Re-energising and Re-focusing your Career

If you find yourself suffering from any of the following, it could be high time to re-evaluate your career goals or look into new ways to enhance your position:

Stunted problem solving. Is identifying creative solutions to common challenges becoming more difficult? Are you feeling more and more isolated at work? Meaningful and constructive contact with others keeps your mind active by constantly providing new ideas and perspectives. If you’re not feeling that your workplace encourages creative discussions, support for new ideas, and contact with new people, something might need to change.

Poor concentration. Workers who are isolated and experiencing job stagnancy are easily distracted and often have a hard time sticking to one task. If you’re not making headway on projects or if you frequently start and stop work, you may need some more effective career management.

Stilted perspective. Sometimes trivial things can take on outsized importance in your work life. This happens most when resources are stretched thin. If you’re experiencing sensitivity to criticism and routine feedback, or feel irritable or resentful over small matters, it might be time to tune-up your career.

Managing your Career

Successful career management is a life-long process. It means taking charge of your career growth and direction. It involves actively learning about yourself, exploring all of your options, setting goals and developing yourself in a structured, organised way.

Here are some valuable tips for propelling your career forward:

• Take some time to review your job history, skills, strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
• Formulate a comprehensive description of your abilities and what you bring to the table – and practise until you are able to articulate this well.
• Actively gather information and network within your organisation. Request a meeting with managers in departments you are interested in to get answers to the questions you have, including how someone with your background might fit in.
• Review current openings within your organisation. If they match your interests, apply!
• Ask someone in the organisation at a more senior level than yourself to mentor you. A mentor can be a sounding board and advisor at every step.
• Contact a career counsellor. They’ll be able to help you assess your strengths, determine your occupational goals and help you prepare for the next steps.

Additionally, consider seeking a mentor – someone who has achieved success in your desired field. A mentor can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer invaluable advice to help you make informed decisions.

• Embrace Change and Take Calculated Risks: Re-energizing your career often involves stepping outside your comfort zone. Embrace change and be willing to take calculated risks. Sometimes, the most significant growth happens when you challenge yourself and venture into new territories.
• Develop a Personal Brand: In today’s digital age, personal branding is essential for career growth. Establishing a strong online presence through LinkedIn, a personal website, or other platforms can help you showcase your expertise and attract potential employers or clients. Cultivate a positive and consistent image that aligns with your career goals.
• Seek Feedback and Adapt: Constructive feedback is crucial for self-improvement. Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Use this feedback to adapt and grow in your career journey.
• Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Re-energizing your career isn’t just about excelling professionally; it’s also about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize your well-being, set boundaries, and make time for activities outside of work that bring you joy and relaxation. A balanced lifestyle fuels your passion and drive in your professional endeavours.

Grow your career

Brushing up on your skills: Is there some technical or other skill that would help you gain confidence or new credentials? Almost all jobs these days require a certain level of computer skills, for example. Further training—from a weekend course to a new diploma or degree—can help you bring more energy to your current position or give you the boost you need to move on.

Renewing your CV: By taking the time to update your CV, you’ll keep track of the growth you’ve experienced in your current position and be ready for anything that might come your way.

Mixing and mingling: It’s not just what you know, it’s who you get to know and who you stay in touch with. Make as many professional contacts as you can. Make it a daily priority. Get contact details from everyone you meet. Talk to each of your contacts at least once a year just to stay in touch and see how things are going. You never know how you might be able to help them—or how they might be able to help you.

Although there are no guarantees for advancement, by remaining devoted to ongoing learning, you will be maximising your opportunities for personal, social, and professional development. If you begin to tap your networks and act on your goals, you’ll be motivated to move forward. If not, it may be time to see a career counsellor for a review of your accomplishments and goals.

Re-energizing and re-focusing your career is a transformative process that requires self-awareness, determination, and a willingness to embrace change. By reflecting on your passions, setting clear goals, continuously learning, networking, and adapting, you can revitalize your career and find renewed fulfillment in your professional life. Remember that your career journey is unique, and it’s okay to take detours or change paths to align with your authentic self. Embrace the process and celebrate the growth that comes with it.

This article on “Re-energising and Re-focusing your Career” was taken from the Telus (formerly Lifeworks) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) library of resources available to all insured members with HanseMerkur health insurance plans. Please check it out to find other interesting and useful articles, pod casts and tips to help with your well-being or ask your local sales agent for more information about it.