Considering a job or career change this year? Try these two Life Design strategies to help you get started!

If you’re considering a job or career change this year, you’re not alone! Nearly half of all Canadians (42%) are thinking about switching jobs or careers over the next year, signalling the biggest work transition in Canada in several generations.

While employment mobility has been increasing gradually over the years, the pandemic has prompted this major shift in four key ways:

1. We have spent more time reflecting on our lives and values, and asked ourselves the question, ‘is this right for me?’. For almost half of us, our answer was ‘not really’.

2. We experienced tension between our remote and in person work decisions, and considered the bigger questions about how we want to live and our work/life balance.

3. Some of us also experienced concerns about our health and safety at work during the pandemic, leading us to consider other options.

4. As the pandemic created widespread economic disruption, many people also experienced a decline in job stability and security.

The good news is that this transition will open up opportunities and create a dynamic environment for pursuing new jobs, changing careers, and starting and growing businesses.

If you’re considering a job or career change, grab a notebook and try these two Life Design strategies: Your Imagined Lives and Prototyping!

Your imagined lives

This creative activity is about generating and exploring ideas with a mindset of curiosity.

You’ll be imagining 3 different possible versions of your life over the next 5 years:

Ø Life 1 can comprise the ideas and plans you think about the most.

Ø Life 2 is what you might do if you were unable to pursue Life 1. It should be distinct and different from Life 1.

Ø Life 3 can be your dream life, where you imagine what you might do if money, image, or the expectations of others weren’t considerations.

You can make a simple one page chart for each life with columns for years 1 – 5.

What are some possible key milestones for each of these lives over 5 years? Include both your personal and professional pursuits and goals for each year of each life.

Remember that there’s no one ‘right’ life for you, and you could equally happily live several different lives!

When you’ve completed your 3 charts, reflect on these questions for each life and jot down your thoughts:

1. What questions do I have about this life?

2. What do I like most about this life?

3. Is this life consistent with my values?

4. How confident am I with this life?

5. What resources do I have that would support this life (time, money, skills, experience, equipment, contacts, etc)?

Prototyping

Prototype experiences and fact finding conversations are real world experiences that help you gather essential information, explore ideas, and answer questions.

Prototype experiences

Prototype experiences are designed to give you first hand and real-world experience on a short term and small-scale basis. They are designed to guide decision making, while limiting risk taking and investing minimal resources of time and money. A prototype experience might involve a short-term internship, a volunteer or shadowing position, or any other low risk activity or small experiment that will give you the information and insight to make informed decisions.

Try brainstorming ideas for several prototype experiences aimed at gathering information and answering your questions, and then begin exploring your options and arranging one or more prototype experiences.

Fact finding conversations

Another valuable aspect of prototyping involves fact finding conversations aimed at gathering information and exploring your ideas. Fact-finding conversations aim to connect you with someone who has relevant expertise or real-world experience. This person may have experience in a career or job you are considering, be an expert in an area of interest, have tried something you are considering, or can provide a valuable perspective related to one of your questions. Who might have experience, insight, and knowledge to help you explore your ideas and answer your questions?

Approach your fact-finding conversations with a clear and specific question, such as: “I’m considering studying graphic design and would love to speak with you about your career as a graphic designer”. Be specific about what information you are seeking, and that you aren’t asking them for anything other than sharing their experience, knowledge, or perspective. Consider reaching out to your friends and family for ideas of contact people.

Try these two Life Design strategies to help you to begin exploring ideas and gathering information as you consider a new job or career! I’d love to hear about your ideas and prototypes!

To learn more about how my Life Design course can help you navigate job, career or other life transitions, please reach out to arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation.