The following questions form the stepping stones that will lead you in the right direction when deciding your next career move. Sometimes, answering life's large questions can be a daunting task, whereas answering smaller questions along the way, with purpose and clarity, can reveal your path in a clearer, more manageable, and less overwhelming manner.
Answering smaller questions along the way, with purpose and clarity, can reveal your path in a clearer, more manageable, and less overwhelming manner.
Try it now. Write down your answers to the following questions in as much detail as possible. Try not to skip ahead, and give each question enough thought to generate a complete answer without feeling that your answers need to be final. The process is more important than the final document, which you can always revisit and revise. Be as thorough and candid as possible, and take as much time as you need.
Exercise: Stepping Stone Strategy (Downloadable)
Describe your current career situation as succinctly as possible; include both the good and the bad.
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Describe the way you would ideally like it to be. Be as specific as possible in identifying your primary career desires.
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What are you doing in your work that you want to continue doing? With whom?
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Does anyone else you know now have the kind of work situation you envision? If so, describe it in detail. What steps did this person take to get there?
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What is necessary for your future (goals) regarding money, time, and quality of life—in one year? Five years? Ten years?
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What are you not doing professionally that you would like to be doing?
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What unique qualities or characteristics do you bring to your career?
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In your work, what skills and abilities are not being properly utilized or fully expressed?
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What predictable blocks (organizational, personal, emotional, financial, etc.) might prevent you from reaching your goals?
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What might you lose or leave behind if you were to make a significant career change, for a better situation? (personal, practical, emotional, financial, status, etc.)
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Do you know what your career goal or objective is (short-term and long-term)? If so, have you written it down?
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What is the primary motivator/driver in your career? Has this been consistent, or has it changed?
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How will you know when you're on the right track? When you've arrived?
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To download this element of your Job Search Survival Toolkit, visit: www.CareerPotential.com/bookbonus
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