A Guide To Change For Everybody: Identifying Your Next “Thing”
This chapter is from the book “Next For Me: A Guide to Change for Everybody” from the founders of Next For Me.
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”
― Author Elizabeth Gilbert
Perhaps you know you want to try something new, but you just don’t know what that something is. If you’ve been in the same job a long time, or are considering leaving your career, figuring out what to do next may feel really daunting. By breaking it down, we hope to make the process a little easier.
Try not to let practical concerns get in the way at this point. This is about discovering the pursuits that give meaning to your life and give you a sense of contentment. Whether they turn into a new job, a new hobby, or a new cause to support remains to be discovered.
This next exercise may take a little longer than others in the book, because it’s going to help you answer the big question, “What’s Next for Me?”
Exercise 1: What Now?
You need to start somewhere, so start by writing down your proven skill set— the achievements highlighted on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Next, try thinking beyond the public facing achievements. What in your personal life do you see as an achievement?
Which of these do you really enjoy, and want to keep doing?
Which of these would you rather not do any more?
Write down your hobbies and interests outside of work. Do any of these overlap with your “work” skill set? Are any of them a viable way to earn income, or would you rather keep them “just for fun”?
Take a look at people in your professional and personal networks. Are any of them doing the work you think you want to be doing? Write those names down and set the list aside. We’ll address how to reach out to them in Exercise 5 , Find Your Advisors.
This section is from the book “Next For Me: A Guide to Change for Everybody” from the founders of Next For Me.
