Think about what you really want to get your career back on track

cpjobs.com has partnered with code-R to bring you examples of challenges faced at work and practical advice to empower yourself and others.

Dull Jack: I feel so lost. When I was younger, I focused all my efforts on my studies. My sole aim was to get into a good university, because my school and family told me that was the key to a good job and a good life. And so I dedicated myself to that singular dream, having faith that, as long as I did my part, I’d be happy in the end.

Suffice to say it didn’t quite work out as planned. I got into a good university and did well enough, and I managed to get a decent job out of it when I graduated. But somewhere along the way I lost my drive, and I’m not entirely sure I know what I’m doing with my life.

I almost feel like I’m just going through the motions. Don’t get me wrong, I’m good at my job and do make an effort. But I don’t find it fulfilling, and I’m not one of those people who gets up in the morning raring to go to work. If anything, I’m starting to become more indifferent, and am afraid of what I’ll become if I don’t snap out of it.

How can I find my way again?

code-R: Oh dear...all work and no play has really done a number on you! And by no play I mean you never let yourself freely dream and imagine. You’ve never played with the endless possibilities of what you could do and could be.

Sure, you had dreams. But can you honestly say they were completely your own? Your entire upbringing was sold on the idea that your life is the natural result of the job you get from attending the university your high school grades earned you a place in.

The problem is the fixation on the destination without giving much thought or awareness to living the journey to get there. This isn’t self-actualisation, it’s self-entrapment. You assumed that following the path laid out for you would make you happy. But, along the way, you never developed your own individual dreams.

Clearly your current track doesn’t inspire you. So what does happiness mean for you? What are your passions? What kind of work would you find fulfilling? How could you see yourself applying your skills to your dream job?

First, define your core values and what you believe in. This will give you some insight into the kinds of careers that would fulfil you. Next, reflect on what you’re good at and enjoy doing. Think about the type of work you’d be happy to do every day.

Then put it all together and imagine the different routes you could take to live that vision. Identify the key ideas, principles and themes that underpin the possible career paths open to your skills and attributes. These are an indication of your sense of purpose, which is a powerful change catalyst.

With a clearer vision and purpose, think about how to narrow the gap between your current and desired work. It may be a quick transition, or require longer-term planning. Even if you want to leave your current career, find ways to overcome the divide rather than burning your bridges.

You should also set a series of short- to long-term goals. Each goal is a milestone in your newly defined aspirational career journey, and an opportunity for constant ongoing evaluation. Make the goals achievable, and string them together to create momentum.

Dream freely, think mindfully, and plan accordingly. What do you have to lose?

code-R

An independent non-profit project created to support the self-actualisation of those in their 20s and 30s, and even beyond.