By now, if you’ve been reading my blog regularly, you know we’re working to rebuild your career into a dream career.
Years ago, I taught a monthly career transition class to retiring senior military officers. Most of them were excited about the transition, but others, for whom the military was not just a job, but a lifestyle for more than 20 years, agonized over the transition. As I did my introductory activity, asking each of the 30+ attendees what they wanted to do when they retired, a pattern routinely emerged:
- I really want to work in the school system as an administrator, but I’ll probably end up in a GS (federal) position.
- I’m looking for a COO position in corporate America, but I’ll probably end up in a BD (business development i.e. sales position) for a contractor.
- I’d love to start my own business, but I’ll probably end up as an analyst someplace.
The idea of “ending up” disturbed me. It’s a fate many folks endure and it’s not right. If you want to do more than “end up” then get busy learning the skills and focus for your dream career.
First of course, identify the career. We talked about that already. Click HERE and HERE for a review.
Secondly, obtain the skills. Skills remember are things that can be taught and certify that you know what you’re doing. Here are some places to get skills:
- Local colleges
- OJT
- Books
- Audio courses
- Video courses
- Seminars and workshops
- YouTube videos and tutorials
- Shadowing someone
- Formal networking relationships and Mastermind groups
Finally, obtain the focus. Focus factors are the nuances that ensure you have the right behaviors to be successful. For more information, check out my site that focuses (bad pun I know) on focus factors. How to you build focus?
- Get a coach
- Get a mentor
- Informational interviews
- Networking relationships
“Ending up” is easy. You’ve probably done it already. If you have, let’s break the cycle and get you to where you need to be. If you haven’t done it, take my advice and don’t! Time flies and you don’t want to get to the point where you don’t have the energy or drive to make it happen.
This week, finish identifying that dream career and start building your skill and focus. I’ve done it already and it’s one the best decisions I’ve made. I want the same for you.
