TOP CHALLENGES FOR YOUR CAREER SEARCH AND HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Noreen Butler, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

Looking for a new job can be a full time job in itself. When you are starting to look for a new job, be mindful of some of the top challenges you may experience.

It is natural to experience different emotions when getting ready to start your job search. First of all, are you looking for a new job or a new career. There is a significant difference. Are you looking to ‘just pay the bills’ or are you looking for something more meaningful?

One of the most challenging emotions you may experience is fear or panic if you have lost your job, which may make it very difficult for you to think clearly. You may find yourself wanting to take any job just to meet your financial objectives.

If you have lost their job, know that fear is the most common and natural emotion to experience. The best way to conquer your fear is to face it head on! This is the right time to take a step back and think of why you are afraid. You can ask yourself questions such as:

Am I afraid because:

Unexpected Circumstances – Do I feel like I don’t have control because I did not plan this?
Lack of Confidence – Do I have the right skill sets for my next job?
Lack of Clarity – Do I know what I want to do with my life?
Lack of Financial Security – Do I have enough money to pay my bills?
Lack of Knowledge on Career Search – Do I even know how to get a new job?
There are many questions that may run through your mind. The most important thing for you to know is that this is very common and expected. You are not alone and there many different types of resources and support that you can leverage.

However, first let’s take a look at some of these common questions that you may find yourself thinking about.

Unexpected Circumstances

When things happen unexpectedly, it is common to feel that things are not in your control. If you feel this way, consider this perspective, “you always have control of how you choose to experience what happens in your life’. Take a moment to let that thought settle in and really think about it. No matter what circumstances happen in your life, you can always gain control of your thoughts and determine what actions to take. Consider looking at this transition as an opportunity to experience something completely new in your life.

It is very natural to feel a lack of confidence at different times in your life. There are many reasons that you may feel this way, and it is natural and completely understandable. Think back to a time in your life when you were feeling you didn’t have the confidence to do something. Ask yourself, “How did I handle that situation”? Most people have accomplished so much more than they give themselves credit for. Remember that every circumstance presents you with an opportunity to experience something new which will give you more confidence.

It is quite common to feel uncertainty when it comes to your career. Things sometimes happen in life for a reason. Consider taking the time you need to really think about everything that matters most to you. Many people want to just dive right in and start looking for a new job without having clear direction of where they want to go or what they want to do. Generally, this will leave you feeling unhappy and unfulfilled. In many circumstances, you may find yourself in a year from now right where you are now. You owe it to yourself to be happy. Try not to hold yourself back and get out of your own way so you can forget about finding a job but focus more on finding your ‘ideal career’.

Lack of Financial Security

Consider short term or part time positions while you search for your ideal career. There are numerous career search resources available to you including online resources and career search firms, recruiters, etc. However, while you are taking the time you need to create a career search plan for your long term goals, consider reaching out to your friends, family and business network to let them you know that you are also available for short term assignments.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for you to take the time you need to “search within” so that you can discover exactly how you want to spend your valuable time doing something meaningful — so that you can feel more energy and a sense of peace and fulfillment. Be mindful of what it may cost you if you continue to find yourself searching for something that does not provide any kind of positive reaction day after day.

You may want to think about getting some additional support to help you think things through and create a comprehensive career search plan. Isn’t it time for you to create your road map and put yourself back in the driver’s seat so that you can navigate exactly where it is what you want to go.

There are many resources available to you to help you with your career search. I am one of many resources available to you and would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your vision for your future.

If you would like learn more about my career services, please go to www.noreenbutler.com or contact me at 914-689-5843.

Best wishes,

Noreen