GNT #43: How to reimagine your career

read time: 2.5 minutes
 

The year is 2020. I'm in a pandemic.

I'm a marketing executive on the leadership team of a high-growth tech company. As the world shuts down, I'm forced to take a good, hard look at my life trajectory.

And I realize...

I don't want to keep climbing the corporate ladder anymore.

I put my plans in place for a career pivot and launch two businesses in the next three years.

Have you ever felt stuck in your work?

Maybe you're contemplating a change, or feeling the urge to completely reimagine your professional path?

Today, we're exploring how to proactively shape your career to align with your vision and strengths.

Here are key strategies to help you reimagine your career - inspired by Manoush Zomorodi, an expert on technology and human behavior, and Jenny Blake, author of "Pivot."

Here we go.

1. Reflect on your career journey

WHY do you do what you do?

Would you have chosen your profession again knowing what you do now?

Dig into your motivations, passions, and the impact you wish to have.

Where do you envision yourself in five years if you could choose any path now.

Check out the Anne Pryor (a LinkedIn Expert and Career Change Coach), Belief Paradigm Method.

2. Upskill and reskill

The only constant is change, and continuous learning is key.

Stay adaptable and relevant. Identify gaps in your knowledge OR consider new areas you're passionate about.

Find resources to help you learn: online courses, books, or even tap AI to help you figure out the best way to learn a subject!

PROMPT: "I want to learn about [SUBJECT] quickly. Please provide me with a concise summary covering the following points: X, Y, and Z"

3. Experiment bravely

The fear of the unknown keeps us in the familiar.

But you can step out of the familiar zone by trying new projects, freelance gigs, or volunteer work.

These experiences aren't just great resume and confidence builders, they'll provide clarity and help you find the paths that resonate.
 

4. Network with intent

Your next career breakthrough might just be a conversation away.

Engage with people, communities, attend events, or connect online with professionals who inspire you.

Genuine interactions often pave the way for genuine opportunities.
 

5. Build your personal brand

Establishing a memorable personal brand is no longer a nice-to-have. It's a necessity in today's competitive world.

It's also a great way to explore your professional identity, define your unique value proposition, and determine how you want to be perceived by others.

It also doesn't have to be overly complicated. There are a LOT of resources out there, but LinkedIn Learning has a ton of great courses around building your personal brand.
 

6. Seek external guidance

Sometimes, an outside perspective can clear internal clutter.

Whether it's a mentor, a career coach, or even feedback from peers, a trusted external voice can offer clarity when trying to view your career in a new light.
 

TL;DR 

1. Reflect on your WHY, re-envision your ideal life in 5 years.
2. Upskill & reskill, identify gaps or new subjects you're interested in.
3. Experiment bravely, try new projects, side gigs, or volunteer work.
4. Network with intent, seek out those who inspire you.
5. Build your personal brand, use it as an exercise to explore your professional identity.
6. Seek external guidance to clear the internal clutter.
 

That's my super-short, 2.5-minute breakdown from some of my favorite experts.

I hope this gave you a few new ideas to explore!

I’m rooting for you.

See you next week.

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:


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