Written by: Todd Calongne, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Landing a job you love may sound far-fetched, but it’s not impossible. It’s difficult when our income sources do not align with our goals. Have you ever found yourself with a skill set matching a job description, and even though it’s not something you want to do, you still apply for the position? Then if you get the position and feel stuck because you brought your mismatched goals or values to the new role. This can be a cycle for many people.
Stop shelving your dream job for later. Today is the perfect time to get ready for it. Here is the first part of my GET HIRED series guides showing you how I coach people to get into a vibrational match to a better outcome.
First, understand your goals and motivations.
Why do you need a new job? Is it to earn more money for you or your family? Do you desire something that will make you happy? Or do you need to consider moving to get the promotion you believe you are due?
Before choosing a direction, it is critical to evaluate your objectives. This step will enhance your focus, and more focus means getting more of what you focus on. It will point you in the right direction for your career change and may lead you to more streamlined ways to achieve your goal.
Make a note of your goal(s) and keep it somewhere you can see it. This note will serve as your mini vision board for the next few days. Finally, prioritize your reasons. More money, for example, is always nice, but does it outweigh more joy or working remotely? It's also okay if money comes first. Make certain that your focus is vulnerable and genuine.
With your direction clear, you may find that, for example, you can do a job part-time or consultancy and make plenty of money, enabling a side gig to take shape.
Next, find others who believe in you.
Once you've completed your mini vision board, it's time to bring in additional positive energy from others. As a coach, I refer to this as co-creating. No matter how capable you are, you will always benefit from the encouragement of others who believe in you. It could be family, friends, colleagues, or even people you regularly discuss in your professional life issues.
When you are open to other people's ideas, they will help you find your way. Consider someone sending you a job description and telling you, "You'd be great at this." How does that compare to simply seeing it for yourself? People who believe in you bring a variety of perspectives. Diversity broadens our thinking, allowing us to attract more people. Be open to the ideas and suggestions of others. Their ideas may be the universe providing the new perspective or a kick in the butt you’ve been waiting to feel.
Third, Evaluate your current work environment.
Assume you are still at your current job for this section; if you have left that job, apply these concepts to a previous job that did not work out. Let's be real. Career restructuring is difficult, and you should consider your current situation before jumping into it.
Have you considered the aspects of your job that you enjoy? Is what you need to be successful in this role clear to your boss, and are your concerns heard and addressed? Are you financially secure enough to pursue your dream job?
These are essential considerations before embarking on a career path you are passionate about. Imagine you intend to leave your significant other if they do not address your concerns. Do they get to stay if they change because of the issues you raised? Work is the same way. What would have to change for you to stay in your current position? Could you live with those changes?
Before you leave your current job, give your current employer options for keeping you. Leaders are not minded readers and most likely have yet to learn what you require to stay and thrive. I often say to my clients, "okay, quit your job now (at least in your head). Now that you don't care about the job, what needs to change to keep you?"
Fourth, investigate opportunities while remaining balanced.
You can begin looking for potential employment now that you have decided to finally bring yourself closer to the career path you have always desired. However, a word of caution: refrain from devoting the majority of your time to this. Pay attention to your responsibilities in your current position or life. No, staying up late after bedtime to do a job search.
Allow yourself enough time to make this transition without jeopardizing the value you have in your current position. In your spare time, connect/network with professionals related to your dream roles, do things that make you happy, and recharge your batteries. Notice, I did not recommend job search sites as they are only good for letting you know what companies are expanding.
This final section will assist you in making room for new challenges and attracting the results you have been focusing on. Keep in mind that you are in a critical period of attraction. Companies that want your cynical, overworked energy on their team are not the ones you want to "attract." You want to work with companies that want a happy and balanced you.
Creating a second job to search for new opportunities is not a good idea.
Finally, learn while you wait.
Arming yourself with as much knowledge and skills as possible is an excellent step in preparing for your dream job. Connect with mentors, take certificate courses, attend workshops, hire a coach, or read the right books to make your waiting time productive and valuable. Take it one day at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Take pleasure in discovering how our energy can attract the right opportunities. Perhaps someone interested in hiring you is taking the same certificate course as you.
Now you will be ready to welcome opportunities. It’s time to delve into the challenge of getting hired.
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Todd Calongne, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Todd served as a senior people leader for the US Government and has since moved on and become an experienced Executive Coach and Hypnotherapist working with clients online. He has advised and built trust with CEOs, entrepreneurs, cabinet secretaries, foreign dignitaries, and members of Congress through his forward and often very direct approach. He leverages his political savvy and communications expertise to ensure his clients are effective leaders and help them reach their goals.