Career Possibilities

Broaden your thinking around a career change.

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Are you pondering a career change, either out of necessity or because you’re restless in your present situation? This exercise will open your thinking around the possibilities that might appeal to you.

You need two sheets of paper and a pen. Sit in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted, and place the two sheets of paper side by side. Label the left paper “Thoughts” and the right paper “Possibilities.” Answer each questions by writing your thoughts on the left paper. As you write, ideas will come to you for various types of jobs you might consider. As each comes up, write it on the paper on the right, then return to your journaling on the left page. Don’t edit your thoughts at all; let the answers flow without judgment. When you’ve finished answering the questions, you’ll have a page of potential career moves to consider.

1. What would you do even if you weren’t being paid to do it?
2. What would you try if you knew you couldn’t fail?
3. When have you had your greatest successes?
4. What will you regret not doing if you don’t try?
5. What are you trained to do? Do you enjoy doing it? Why or why not?
6. What do your friends and colleagues say you’re good at? Is there a career there?
7. What are your gifts?
8. What job have you loved the most? What specifically did you love about it?
9. When you think of friends and people in your networking circle, whose job do you envy? Why?
10. What do you want your life and career to be like in 10 years? What move could you make now that would get you closer to that dream?