Do you doubt a lot about whether you are in the right place or doing the right thing professionally? A reader recently wrote to me telling me that she is not sure if she is doing the right thing professionally or if she should change and do something that gives her more peace of mind. Have you ever wondered something similar?
Probably yes and it is normal, since sometimes it is difficult to be in a situation where you are 100% convinced of absolutely everything you do. There are people who are very clear about what they want to do professionally, but many others do not and nothing happens, it is not a crime. It is a matter of learning, searching and trying until you find what makes you feel fulfilled and satisfied (at least for a while if you are naturally restless).
In fact, the career model has changed and you have to be aware of it. Until recently it was a long-lasting linear model, you studied one thing and all your life devoted to it. But now things have changed and the model is changing and multitasking. What is the problem? That many people have put into our heads that "normal" is the same as before and now it is very difficult to change that. And the result is that there are many people who do not find their vocation or who feel bad about changing, thinking that until they find "the career" in which to end their days they will not be happy. Nothing is further from reality.
So how can you know if you are on the right track, if you are doing the right thing? Keep these points in mind:
1. What is "the right thing" for you?
You know what you want? You cannot know if you are doing the right thing or not if you do not know what is the right thing for you. So if you find yourself in this situation, it's time to stop and think about what you want professionally, both in the short and long term. Knowing what you want in the long term is especially important to create a strategy and make better decisions in the short term, to avoid doing things at random and then realize that your choices do not get you anywhere. So it is essential to know what you want in detail.
2. Do you see progress of any kind, on a personal or professional level?
By "progress" I mean everything that brings you closer to your professional goal or that involves your personal or professional development (learning, improving something), that gives you something or makes you feel better. I have already mentioned other times that development is closely associated with personal fulfillment. If you feel that you are stuck, that you are not valued, or that you have a lot to offer and you feel frustrated, as has happened to some of my clients, then it is time to make changes. Not necessarily leaving the job or changing careers (although sometimes, only you can know it), but making changes to have challenges again and feel that you are progressing.
3. What is your priority right now?
This reader mentions something that gives her more peace of mind. Sometimes it is not a matter of having the wrong career or job, but your current circumstances make you have other priorities at least for a time. For example, you may be thinking of starting your own business or even that you have taken the first steps and that due to your circumstances you have to go to work to pay bills or that you are already working and your hours are increased and things are complicated. This is something very frequent that both clients and readers tell me. What would be "the right thing" in these cases? Quit work and focus on your business, quit business, delay it?
The answer depends on your priorities and circumstances. Do you have the time and, above all, the desire to continue doing both? Do you prefer to stop and continue later? Only you can decide. And once you decide to create your strategy.
So if you have doubts about what you are doing, think about your current circumstances, your priorities and what you really want and when you are clear, make a decision.
What do you say? Where are you going to start analyzing what happens?
