitude towards employment. 2) Compile a List of What Makes You Happy So, kinda similar here, but more generic. I like being active, going hiking, baking muffins, writing notes, playing hide and seek with my nieces and nephews. If youre stumped, just remember the last time you really laughed or really felt awesome about life. It could be an answer like the last time I had an amazing meal out. Who cares, write it down. Maybe your future lies in restaurant reviews for all you know. Compile these ideas and start researching all the possible jobs related to them. 3) Seek the Wise (or at least your Semi-Wise friends) When you get stumped on #2 above, then ask your friends. What do they notice that makes you really happy? They might be the ones to remind you that its when youre playing soccer and softball that youre seriously the happiest you ever are. Coaching anyone? Maybe they see the light in your eyes when youre doodling on a napkin during brunch. Who knows! 4) Dream Big Not sure what you can pull off, cant pull off in the immediate future? It doesnt matter. The sky is the limit when it comes to dreaming. If you had unlimited time, unlimited funding and unlimited support from those around you, what would you do? Dont worry if these ideas dont seem like they can translate into any source of employment. Like, parachuting from planes or surfing the Caribbean. Because, maybe you cant move to Bermuda and become a full time surfer. But, maybe you can write about surfing or work as a marketer for an online surf board company? 5) Dip Your Toes In Finally, get a little bit involved in a bunch of things you think might interest you. I dont suggest you go quit your full time job with benefits to see if you might like cooking in a bistro restaurant because youve always thought it sounded sexy and exciting. Volunteer some time and just try it out. Take a class related to a passion of yours and see if you can picture yourself doing that for the next 25 years. 6) Commit to a Plan This is potentially the most crucial step there is. Its easy to talk and dream, and its even easier to tell yourself that youre resigned to do exactly what you are doing, have been doing, and that its what youll always be doing, even if you hate it. That, my friends, is lethal. This is why you need a concrete, realistic plan. In 1 month youll have a list of 5 things that you are going to dip your toes into. In 3 months youll have tried out all 5, in 5 months youll have researched potential jobs and figured out the best means to apply, etc. Whatever your plan is, put time limits on things. That might not sound exciting, but the fact that your mind will have some hope will make a huge difference in you actually making a change. Dont be frustrated if you dont like what youre doing and dont really know what you want to do either. Weve all been there. Its just a process. And the more you can enjoy the process along the way, the happier you will most likely end up! Go for it! Be adventurous and dare to dream as big as you can. You never know what dreams come true. Freelancer Jocelyn Anne has found her passion in writing. She writes about everything from finding new career paths to whipping up super caramel-icious chocolate chunk ice cream in new ice cream makers. Good luck in your search