Do you need a career makeover? Does your career still reflect your personal style and values?
Just like your closet gets filled with outfits that no longer match your style or fit, your career might be ready for a refresh.
But before taking any drastic steps, it’s essential to assess if you’re going through a tough period or if it’s really time for a major career transformation. After the upheaval of recent years, many people are finding it harder than ever to discern the difference. Here’s how you can tell whether it’s time for a small career refresh or a total upheaval.
Is it Time for a Career Makeover?
If you’re noticing these tell-tale signs, it might be time for change:
- Endless Snooze: Before you log into your first meeting, you hit snooze four times.
- Daydreaming of New Careers: You zone out in meetings and find yourself fantasizing about running a vineyard or finally opening that doggy daycare with Fluffy.
- Exhaustion: You’re skipping workouts or social events because your job leaves you drained.
- Lack of Identity: When someone asks you what you do, you’re not sure how to respond.
- Energy Vampires: You end your workday feeling like your energy has been sucked out of you.
If this resonates with you, it’s time to consider a career makeover. Whether you’re working for a “boss-hole,” feel like your skills are underutilized, or sense you’re contributing to something you no longer care about, taking proactive steps can help you regain control and re-energize your work life.
Before You Quit, Take Stock
Sure, quitting might sound like the easiest option.
In fact, millions of Americans do it every month. But while quitting may seem like the ultimate solution, it’s important to remember that jumping ship without a plan could swap your current job stress for financial stress. Sometimes, instead of quitting, it might be time to get a promotion instead.
So what should you do instead? Take a baby step. Often, there are smaller, strategic shifts you can make before going for the big leap.
Take Inventory of Your Career Stress
Start with this simple but effective exercise:
- Write it Out: List everything currently stressing you out about your career. No filter—just jot it down.
- Circle What You Can Control: Now, circle everything within your sphere of influence. Be brutally honest about what you can and can’t control. This will help you pinpoint areas where you can make immediate improvements.
Sometimes, writing your stressors on paper can provide a surprising amount of relief and clarity.
Small Shifts Lead to Big Changes
It’s easy to fall into habits that drain your energy over time. Maybe you’ve gotten used to indulging toxic colleagues or letting your packed schedule crowd out important self-care activities like hitting the gym.
Small adjustments—like setting better boundaries, speaking up in meetings, or following through on conversations with your boss about your aspirations—can lead to significant improvements in your overall satisfaction.
These smaller changes can have a huge impact. They might help set the stage for more significant transformations, like starting your own business, shifting into a leadership role, or pivoting to a new field. The key is consistent progress.
Just like fashion trends rarely stand the test of time, short-term fixes to your career won’t deliver lasting satisfaction. Instead, focus on long-term shifts that align with your authentic self.
Actionable Tips for a Career Makeover
Here are some small (but very actionable) ways to zhuzh up your career!
- Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile: Update your headline, photo, and summary to reflect your current goals and skills.
- Clean Up Your Inbox: Organize emails into folders, unsubscribe from irrelevant newsletters, and set up filters to manage future correspondence.
- Take a New Online Course: Invest in your skill set by taking a short course on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy.
- Update Your Resume: Even if you’re not actively job hunting, keep your resume current with your latest achievements and skills.
- Set Up Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in roles you’re curious about for a casual chat and advice.
- Reorganize Your Workspace: Declutter and personalize your desk or home office for a more inspiring and productive environment.
- Set Clear Career Goals: Write down where you want to be in six months, one year, and five years, and create an action plan to get there.
- Join a Professional Group: Get involved in industry-specific online or local groups to expand your network and stay updated.
- Schedule Regular Breaks: Incorporate mini-breaks throughout your day to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
- Reconnect with Old Colleagues: Send a quick email or LinkedIn message to touch base with former coworkers or mentors.
- Request Feedback: Ask your manager or peers for constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Attend Webinars: Sign up for webinars or virtual events in your field to stay current on trends and best practices.
- Practice Mindfulness: Try incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine to reduce stress and boost creativity.
- Start a Work Journal: Document daily wins, challenges, and ideas for growth to keep track of your career progress.
- Tidy Up Your Digital Files: Organize your computer files and folders to make finding important documents easier and faster.
- Volunteer for a New Project: Show initiative by offering to take on a new responsibility or side project at work.
- Redefine Work-Life Boundaries: Set clear boundaries for when and how you work to improve focus and personal time.
- Update Your Professional Photo: Get a new headshot for your online profiles to refresh your professional image.
- Learn a New Software or Tool: Mastering a new tech tool or program relevant to your industry can make you more efficient.
- Set Up a Networking Coffee Chat: Reach out to someone in your field for a casual coffee chat, in person or virtually.
Celebrate Small Wins and Track Your Progress
Every small shift you make—whether it’s blocking off gym time, updating your resume, or negotiating with your manager for more flexibility—counts as progress.
Celebrate these achievements, no matter how minor they seem. Over time, these small victories add up, helping you realize that you’re not just in need of a makeover; you’re actively designing a career that aligns with your passions and values.
Get Feedback
For an even deeper career assessment, consider asking for feedback. Schedule career conversations to gather insights from coworkers, mentors, or friends. You may uncover strengths or areas for growth you hadn’t considered, helping you refine your career makeover in real-time.
Ultimately, your career—like your wardrobe—should make you feel confident, energized, and aligned with your true self.
Make this makeover about long-term success and sustainability, and you’ll end up with a refreshed career but a renewed sense of purpose.
