This is the best time of year to review how your career went in 2015 and make new goals for 2016. For some, it may be time to make a big shift. If you spend a lot of time day-dreaming about doing something new, you may have an inner career changer. Is it time to start taking this voice seriously? Inner career changers usually fall into one of five categories:
1. Over-the-job worker
Most of your time at work is a struggle. You hate your current job, but have no idea what to do next. You feel trapped and have fantasies about quitting.
Next step: Find inspiration. If you cannot find it at work, look for places outside of work where you can find things that bring you hope. Maybe from volunteering, working on a new athletic goal or seeking out people doing things you admire through media, conferences and/or classes.
2. Antsy mum
You have taken time off from your career to raise your kids and now you feel both excited and worried about going back to work. You are concerned about how relevant your skills are and how you will balance work and family life.
Next step: Carve out two hours a week. You need sacred time just for you to dream and explore new options. Put your multi-tasking skills aside and invest 2 hours a week to dream up new ideas, network or look at job ads.
3. In transition seeker
You are in the process of planning your next career chapter, be it a job search, completing a new degree or planning for retirement. However, you often feel unorganised and unfocused.
Next step: Create and follow a plan. Even between jobs, you need to schedule your time as you create your next opportunity. First, plan 10 hours a week to search for opportunities and events online, next organise another 10 hours to call people you know that can help or hire you and attend events. Your other time can be invested in your home, health, family and friends, producing a better attitude and more confidence.
4. Geographic newbie
You are new to Dubai; this is an opportunity to make a shift in your career.
Next step: Build a new community. Get busy making new friends and business contacts. Make a list of things you are interested in and seek out community events to attend from that list. Consider school activities, social clubs, sports, arts organisations etc.
5. Boss wannabe
You have always wanted to be your own boss, so if not now, when? Opportunities for online and offline businesses have never been so great.
Next step: Choose an idea. You cannot start a business plan without an idea. Make a list of ideas you already have and seek out new ones online or in your community. Aim for 10 or more ideas, choose one that most excites you and start researching how feasible and inspiring the idea is for you and your market.
With thanks to The Bright Livelihoods Global Team - Laurel Donnellan, CEO and Melanie Blackwell, Global Programme Director.
Visit www.brightlivelihoods.com.