Career Change

How to achieve the best career path for you

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Building self-awareness to enable the discovery of what you want to do – STEP 1

How do you achieve the best career path when there are so many career and job options available to you? Where do you start? How do you find the perfect match? Is this really possible?

The good news is that it is possible, you simply need to take it one step at a time.

The first step involves building your self-awareness. This means you need to take time learning about yourself so that you become really clear about the kind of career that would best suit your personality. You want to be able to imagine your ideal career and what the outcome of finding this will be like for you.

To help you through this first step, here are some questions to think about:

  1. What are you good at?
  2. What activities and work environments enable you to work at your best?
  3. What motivates you?
  4. What knowledge do you have that you would like to use?

Use enjoyable and satisfying past experiences, in both your personal and working life, to help you to answer these questions. You can then start identifying themes of skills and qualities to enable you to discover what you would like your ideal career to include.

The second step is to start exploring career and job ideas that match your skills and personality and I will be covering this in my next blog.

In the meantime, enjoy spending time focusing on the things you enjoy and are good at!

The more you know yourself, the better you will be at identifying a career that suits you.

 

www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

Overcoming the uncertainty of changing career

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How can you overcome the inevitable challenges of changing career?

Would you like to change career? If so, you are not alone and likely to be using the New Year as an opportunity to review your career path. In fact, according to research from the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF), 47% of all workers in the UK (66% of people aged 18-34) would like to change career.  These are extremely high percentages.

However, despite these high numbers, many people who wish to change career make the decision to stay in their current job. The LSBF research identified that 29% would not move because of the lack of financial security in changing career, 20% did not know what new career path to choose and 15% had a fear of failure.

There are so many unanswered questions for those who want to change career and this uncertainty can be a huge obstacle in making any career move. I see it all the time in my coaching business and always think it is such a shame that, although my clients are doing something about it, there are still many people who are not and remaining unhappy at work, an unhappiness which will affect your personal life too.

If you would like to consider a career change, what can you do to overcome the obstacles you face?

What I suggest at this stage is that if you are unhappy at work and considering a career change, take action and do one thing today towards achieving this change. You could prepare a financial budget, ask friends and family to help you, arrange some work experience or talk to someone in a job of interest and find out about their career. You may have already done a lot of analysis on what you don’t like about your current role and what you want from your future career. However, there is a time when you need to move forward from your analysis and take action to enable you to find out more.

Taking action will help you to test ideas and find out what career would suit you.

www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

Mums returning to work – How to achieve your desired career

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mazePortfolio Career

Prior to starting a family, you had control of your career. You could work long hours if required. You could apply for the perfect job that suited you. You could go out after work without a thought. You could even go home and flop on the sofa after a bad day at work!

You then became a Mum….

A new bundle of joy entered your life and, as you settled into maternity leave, work became a distant thought as you used the time instead to start adapting to your new life.

However, as the end of maternity leave approaches, the reality starts to sink in as you begin to think about returning to work. Things are different now. Priorities have changed and there is a little person now controlling your time.

How will you be able to control your career when you have your family to think about as well? Who will be doing childcare drop off and pick up? Who will be available if your child is unwell? Who is going to do the cooking, cleaning, shopping and feeding?

It can all be quite daunting for many Mums who also want to continue working and achieve the career they always wished for.

So, how can you achieve your desired career and dedicate time to your family?

My advice is to sit down with a cup of tea (and a large slice of cake), and start preparing your 10-year career plan.

10 year goal – What do you want to be doing in 10 years? Your child will be starting secondary school so you will have much more time to dedicate to your career.

4 to 5 year goal – What can you do that helps you work towards your 10-year goal? Your child will be starting primary school so you will have more time available.

1 to 2 year goal – What can you realistically achieve around your childcare options? Perhaps you can start building a portfolio career to help you progress towards your 10 year plan? (see my portfolio career factsheet)

Now – What can you do to start preparing the way for your career path? Networking? Voluntary work?  Self-employment? Do you want to start/continue part or full time work?

It is possible to create the career you desire around your family commitments. It just may take a little more time and planning than you expected so make sure you always keep your end goal in sight.

www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

Could a portfolio career be right for you?

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Imagine a career which has a purpose and uses your skills and interests.

Imagine fulfilling your desire to become self-employed, alongside part-time employment to reduce the risk of going it alone.

Imagine being able to build a career around your family life.

The portfolio career

The way we work is changing. A job is no longer for life. The increase in choice and variety in the job market together with the increase of part time and contract roles allows for individuals to be more creative and flexible when designing their career path.

We are starting to recognise that each individual has a variety of skills and interests that can suit more than one role. We are also starting to accept that an individual may have more than one job and move between jobs more frequently to enable them to rise up the career ladder, earn more money as well as to find a career that suits them and makes them happy.

The portfolio career fits into this new way of working really well.  It has many parts to it and involves an individual having two or more jobs at any one time.  The advantage of creating a portfolio career is that it can enable you to form a career to suit you.  You will be available for opportunities to fulfil different skills and interests whilst being in control of how your career balances with your lifestyle.

Is a portfolio career for you?

Since mentioning how a portfolio career could be an option for Mums returning to work in my blog ‘Mums returning to work – ‘how to achieve your desired career’, I have received numerous enquiries from those who are intrigued to find out how this could work for them.  To assist your thinking, here is an example of a portfolio career:

Jane is self-employed as a private tutor, having previously worked as a full time teacher. She also works in an employed position as a garden guide to fulfil her love of the outdoors and interest in sharing knowledge with others using skills developed whilst teaching. In her spare time, she is starting to write a book on garden design, something she has always wanted to do but has never found the time.

Is your mind now buzzing with ideas of what you would like to achieve?

What would a portfolio career be like for you?

If you wish to explore this further, start putting together your ideas of what a portfolio career would look like for you. Understand your finances so that you know what you can afford to do. Talk to people and find out what opportunities are available and to help you confirm that this is the right route for you. To maintain a portfolio career, it is important that you are able to talk to people and network. Finally, put your plan together to make it all happen and plan your time wisely so that you take on a manageable amount of work!

 If a career with purpose and flexibility sounds appealing, then perhaps the portfolio career is for you.

www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

BREXIT – THE END OR THE BEGINNING?

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Brexit has triggered an explosion of emotions over the past week. On Friday 24th June it was announced that 52% of the UK had voted to leave the European Union. This meant that 48% did not want to leave and it is these 48% who are feeling shocked, angry and confused.

This result has triggered a reaction that has exposed us all to an intense build-up of negative emotion. It is surrounding us in everyday conversation and on the news. My Facebook thread has been dominated by unhappy and angry posts written by family and friends who feel really passionate about our country and care about what happens to our future. Through no choice of their own, the change and uncertainty which lies ahead has caused them, as well as millions of others, to feel fearful.

However, it is this fear that makes individuals feel even more out of control and anxious about their future. It is this fear that stops individuals from achieving the things they want to achieve. It is this fear that causes unhappiness.

I have already seen the impact this is having on some individuals and feel really sad about this. This is why I was so relieved to read Dr Rebecca Edwards’ recent post on Facebook. Rebecca is a very good friend of mine and extremely committed to her political views. This is her request:

‘If today you are feeling outraged, harness that energy and get involved in politics. There is great political uncertainty ahead, with changes in leadership in our political parties certain and a general election in Autumn most likely. We need people to step up and act as our representatives and for many more voices to be heard. Join a political party (even if it needs changing from within), write an informed blog piece, take part in a protest, deliver some leaflets or talk to a neighbour about why your viewpoint matters. Let’s take politics back.’

My request is similar. I now challenge you to decide what your positive beliefs are in reaction to Brexit and to start acting on these beliefs to move you forward towards an inspiring future. It may be a change to your personal life, it may be a career move or it may be, as Rebecca suggests, a political move. No matter how big or small, start making positive changes.

Some of you may now be thinking I am being unrealistic and there is nothing you can do anyway.  Yes, it probably feels like everyone is being unrealistic at the moment and there is not much happening to spur us on. However, isn’t the negative climate we are currently living in an even bigger reason to be driving yourself forward?

Being positive is the foundation for making good decisions, taking action and becoming top of your game. Please take action and create a fulfilling life for yourself.

www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

Five simple steps towards a career change (that you can do today!)

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Have you been saying for months or even years that you are not happy with your job and want a career change? Do you struggle to know where to start? Do you fear change and so have ended up remaining in a role you dislike, despite your motivation decreasing daily?

You are not alone! Many individuals remain in their current role despite knowing their career aspirations are likely to be found elsewhere. They remain in these roles due to the common mistaken belief that a career change requires a big life change and therefore involves taking a big step to achieve it. This step is simply too big, unachievable and scary and so excuses are made to delay any change.

‘It is not the right time.’

‘The market isn’t good right now.’

‘It is too risky.’

You remain disappointed and unhappy, continually waiting for the right time to make this big step.

This is so frustrating for you. However, it doesn’t have to be. Let me use a quote from Lao Tzu to explain to you how to make your dream career change manageable and achievable.

‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ (Lao Tzu)

All that is required of you is to take the first single step towards your career change now. Yes, it really is that easy.

Think about it, everything in life requires a first step. Why should this be any different? To get to work each day, requires you to get out of bed. To eat your meals at home, requires the purchase of food. To arrange a night out with friends, requires communication with your friends. Without these first steps, you wouldn’t get to work, eat or see your friends.

The five steps towards a career change

Let me summarise this in five simple steps:

  1. Accept that a career change does not necessarily involve one great big step.
  2. Use the above words of Lao Tzu, to frame your thoughts.

‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’

  1. Decide on your first single step and do it!
  2. Once you have taken the first step, you will have the knowledge and confidence to work out the next step.
  3. Keep taking small steps until you succeed in reaching your desired career.

This journey may take months. However, you will always be moving forward and it is far easier to achieve a small first step, followed by lots of little steps, than a great big jump into the unknown. Often taking lots of small steps gets you to your goal more quickly than going for one big, difficult leap and the one that counts the most is the first single step.

‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’

www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

Six ways to find career happiness

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Do you long to be able to say ‘I LOVE MY JOB’?

Do you want to be able to respond with passion and excitement to the frequently asked question ‘What do you do?’.

Do you want to enjoy Monday mornings and feel relaxed on Sunday evenings?

Are you so fed up at work that even answering these questions has made you feel depressed? You actually dread Monday mornings and feel full of anxiety on Sunday evenings.

Feeling miserable at work is really tough. It impacts your career, as you become increasingly disengaged with work, and your home life becomes a struggle too. We don’t want to feel like this but often we do not know how to make it better. How do we find a career that makes us happy?

Let me tell how….

You will find six action points below which will help you to find a career that makes you happy. Please take time to go through each step. Remember, it is a process that cannot be completed overnight. It will take time but will be worth it. 

  1. You – take time to think about you. What do you enjoy doing and what interests you? Think of times when you felt really motivated and fulfilled – what were you doing? Be as specific as you can. You want a career that takes advantage of these skills, strengths and interests.
  2. Your personality – Work out what kind of working environment would best suit you? Do you like going to the office each day or do you prefer being out and about? What makes you feel happy and comfortable?
  3. Your money – We are often preoccupied with how much we are earning and make this our primary focus in a career search. We all need money but how much do you really need to be happy?   Do not let salary solely dictate your career path. Decide on a realistic salary band. Remember some of the top 20 most satisfying careers are the lowest paid.
  4. Your vision – Having progressed through points 1- 3, now think about your first day in your ideal job. What are you doing? Who do you meet? Where are you? Who do you talk to? How are you feeling? What skills are you using? Focusing on the detail will make action five easier to achieve.
  5. Your investigations – spend time researching opportunities that you believe closely match your vision. Talk to people. Do some work experience. Keep asking questions and discovering what makes you happy.
  6. Your plan – Start making decisions and create an action plan to find the job you love.

These actions may require taking a step into the unknown. However, they will give you the best chance of finding the job that you love whilst providing your work-life balance with a happy boost.

Remember it is YOUR career – it is about YOU and what makes YOU happy.

www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

How I made a career change possible

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Many people really struggle to see how a career change can be possible. Perhaps they are unhappy in their job but feel they should persevere with it. Perhaps they do not want to risk changing career for fear of failure. Perhaps they have absolutely no idea what they want to do.

I changed career and, although I did struggle at times to believe it could be possible, I am glad I persevered as I did eventually discover what I wanted to do. This is how I did it.

I initially trained in law and qualified as a family law solicitor. I was attracted to this area of law given my interest in problem solving and helping people move forward with their lives. I enjoyed tackling the challenges my caseload provided but, after a few years, my mind started wandering. I started to become more curious about the world of careers and the options available. I felt there was more for me to explore and that I might be better suited to something else, something that was really me.

After a lot of thinking time, I realised that I was not going to be able to leap into my ‘dream’ job from my current role and so I made the bold decision to save some money and take a six-month career break to enable me to experience different roles of interest to me and make a better decision about my career.

I remember one of the hardest things about making this decision was having to justify it to people. Why would I leave the certainty of my job in law? Perhaps many people wouldn’t leave their job but this decision was right for me and I always knew that I would regret not making this step. If it didn’t work out, I would return to law.

During my career break, my initial intention was to do some studying and voluntary work. My focus was on improving the lives of adults and children within the education and charity sectors.

Within a couple of months, I had completed a Foundation Course in Counselling Skills for Working with Children with Place2Be and was offered temporary paid experience working in a primary school. By the end of my six months and upon completion of my work in school, I was fortunate to secure a paid full time position as a Major Gifts Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support.

Working for Macmillan was fantastic and, through witnessing the courage of those suffering from cancer, I became even more determined to find a career I was passionate about.

It was during this time that career coaching started to feature in my mind. Given my experience of moving from the legal to the charity sector, several people approached me for career advice and guidance. I was surprised by the number of people who did not enjoy their jobs and the negative impact this was having on their lives. I started to investigate the world of career coaching and found this to be a career I wanted to do.

I established my business, Tessa Armstrong Associates, and have now been working as a career and performance coach for almost 7 years. I am using my past and present experiences and skills to improve the lives of individuals by enabling them to discover what they want to do and support them in getting there. I am also currently keeping in touch with my other interests (children, education and charity) in a voluntary capacity.

Finding this career path took a lot of research, planning and networking as I thought seriously about what I wanted to achieve. It also took a lot of perseverance to overcome the challenges and uncertainty along the way but it was all worth it. I enjoy what I do and hope my story has given you something to think about.

The biggest thing I learnt was that a career change takes time. There may be a few steps to take and decisions to make before you reach your destination. Be patient, be brave and focus on solutions.

If you do not enjoy your career, are thinking of a career change or struggling with your performance at work, have a look at my free resources here and start thinking about your next step.

Imagine a world where we all felt fulfilled, confident and excited about our career choices!

http://www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

Stop waiting, take action!

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‘The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.’

Barack Obama

What a great quote! It truly sums up the message I would like to share with you in this month’s blog.

Stop waiting, take action

Waiting for good things to happen can be a soul-destroying experience, making you feel hopeless as you revisit past mistakes and wonder why good things always appear out of reach.

Living like this can be exhausting. Dwelling on past mistakes and waiting and waiting….and waiting….

Can I persuade you to free yourself from all this waiting?

Can you let go of past mistakes and associated feelings of failure?

Can you believe that good things are in reach and you can do something about it?

As Barack Obama says, the best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Find the courage to try new opportunities. If something doesn’t work out, try something different. Remember, there is no failure, only feedback.

Through believing in yourself and acting on your ideas, you can make this an exciting year for you and your career.

Stop waiting, take action!

http://www.tessaarmstrong.co.uk

How to get a new job now – The three Ps!

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How to plan your job search strategy and make use of all the resources available to you to enable you to get the best job for you.

Is it becoming impossible to get a new job?

The job market is tough – we know this because we read and talk about it all the time. People are struggling to find new jobs and are becoming impatient and fed up. However, getting a new job is not impossible. You may simply need to expand your job search strategy to get the job you want.

Your Job Search Strategy

We can often be in such a hurry to jump ship that we forget about our job search strategy and all the resources available to help us. We end up limiting our opportunities meaning our job search will take longer and our chances of finding the right job will be harder.

Take the time now to focus on your job strategy using The Three Ps.

Planning: It is important to plan your job search, ensuring you use all the resources available to you. Be organised and maintain a record of everything.

Positivity: Go for it! Don’t get disheartened when you receive rejections. It will probably mean that job is not right for you and there is a better one around the corner.   If you focus on the negatives, you will only see the negatives. Having a positive focus is the best way to achieve positive results. Patience: Don’t expect a new job to come to you. Finding a new job can be time consuming. Giving your job search the time it deserves will enable you to move forward efficiently.

Planning, positivity and patience will help you get the best job for you.

Please read my new Job search strategy factsheet, ’10 Effective Job Search Strategies’ for further help on the resources you can use to expand and enhance your job search.

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