Welcome to the Stop Sabotaging Your Success Podcast, episode sixty-six. I’m your host, Cindy Esliger. This is the podcast focusing on what we can do today to take control of our careers and overcome the inevitable barriers to success that we encounter along the way. 

Let’s talk about exploring possibilities in our careers. Sometimes, it seems like we’re waiting for someone else to hand us a master plan, when in reality, it’s all about us figuring out what truly lights us up. Seriously taking the time to explore different options is essential for finding fulfillment and satisfaction in our everyday work life. It’s the key to unlocking our passions, strengths, and interests, and ultimately determining what we should do next in our career path. Nowadays, with job security being a thing of the past, it’s more crucial than ever to be open to various opportunities and embrace change.

In this episode, we’re diving into the benefits of exploring possibilities in our careers and seeking out roles that align with our values and interests. Trust me, when you’re passionate about your work, it’s a whole different experience. You actually enjoy what you do, feel motivated to excel, and experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

Remember those good old days at the start of your career when you felt that way. Perhaps it’s been so long that they are now only distant memories. It’s time to do some self-reflection to figure out what type of work lights us up and determine if what we’re currently doing is still cutting it. Although, if I had to guess, my bet is that you’ve strayed off the path a bit and you’re now searching for a way back. Been there and done that, more times than I’d care to admit.

Exploring possibilities in our career can also open up new and exciting opportunities. The world is constantly evolving and new job opportunities and even new industries are popping up everywhere. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends in your field, you can spot these shiny new opportunities that align better with your interests and strengths. Plus, with an open mind and a willingness to take risks, you can venture down career paths you’ve never even considered before. Who knows what opportunities await. As an added benefit, exploring possibilities can help us develop new skills and competencies. 

In today’s job market, employers are on the hunt for versatile, adaptable people with a diverse skill set. So by exploring new career paths, we’re not only expanding our skills, but also becoming more marketable. It’s all about keeping our options open and staying ahead of the game. And you know what else? By taking on new challenges, we learn more about ourselves and our abilities, boosting our confidence and self-esteem. So it’s a win-win. 

Taking the time to see the possibilities available can bring us that ever elusive sense of balance and satisfaction in our work life. When we’re happy with our careers, it spills over into our lives outside of work, making everything just a little bit brighter. So by venturing into new career territories, we might stumble upon a job that offers a better work-life balance, more autonomy, and greater opportunities for personal growth and development. Seriously, who wouldn’t want all that? Exploring possibilities in our careers is absolutely crucial for finding fulfillment and satisfaction in our work lives.

Maybe you’re at a point where you’re curious about what lies around the corner in your career journey. Well, it’s time to get set for an adventure and start exploring. The possibilities are waiting, and it’s up to us to find what truly makes us shine. Stop waiting for someone to hand you a step-by-step plan to follow, and let’s figure out what lights you up and makes you tick.

There are a few signs that indicate that it might be time to embark on this journey of self-discovery. First, you may be feeling unfulfilled. If you’re stuck in a job that leaves you feeling empty inside, it might be a clear sign that you need to explore other possibilities. But remember that finding fulfillment isn’t solely dependent on your job. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and a new job or career won’t magically solve all your problems. You might need to do some inner work and enrich other areas of your life too. I know that’s easier said than done. 

Or maybe your motivation has disappeared. If you’re dragging yourself to work every day with zero enthusiasm, it could be a red flag that change is in order. But keep in mind that motivation can be fickle, even in the most amazing jobs. It might just be a temporary slump, so don’t jump ship too quickly. Sometimes a simple shift in mindset can reignite that spark and make you fall in love with your job all over again, or at least tolerate it for another day. 

And don’t forget about that infamous career plateau. If you feel like you’ve hit a dead end in your current role, with no room for growth or advancement, it’s time to explore new options. But let’s not get caught up in the rat race because career satisfaction isn’t solely defined by climbing the corporate ladder. Maybe it’s more about finding meaning and purpose in your work that is what truly matters to you. In that case, you might be able to find new avenues for learning and development within your current job. It’s up to you to take the initiative to make that change.

Life happens, and sometimes you experience major changes in your personal circumstances, which can have you questioning whether this job is even worth the effort it takes to succeed. Learning to adapt and make your current career work is part of the game. You don’t always have to burn it all down and start from scratch. Sometimes it’s about making the best of what you’ve got and finding creative solutions to make it all fit. Life can feel like a bit of a puzzle, and sometimes you have to figure out how all the pieces come together. 

Now let’s talk about burnout. If you’re on the edge of the abyss, feeling like you’ve reached a breaking point, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate your career path. But remember, burnout is often a symptom of a larger issue, and changing careers won’t necessarily solve everything. Sometimes taking a breather or making changes within your current role can help you bounce back and feel more like yourself again. So before you go embarking on a major career transformation, make sure you address the root cause of your burnout. 

Next up, changing interests. If you’ve discovered new passions or hobbies, it’s only natural to want to explore how they can be integrated into your career. But sometimes keeping those hobbies as separate entities from your job might be the better move. You don’t want to suck the joy out of your newfound interests by turning them into work obligations. Keep that passion alive by keeping that new hobby as a treat that is completely removed from your work. 

Ultimately, the decision to explore new career possibilities is a personal one and can be influenced by a variety of factors. It’s important to be aware of these signs and trust your instincts when deciding whether to explore a new career path. 

Exploring what else might be out there that interests you can open up new perspectives and insights into your current career path. It can help you see your strengths and weaknesses from a new angle and provide fresh insights into what you want and need from your work. By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you can challenge yourself and expand your abilities. 

Now, let’s talk about that dreaded concept of drifting in your career. Picture this, you’re like a leaf floating down the river, just going along with the flow, hoping someone else will decide where you’re headed. Well, that’s not how to find fulfillment or achieve your career dreams.

You see, drifting happens when you choose not to make tough decisions about your career. You’re just sitting there, waiting for someone else to hand you a plan on a silver platter. But guess what? That plan might never come. And while you’re passively drifting along, everything around you is being pushed forward by other people’s agendas. Before you know it, you wake up one day and realize your career isn’t actually your career anymore.

It’s time to wake up, take back control, and reclaim your power. Here’s the thing, exploring all the possibilities is what’s going to help you find what truly lights you up. It’s about stepping up, taking charge, and actively seeking out the career path that aligns with your passions and ambitions. So let’s ditch the drifting mentality and embrace a more proactive approach.

No more waiting around for someone else to tell you what to do or where to go. It’s time to be the captain of your own ship. And trust me, I get it. It’s tempting to go with the flow and avoid making those tough decisions. But here’s the reality check. By doing that, you’re giving away your power and letting others shape your future. And who wants that? Not me. And if I had to guess, not you either. 

Taking control of your career means being willing to explore different possibilities, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about assessing your strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and actively seeking out opportunities that align with who you are and what you want to achieve. Sure, it takes some effort and soul searching, but it’s worth it in the long run. 

So let’s banish the notion of drifting and replace it with a proactive, take charge mindset. It’s time to create your own path, set your own goals, and make those tough decisions that will propel you forward. Remember, your career is yours and no one else can dictate its course, unless you let them.

Sure, there might be challenges along the way. There might be naysayers and doubters who question your choices. But remember, you’re not here to please them. You’re here to carve out a meaningful, fulfilling career that brings you joy and satisfaction. 

So embrace the power you have to decide what’s right for you and show them that you’re no longer a leaf floating in the river. You are the one steering the ship. Take the time to explore, experiment, and learn. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. 

Your career journey is a process, and it’s okay to make detours and change course if needed. The key is to stay true to yourself and your passions. So let’s break free from the drifting mentality and start making those tough career decisions. Explore all the possibilities, pursue what lights you up, and own your career with confidence. 

No decision is a decision. Avoiding the discomfort of making a tough decision about what’s next for you means you’re allowing yourself to be a pawn in someone else’s grand plan. It’s time to reclaim your power. There’s no easy one-size-fits-all solution to drift. And finding your solution starts with self-knowledge.

You might start with setting a goal to rediscover your interests and reflect on your own nature and values to combat drift. So take the time to clarify your priorities. Quieting your mind and reflecting on your values, interests, and strengths can help you make more informed decisions about your career path and find work that really gets you excited. 

It can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your motivations, and what you truly want out of life. This self-awareness and insight can help you make more informed decisions about the opportunities available to you and which you choose to pursue. 

Maybe you’re like me and secretly waiting for someone to hand you a perfectly thought out plan for your career. It’s funny how we want our independence and autonomy, but when it feels like we might make the wrong decision, we’d rather have somebody just tell us exactly what we should do. But that’s not going to work this time. Nobody has all the answers, except you. It’s time to take charge of your career and explore all the possibilities to find what truly lights you up. 

Researching and experimenting with different career paths is a smart move. It’s a matter of gathering data about different industries, job descriptions, and work environments. By doing your homework, you can figure out what aligns with your values and priorities. So here’s your permission to go ahead and see where that takes you. 

This research is your secret weapon against making career changes that turn out to be the wrong choices for you. Who wants to waste time and energy on something that doesn’t fit? 

So reach out to people you know in different industries and get their insight and advice. Shadow or volunteer in various roles to get some real life experience. It’s all about gaining insights and avoiding costly mistakes. Networking is the way to uncover all those hidden gems in the career world. 

Connect with professionals from different fields and tap into their knowledge and wisdom. They can be your guiding light in figuring out what you want next for your career. If you’re lucky, they might even drop some hints about job openings. Treat it like a career treasure hunt. But before you go into full on networking mode, set some clear goals for yourself. Know what you want to achieve, and be sure to express genuine interest in what they may be willing to share. 

Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just shamelessly asking for favors. So give before you receive, offer your help, share your expertise, or make some introductions. And here’s a pro tip, follow up. Networking isn’t a one time thing. It takes time, effort, and more than a bit of persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep nurturing those connections. Follow up with your contacts and watch the magic happen over time.

Do what you can to make the best of your current situation to give those career connections time to make that magic happen. Now’s the time to take action. Trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone is key to exploring career possibilities. It’s like an experiment where you get to learn more about yourself and build your confidence. So go ahead and try new experiences, take calculated risks, and let the adventure unfold. Who knows what amazing opportunities await. 

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or need some guidance, don’t be afraid to reach out for a little career coaching. Sometimes a fresh perspective and expert advice can work wonders in creating a career action plan. So seize the day and take control of your career destiny. 

Remember, the power to discover your ideal career path is in your hands. So research, network, take action, and embrace the thrill of exploring all those possibilities. Your dream career is out there, waiting for you to make the effort to find it. It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. 

Many people feel pressured to have a clear career path with a specific goal in mind, but the truth is that it’s normal to feel uncertain and to explore different possibilities before settling on a path or even wanting to change paths mid-career. In fact, exploring different options and taking time to reflect on your interests and values can actually lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying career journey in the long run.

It’s important to approach career exploration with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. Don’t limit yourself to your current skill set or industry. Be open to exploring new areas that align with your interests and passions.

While it’s important to reflect on your interests and values, it’s equally important, if not more so, to take action and try out different career options. This can include taking on new projects at work, volunteering in a new field, or even taking classes to learn new skills. 

Exploring different career options is a journey, and it’s important to embrace the process and be patient with yourself. As I said, it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away, and it’s normal to feel uncertain and to explore different options before deciding on a direction. 

Trust the process. Stay curious and remain open to new opportunities. 

And that’s it for this episode of Stop Sabotaging Your Success. Remember to download your Guide to Exploring Possibilities at cindyesliger.com/podcast, episode sixty-six.

Thank you to our producer, Alex Hochhausen and everyone at Astronomic Audio. Get in touch, I’m on Instagram @cindyesliger and my email address is info@cindyesliger.com.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you have to come check out The Confidence Collective. It’s my monthly coaching program where we dig a little deeper into what’s holding you back in your career, and we find the workarounds. We help you overcome the barriers and create the career you want. Join me over at cindyesliger.com/join. I’d love to have you join me in The Confidence Collective. 

Until next week, I’m Cindy Esliger. Thanks for listening.