Hitting the Reset Button: How to Reinvent Your Career in 5 Steps
The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.
— M. Scott Peck
Feeling stuck in a dead-end job? If so, you're not alone. Many people reach a point where their careers no longer spark joy (or even a flicker of interest), a feeling that can be fueled by a variety of factors:
Maybe your initial passion for the work has faded, replaced by daily tasks that feel monotonous or meaningless.
Perhaps your values have shifted, and your current work no longer aligns with what's truly important to you.
Technological advancements could have rendered your skillset obsolete, leaving you feeling frustrated.
If you can relate to one of these dilemmas, you may be choosing to stick it out for various (and many valid reasons), and although this may often seem like the path of least resistance, research shows that working in an unfulfilling job can have a significant negative impact on your well-being in several ways, including potentially diminishing your mental and physical health, productivity and engagement, and quality of relationships.
On the flip side, there is a growing body of research that suggests a positive correlation between job engagement and wellbeing. If you are working in your sweet spot, you can likely relate: when you're passionate about what you do, it fuels a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This positive energy spills over into other areas of your life, reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, and creating a more balanced sense of well-being. Research from Gallup also indicates that employees who are engaged in their work have 17% higher productivity and 21% higher profitability. So a fulfilling career doesn’t just have positive outcomes for you, it's a strategic, rewarding decision that has a ripple effect on others as well.
As a leadership coach supporting clients in many different industries, I've witnessed firsthand how challenging it can be to find a new role or opportunity. Making a change - even if there’s a promise of a more engaging career on the other side - can be an overwhelming endeavor. Fear of the unknown, financial anxieties, and the sheer effort of starting over can all represent significant hurdles.
Yet in facilitating countless conversations with my clients, I've seen how the power of self-reflection and strategic planning can lead to exciting career transformations. The RESET method described in this post is a culmination of the wisdom I've learned from serving clients who are navigating a courageous journey towards a more fulfilling career.
The five steps in my RESET career transition method include:
Reflect on your current state.
Envision the possibilities.
Select the most important criteria.
Establish and evaluate your options.
Tailor a plan that targets your top options.
1. Reflect on your current state.
Before you embark on your journey towards a fulfilling career, it's crucial to take a deep dive into your current state and determine what’s working and what’s not. It’s also essential to truly understand your values, strengths, and what motivates you.
Self-awareness is the foundation on which a successful career reset is built. To find the most rewarding fit, it’s vital to understand your authentic values – the core principles that guide your decisions and actions. It's also beneficial to be very clear about your strengths, the unique skills and talents that bring you satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
And even if you’ve already done all the assessments, self-awareness is truly an ongoing journey of exploration and refinement. So, for some individuals, this stage of reflection might involve a deep dive, uncovering passions and values that have been buried beneath layers of routine. However, others may have already done significant introspection, but need the opportunity to revisit and refresh their self-understanding.
2. Envision the possibilities.
After you've gained a solid understanding of your current landscape, it's time to break free from the limitations of your present and set your sights on the horizon. This is the stage where you get to intentionally embrace exploration, relying on these principles: Let go of the "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" that might have held you back in the past.Ignore the voice of self-doubt and embrace the expansive power of possibility.Ditch the practicality lists for now, and allow yourself to dream big.Imagine a world where your work aligns perfectly with your passions, where your skills are fully utilized, and where every day brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
This stage is where creative visualization comes into play. Here are some powerful questions to spark your imagination:What is your life purpose? Beyond the daily grind, what impact do you want to make on the world?
What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What problems would you love to solve?
What ignites your passion? What activities or topics consistently spark your curiosity and enthusiasm?
What would your ideal workday look like? Describe your daily routine, the tasks you perform, and the environment you work in. Who do you collaborate with? What kind of challenges do you tackle?
By asking yourself these questions and allowing yourself to truly dream, you'll start to paint a vivid picture of what a fulfilling career might look like for you.
3. Select the most important criteria.
Once you have unearthed some new possibilities from your self-discovery and expansive thinking, it's time to bring some focus and prioritization to the process. Remember that brainstorming session where you envisioned your ideal work life? Now, let's translate those dreams into a set of clear criteria that will guide your selection process.
The key to narrowing down your options lies in understanding what truly matters to you in a career. Think about the aspects of your current role that leave you feeling energized and fulfilled. Conversely, identify the tasks and situations that drain your motivation. This is where the art of compromise comes in. Be honest with yourself – what are your absolute "must-haves" and what are you willing to be flexible on?
Here are some key questions to ask yourself as you refine your criteria:
What are your non-negotiables? Are there deal-breakers in terms of salary, work environment, or company culture?
What type of work is most energizing for you? Do you crave introverted time, or prefer a fast pace with lots of people? Do you want to be casting the vision or implementing the solution?
What work-life balance is ideal for you? Do you crave a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, or are you more flexible with hours? Is remote work a priority for you?
What kind of company culture resonates with you? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, or do you prefer a more structured and methodical approach? Consider the company's values and mission – do they align with your core principles?
By answering these questions and reflecting on your ideal work scenario, you'll develop a clear set of criteria that will act as a filter for your potential career paths. This focused approach will help you move from a sea of possibilities to a shortlist of realistic and fulfilling career options.
4. Establish and evaluate your opportunities.
After you have your personalized selection criteria outlined, it's time to translate your dreams into tangible possibilities. This stage involves venturing back into the world of options but this time with a clearer roadmap guiding your exploration.
As you scout out potential career opportunities, aim for a shortlist of at least 3-4 viable options. Too few choices can limit your perspective, while a sprawling list can feel overwhelming. Research these select potential career paths thoroughly: Network with professionals in these fields or niches.Seek out informational interviews to gain valuable insights. Ask questions about their day-to-day tasks, the challenges they face, and the skills they utilize most often.Whenever possible, take your exploration a step further and try to get a chance to do some of the work itself. Volunteer for relevant projects, take online courses, or explore freelance gigs. The goal is to get a taste of what a day-in-the-life might look like in your chosen career path.Identify what skills you would need to build for each career option, and what resources you have to invest in targeted skills development.After you have completed your research, create a short list of pros and cons for each pathway you are considering. Rank the opportunities to identify which is the most ideal, most practical, most exciting, etc. Get feedback on your ranking from people who know you well and revise as needed.
By actively engaging with these possibilities, you'll gain a deeper understanding of which options truly resonate with your skills, values, and long-term aspirations.5. Tailor a plan that targets your top options.
When you have ranked your list of promising roles or opportunities that align with your criteria, it is then time to design a personalized launch plan, a roadmap that will propel you from exploration to execution.
Here's where your research and evaluation from the previous stages can shape your strategy. Develop a timeline for each step, factoring in realistic time estimates for activities like resume updates, interview preparation, and potential skills development courses. Here are some key actions to consider incorporating into your plan:
Develop your Skills: Look for courses, certifications, or volunteer opportunities that can equip you with the necessary skills you need.
Brand Yourself for Success: Refine your online presence, ensuring your resume and LinkedIn profile showcase the skills and experiences most relevant to your target opportunities. Consider revamping your personal brand statement to reflect your newfound career aspirations.
Leverage Your Network: Reconnect with former colleagues and friends in your target industries. Schedule informational interviews to gain insights and explore potential connections. Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable tools to expand your reach and connect with hiring managers.
Become an Information Powerhouse: Conduct thorough research on your target companies and the specific roles you're pursuing. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments. The more you know, the more confident and prepared you'll be throughout the application process.
Seek out Support: Explore online job boards and niche platforms relevant to your target field. Take advantage of professional resume writing services or interview coaching programs if needed.
Ace the Interview: Practice your interviewing skills and prepare compelling answers to common interview questions. Research the company's culture and mission statement to tailor your responses accordingly. Remember, the interview is a two-way street – be prepared to ask insightful questions about the role and the company.
A successful career reset isn't about impulsive leaps of faith. It's about strategic planning and taking calculated steps towards your goals. By following a well-defined plan with actionable steps, you'll transform your career aspirations from wishful thinking into a tangible reality. There will be challenges along the way, but with perseverance, dedication, and the guidance of this RESET method, you'll be well on your way to soaring towards a fulfilling and successful career.
