Many of you wrote to us after the post titled, Our Career Approach, letting us know that you found it a helpful change in mindset. Some of you also added that you’re not sure if you should stay or go. You asked, “Is it time to leave?”
We’ve shared an abridged version of our work below to help you in assessing what your needs are and whether or not you’re in the right place. The answers to these create something we call your core criteria.
Assessing your current job:
Priorities
- What are the top 5 things in life that matter most to you?
- What role do you want work to play in your life?
- What do you need from work in order to live your life priorities?
Skills
- What are the top 5 skills you get excited about using, even before you begin?
- What are the skills you love using that span both your personal and professional world?
- What skills do you use that leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled?
Environment
- What type of place do you want to work in (size, hierarchy, public/private, etc.)?
- What styles do you prefer to work with (collaboration, communication, relationships, etc.)?
- How do you prefer to work (project size, detail level, group size, etc.)?
Once you’ve answered these questions, write them down on one sheet of paper. Then, go through each one while thinking about your current role and ask yourself:
- Am I able to live my life priorities?
- Am I using most of my top skills regularly?
- Am I in an environment where I thrive?
Looking at your current job through the lens of your core criteria, can help you know that you are in the right place. And sometimes, it can be a catalyst for a much needed change.
This week, spend a little time thinking about your core criteria and see how your current role measures up. If you’re not where you feel you should be, use your core criteria to set a path toward a career that’s right for you.
Let us know how it goes!