Changing Careers When You Don’t Know What You Want Not knowing what job or career you want is typical. At some point in their life, most people find themselves at this crossroads, feeling stuck, discouraged, and saying, “I want to do something different, but I just don’t know what that is.” It’s OK to feel this way, you’re not alone. This moment is an opportunity to clarify your why, sharpen your observation skills, heighten your curiosity, and start experimenting. You don’t need to be in a dead end job, sacrificing your health or relationships or completely burned out to want to make a career change. Instead, actually, it is much better to start when you’re just beginning to feel the call for your next career move. Here are some practical steps to get you started as you get ready to change careers. Exploration Preparation for a Career Change First, relax your shoulders, breathe, and release any tension and pressure related to identifying what you want. Oftentimes, we put so much pressure on ourselves to have the answer, know the next steps, and achieve that next goal. Ironically, easing up and stressing less about finding the answer often leads us to it. Then, try replacing “work” or “career” with the word “contribution.” This small change can shift your perspective, expand possibilities, and ease any feelings of overwhelm. The truth is: we often know what we want. The challenge could be: Taking the time to explore who you are now in your professional life, understand what may be holding you back, identify what you need to thrive in your next career path, and clarify what you want is crucial! Curiosities, Interests, Preferences, Strengths How many times have we all heard, “Follow your passion and you’ll never work a day in your life?” If you’re like me, it’s a lot! Has this advice worked for some? Absolutely! Does this advice work for everyone? No! If the pressure to “do what you love,” “follow your passion,” or “follow your purpose” causes serious anxiety, you’re not alone. Create a list As a first step, start by creating a list of what you’re curious about, what you’re interested in, your preferences, times when you enjoyed what you were doing, situations where you feel appreciated, and what you’re good at (strengths). Sometimes, seeking out a so-called “dream job” is just too overwhelming. When you shift to simpler questions, the insights become easier. During this self-reflection, you can also include topics you’re interested in reading and listening to in your spare time. And, don’t forget to add what you’re drawn to when browsing social media, videos, streaming services, etc. This may be a great place to begin exploring. Free yourself of the limitations of your previous experience, and perhaps any limitations and assumptions (for now) around money, ability, or any other details that might hold you back from considering them. This is just about you and what you’re interested in exploring. Review and Assess Now, carefully review your list and honestly assess your curiosities, interests, preferences, and strengths. Consider if each aligns with what is valued in the marketplace. Write down your answers to the following ten questions: “How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?” Vincent Van Gogh I Still Don’t Know What Career I Want, Now What? Dig deeper into a career reflection with our free Career Method Guide. Take a Career Assessment Career assessments or career aptitude tests focus on a variety of areas and are designed to help you identify a path that aligns with your curiosities, interests, preferences, and strengths. They go beyond personality type are designed to help you uncover jobs you may not have considered. Many people like the idea of career assessments because they seem so scientific. We do caution, though, that these tools are wonderful to help you find jobs you may not have considered, but they are not magic. No one, especially an online course or tool, can know you as well as you do! Trust your instincts about yourself and which career paths are right for you. That being said, an assessment is a wonderful place to start when you feel stuck. Explore one or more of the following to get started. Explore What’s Holding You Back Maybe you’re hesitant to pursue what you truly want due to external pressures from well-meaning loved ones, friends, or respected colleagues, or internal pressures like fear. Laurence G. Boldt in his book, Zen, and the Art of Making A Living, suggests that there are “’reasons’ why you might not want to know what your life’s work is.” He lists nine ways fear can show up that may be holding you hostage: Do one, two or more of these ring true for you? “Action is the antidote to fear. If you want to play the game, you have to act.” Diane Windingland It’s time to step out of paralysis and into action. Dive into learning and experimenting until you uncover what’s next. I’ve included a few ideas below. Take Advantage of Volunteer Opportunities Volunteering is a great way to explore new career paths without the same commitment of a full time job. Through volunteer work, you can also acquire and hone relevant new skills, and build relationships with professionals and organizations in different fields. Explore sites like GreatNonprofits.org and VolunteerMatch.org for suggestions and immediately available volunteer opportunities. Conduct Informational Interviews Wondering what it’s really like to work in an industry you’re curious about? Talk to people who are in your target role to get an idea of their background, day-to-day experience, and advice on getting into the industry. Their real life experience can save you a lot of time as you explore! How to do to an informational interview Tip #1: Tap into your network and identify several people who are engaged in work that you think you might be interested in. Tip #2: Whether directly or indirectly

Changing careers can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re considering a career change for personal growth or new opportunities, you might ask yourself if returning to school is necessary for your career shift. The answer isn’t always a simple yes or no. The fact is, you can change careers without going back to school. It’s important to assess the shifting job market, explore non-degree alternatives, and carefully weigh your options before making a decision. First, let’s explore some factors to consider: What Education is Necessary vs. Beneficial When you’re considering whether going back to school is the right career choice, it’s essential to consider if it is truly necessary or even beneficial for your career goals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) For example, in some fields like accounting, finance, architecture, education, engineering, healthcare, law, research science, psychology, and counseling, specific degrees are often required for entry-level jobs, according to the (Bureau of Labor Statistics). If the job you want requires a solid understanding of core concepts, a degree program can provide that critical foundation. Gather Information About New Careers A great first step is to look at a job description for roles to understand the specific skills and qualifications employers seek. This will help you determine if additional education or certifications are necessary. If you aim for a career change with higher salary potential, remember that degrees often lead to higher-paying jobs. Research salary data for your target careers, both with and without more education. Remember: although a college degree is valuable, it is not always mandatory to change careers. Many exciting and lucrative careers are accessible without a traditional four-year or two-year degree. Make sure to consider options like community college or even completing coursework as part of your high school diploma. Understanding the requirements and benefits can guide you in making an informed decision about further education. Self-Discovery and Goals When you think about a new job, it can be easy get caught up thinking about career paths that you’ve heard are secure, pay well, or have great benefits. Maybe they even just seem glamorous to you. These are all good reasons to consider your career options, but before you go down that path, make sure to take into account what’s most important to you. If there are things you don’t like about your current job, what do you hope to find when you switch careers? These might be things like more autonomy, a new challenge, or more flexibility. Exploring what you truly want and value most is crucial when considering your next career move. The fact is, even the best paying job won’t always make you happy if it doesn’t match your own needs, interests and values. Consider what kind of work environment you are seeking. Do you crave the fast pace of a startup, the closer work environment of a small to mid-sized company, or the stability of a large corporation? If you have obligations outside of work, like taking care of family members, or even just want more flexibility, some work environments are more conducive to that than others. There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions. Instead, it’s about what matters most for your life. Get practical about your new career. Think about your salary expectations. Certain careers offer higher earning potential, which might influence your decision. Will your future salary cover your investment into a new career? Additionally, how much time and money can you realistically invest in earning a new degree? Be sure your expectations align with your goals and current life situation. You can use online resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to research potential careers with promising growth and salary potential. Also, connect with professionals working in your desired field on platforms like LinkedIn or at networking events. Well-planned informational interviews can provide valuable insights into the daily aspects of a job. By aligning your career goals with your values and resources, you can create a clear path toward your career of choice. Now, let’s explore some alternatives. Skills-Based Careers There are many interesting and high-paying careers that don’t need a degree or prior experience. Fields such as web development, digital marketing, graphic design, or project management are worth considering. Switching to these careers may not happen overnight, but with a focus on transferable skills and some training and study on your own time, it’s very possible! You can look up labor statistics to explore which industries have the best job outlook, meaning they’re growing and have a larger number of open roles. Think outside the box. Many jobs in the trades have excellent prospects and do not require you go back to school. For example, jobs associated with wind turbines grew 45% in 2022. With the increasing presence of AI in the workplace, many view the jobs in the trades as more secure. For the average worker, this prospect can be very appealing for a career transition. If you’re going to change jobs, it’s good to know that role is in high demand! Here are a few other places to start. Look into skill development programs offered by community colleges or non-profit organizations, which provide targeted training without the commitment of a degree program. Become a web developer by learning in-demand programming languages like Python or JavaScript through boot camps and online courses. Master online advertising and social media marketing with courses and certifications offered by platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Google or Facebook. Or, develop your creative skills in graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator through online tutorials and certificate programs. By focusing on skill-based careers, you can build your resume in your free time and build a rewarding career without the need for grad school or even any other higher education. Grow at Your Current Company Most people assume that to switch careers or move to a different career path you need a completely new job. It’s

“What I’d really love to do is X, but to do so I’d have to take a pay cut…so forget it” If I had $1 for every time I’ve heard that statement from a client, friend, or family member, I’d be typing this from a yacht in the South of France. Yes, there might be instances where making a career change or changing jobs does necessitate taking a pay cut. But before you start rationing your fancy wrinkle cream in sacrifice to your new career, let’s look at the bigger picture. There are a lot of resources out there to help you navigate the potential financial implications of a new career path (see Ama La Vida’s Instagram post on this very topic!). Before you begin your research, let’s take a step back and explore some of the reasons why we might anticipate a pay cut in the first place. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Common reasons for pay cuts Anticipating a pay cut stems from both legitimate and perceived (hello limiting beliefs!) instances and scenarios. Here are some common instances where people are most likely to consider a pay cut (or think they’ll need to take a pay cut): More opportunities Let’s say you work for a small, family-owned company with 100 employees. The pay is great, but there are no clear opportunities for growth and advancement. Moving to a company of 1,000+ people, with multiple departments or functional areas and more long-term opportunities for promotion and career growth, might be a more attractive option, even if it requires a pay cut in the short term. More flexibility Perhaps you’re working for a company that requires staff to be in office 5 days a week, with a long commute on both ends of your work day. If achieving better work-life balance is one of your main drivers for seeking new employment, you might be comfortable taking a pay cut to work for a company that allows staff to work remotely. Better benefits Maybe your current company offers all the standard benefits (health insurance, vision, dental) you’d expect, but nothing more. You might be comfortable accepting a lower salary at a company whose benefits package includes things like: IVF fertility coverage, long-term care insurance, gym and fitness membership allowances, and reimbursement for your Ama La Vida career coaching membership. Switching industries Not all industries are incompatible when it comes to salary offerings and ranges. However, there are instances where you might need to accept a pay cut to move to your desired industry. Consider this example: You’re an ER doctor at a big city hospital, but it’s been your life-long dream to be a stand up comic. Moving from a doctor’s salary to that of a stand up comic who is just starting out in the industry might require a downgrade in pay. Not keen on taking a pay cut for a new job? There are ways to minimize the possibility. How to minimize (or avoid!) taking a pay cut for a new job There are things you can do to avoid taking a pay cut. Transferable skills Consider your current job and how the skills, tools, and strategies you regularly use align with the responsibilities of the role you’re looking to step into. Things like: These universal strengths can be applied to almost any job with just a small amount of customized upskilling based on industry or field. Upskilling Looking to pursue additional training as a means to beef up your resume and potentially mitigate the pay cut that might result from that skill gap? Check with your current employer to see if tuition reimbursement is an option. Stay put (sort of) Feeling stagnant in your role but love the company you’re working for? Consider looking internally for your next job. Leveraging your current salary and knowledge of the business work in your favor when negotiating a new salary internally. As covered in Ama La Vida’s Instagram post, it’s not always simply about salary. The above process helps clients uncover exactly what they want and create a strategy to attain it. How to negotiate your job offer to maximize your compensation package It’s important to think beyond salary and instead consider the full compensation package. The idea of a lower salary and having less money each month can be a scary thought for most of us. But, it’s important to evaluate the big picture to see what we might stand to gain outside of dollars and cents. For example, the bonuses and regular raises paid to employees at the new company you’re considering might be significantly higher than the annual percentages you’re entitled to at your current company. Or, maybe the amount of paid time off you’ll receive right out of the gate is double what you have at your current company. Another thing to consider is the amount of work you’ll have on your plate compared to what you have now. Will your workload and other responsibilities be reduced considerably? The new role may also bring a drastic difference in your out-of-pocket benefits expenditures. Will your health benefits come at a lower cost to you personally, with coverage that is in line, or even better, than what you have at your current company? Lastly, there’s always wiggle room to negotiate any of the above, in addition to salary, no matter what a recruiter or hiring manager tells you. Don’t be afraid to (gently) push back and advocate for yourself. So, what other questions might you need to ask yourself before considering a pay cut? Questions to ask yourself before taking a pay cut As with any financial decision, taking a pay cut is a deeply personal choice that requires thorough investigation into your own unique financial situation and circumstance. Honest introspection and exploratory work will ensure you’re accepting a pay cut with your eyes wide open. Whether you’re exploring new professional possibilities or navigating your existing

So, you got the job. Hooray! Now you just need to do that job well and all your career dreams will come true. Right? Or maybe you’ve been in your role for a while, working hard and doing all the “right” things. It’s only a matter of time before you’re whisked away to the management circle. Right? Right? Well, not exactly. Career journeys don’t end the minute you get inside a company’s doors (or remote servers). And hard work alone won’t necessarily translate to guaranteed career progression. So what do you need to do to ensure your career path heads in the desired direction? Why do you need a career plan? Career paths aren’t magically generated gps outputs that determine the perfect roadmap to professional satisfaction and fulfillment. To achieve those things, you need a well thought out career plan. Career planning shouldn’t be limited to job seekers or those just entering the workforce. It can be a powerful tool at any stage of your career, and can facilitate: A clearly defined career plan empowers you to explore all possibilities and take action accordingly. Ama La Vida’s Career Planning Process Ama La Vida has created a career development process that utilizes a personalized approach for every career coaching client. The newly rolled out Blueprints™ function as a career planning process template and starting point for each coaching engagement. From there, coaches work together with their clients to tailor the blueprint to the client’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances. Ama La Vida offers two distinct blueprint options: The Career Transition Blueprint™ The above process helps clients uncover exactly what they want and create a strategy to attain it. The Career Growth Blueprint™ The above process aids clients with optimizing their current role and maximizing future possibilities. It’s not about one size fits all These Coaching Blueprints are far from a one-size-fits-all approach! Ama La Vida’s coaches take this process and personalize it to each client’s needs, timeline, and priorities. Whether you’re exploring new professional possibilities or navigating your existing career, next steps aren’t possible without a clear career vision. Step 1: Create your career vision Creating your career vision starts with self-exploration to identify what’s truly important to you. The first step in most coaching engagements is doing some deep values work. Your values are simply the things that are most important to you. Consider them your non-negotiables or your “North Stars.” When it comes to an ideal career, you’re most likely to find satisfaction and fulfillment if the work you’re doing (and who you’re doing it for) is in direct alignment with your most cherished values. Remember, your career needs to support your life, and what’s truly important to you, and not the other way around. In addition to focusing on what’s important to you, think about what interests you and where your strengths lie. Consider reflecting on the following: Exploring your values, career interests, and strengths will help you determine what it is you actually want. Step 2: Do your research Once you know what you want, it’s time to explore some jobs or industries that might help you get it. But where do you start? Free job boards can connect you with hundreds of open roles with minimal effort. Forbes recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Free Job Posting Sites of 2024. Use these sites to explore: Not sure where your skills and qualifications match up with what you’re looking to do? Do a deep dive on certification and training requirements for your desired position. Identify organizations that govern or oversee a particular industry or role to see what skill gaps you may need to close. If you’re looking to get more information on an industry, company, or specific role, consider seeking out informational interviews. Identify folks within and outside of your network who have experience in these spaces and ask them for 15 minutes of their time so that you can ask questions. Know someone who knows someone? Ask for an introduction! A half-opened door is even more likely to get you time on someone’s calendar. Part of the research and exploration process should include whether or not the possibilities you’ve uncovered are actually a good fit for you. It’s not just about what you can do, it’s about what you want to do. One way to do this is through career assessments and self-assessments. There are several assessments available in the marketplace that measure strengths, working styles and preferences, personality types, and more. Utilize these resources to suss out where you might excel or struggle, and where your talents and skills may be best suited. Be prepared for some deep introspection and perhaps even a reality check! You might be going into this research with a narrow vision of what’s tangible and attainable; keep an open mind and allow yourself to embrace your findings. Step 3: Set your career goals A big part of the career planning process involves setting clear and actionable goals for yourself. When coming up with your professional goals, consider the EPIC goals model: Some reflection questions to consider when setting career goals: Remember that your career goals are YOURS, and should be reflective of the things that you want to achieve and do not need to align with a “typical” trajectory within your career field. Step 4: Turn your career goals into a career action plan Now that you’ve established your career goals it’s time to take action! First, consider what career plan steps are necessary and which order makes the most sense for you. Thinking chronologically, a good first step might be to break things down by short-term goals and long-term goals. But, there are many ways to structure a career action plan. Planning a career change and need additional education or to learn new skills? Your first step might be to: Looking to change jobs but remain in your current industry or career field? Your first step might be to: Happy in your current role but

What are your professional goals? It’s a question that can make even the most seasoned professionals pause. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your career, setting professional goals is crucial. It’s about more than just climbing the corporate ladder. It’s worth taking the time to figure out your professional goals. This process is the first step to making a career plan which will be vital for your career success and personal happiness. Professional goals give direction to your career. They help you make informed decisions about job opportunities and skill development. But how do you set these goals? And once you’ve set them, how do you achieve them? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig into how to set career goals that are meaningful, and also how to write them so you’re set up for success. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a mid-career professional, this guide is for you. Understanding Professional Goals Professional goals are objectives you set to guide your career path. They’re milestones you aim to reach in your professional journey. These goals can be as broad as aspiring to a certain job title, or as specific as mastering a new skill within a set timeframe. Professional goals are unique to each individual. They’re shaped by your interests, values, and career aspirations. But regardless of what your goals are, they all serve a common purpose. They provide a roadmap for your career. Here are some examples of professional goals: When to Set New Career Goals Sometimes it can be hard to admit that your goals may have changed. It doesn’t make you a quitter, and it won’t get better if you just ride it out.⁣ Here are 6 signs it may be time to revisit your goals: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Short-Term vs. Long-Term Career Goals Short-term and long-term career goals serve different purposes. But they’re both essential in your professional development. Long-term goals are your ultimate career aspirations. They’re what you aim to achieve in the long run, say in five, ten, or even twenty years. Short-term career goals are objectives you aim to achieve in the near future. This could be within the next few months or a couple of years. These goals are often stepping stones towards your long-term goals. As you’re considering your short-term career goals, it can be helpful to think about your long-term vision. Then consider what steps you can start now to help you along the path. Balancing short-term and long-term goals is key. It ensures you’re making progress while keeping your ultimate career objectives in sight. Still not sure what direction you want to take your career? Here is a great place to start when you don’t know what career you want. How to Identify Your Professional Goals Identifying your professional goals is a personal and introspective process. It requires self-reflection and a deep understanding of your career aspirations. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you explore your career goals: Your answers to these questions can provide valuable insights. They can help you identify your unique professional goals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Once you have an idea of your personal career goals, the next step is to write them down to give you even more clarity and direction. Research shows that people who take the time to write down their goals are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to achieve them. Here’s how to start. Writing Your Professional Goals Statement Not sure how to write career goals? You’re not alone. A professional goals statement is a powerful tool. It articulates your career objectives and the steps you plan to take to achieve them. Writing a goals statement requires clarity and precision. You need to clearly define your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Your goals statement should be specific and measurable. It should outline the steps you plan to take and the timeline for achieving your goals. It should also be realistic and achievable. Set goals that challenge you, but are within your capabilities. At Ama La Vida, we take SMART goals even further. We call them EPIC goals. These are goals that are elevating, practical, impactful and clear. Before you take the time to create SMART job goals, check them against the EPIC framework. At the end of the day, it’s not just enough for your goals to be achievable, as the SMART framework lays out. They should also be impactful and inspiring to you personally. Tips for Writing a Compelling Goals Statement Writing a compelling goals statement can be challenging. Here are some tips to guide you: First, be specific. Clearly define your goals and the steps you plan to take to achieve them. Avoid vague statements and generalizations. Second, be concise. Your goals statement should be brief and to the point. Avoid unnecessary jargon and complex language. Finally, be authentic. Your goals statement should reflect your unique career path and personal values. It should resonate with who you are and what you aspire to be. Setting Your Career Goals with the SMART Framework The SMART framework is a popular tool for setting career goals. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific goals are clear and well-defined. When you’re setting goals, make sure each one answers: What do I want to achieve? Why is it important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Measurable goals can be tracked and assessed. Answer, “How will I know when it is accomplished?” Achievable goals are realistic and within your capabilities. Ask yourself, “How can I accomplish this goal?” Relevant goals help you reach your bigger vision of success. Consider, ” How does this short-term career goal get me closer to my long-term goals?” Finally, time-bound goals have a deadline. Make sure you can answer, “When will I reach this goal?” Examples of