Reflecting on a major career shift

Reflecting on a major career shift

When you have been given the gift of time due to a layoff, or other major career shift, now’s a great time to pause and do some introspective thinking about the trajectory of your career and life so far. Taking time to reflect and assess your career trajectory and life goals can be very beneficial, especially during a period of transition. Here are a few tips for doing some introspective thinking during this time:

  1. Reflect on your past experiences: Take some time to think about your past jobs, projects, and accomplishments. What did you enjoy about them? What skills did you develop? What challenges did you face? What strengths did you develop? What did you learn? Use these reflections to identify patterns and themes that can help guide your future career choices and to identify areas where you may need to upskill or develop new competencies.
  2. Consider your values and priorities: Think about what’s most important to you in life. Is it family, work-life balance, financial stability, personal growth, or something else? Identify your top priorities and values, and think about how they align with your career goals. When you have a clear understanding of your values and priorities, you can more easily identify career paths and opportunities that are fulfilling and meaningful, and avoid choices that may lead to dissatisfaction or burnout.
  3. Set SMART goals: Use the insights from your introspective thinking to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for your future career. These goals should align with your values and priorities, capitalize on your strengths, and address any weaknesses or skill gaps you’ve identified.

Introspective thinking is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Take time regularly to reflect on your career and life goals, assess your progress, and make adjustments as needed. In summary, putting thought into your career can help you make better career choices, create a sense of purpose and direction in your life, and ultimately lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment in the long run.