5 Practical Steps to Realign Your Career for Greater Satisfaction
Transform Your Work Life and Rediscover Joy in Your Job!
Have you ever found yourself dragging your feet to work, feeling disconnected, or worse, burned out? If so, you're not alone.
I’ve been there too, transitioning from a call-center agent to an instructional designer, and now, a coach and author. These experiences led me to uncover a profound truth: career alignment is essential to prevent burnout and achieve lasting satisfaction.
Let me share with you a method that has been my compass through these transitions, the A.L.I.G.N. Method.
The A.L.I.G.N. Method
Introducing....the A.L.I.G.N. Method... Your Compass to Career Alignment
The A.L.I.G.N. Method isn’t untested theory. It was born out of the decades of lessons learned from my own career setbacks and successes. It stands for Assess, Leverage, Investigate, Grow, and Negotiate—five steps that guided my journey and can guide yours too.
Assess: Know Thyself
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of alignment. Without knowing who you are and what you value, how can you ever hope to find a career that fits? My journey began in the mirror. I had to assess myself thoroughly by answering questions like:
What are my core values?
What tasks do I perform best?
What are my unique strengths and talents?
What kind of work environments do I thrive in?
What tasks and environments will I not thrive in?
Understanding these elements is critical. Reflecting on these questions helped me identify non-negotiables in my career, like working in roles that allow for creativity, teaching and helping others. Setting and achieving your career goals become attainable once you have this solid foundation.
Reflecting on these questions isn’t just a one-time activity. It’s an ongoing process. The more you understand yourself, the better you can navigate your career in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Leverage: Make the Most of What You Have
You don’t have to wait for a new job to start aligning your career. Look closely at your current role.
Are there projects that ignite your passion?
Can you propose a job crafting initiative to better fit your strengths and interests?
When I was a call-center agent who aspired to be an instructional designer, I leveraged my passion by designing job aids, power-point presentations or checklist were not only educational but also inspiring for me. This alignment within my role brought me immense satisfaction while working on transitioning.
The key is to find opportunities within your current role that align with your long-term goals. This might involve taking on new responsibilities, seeking out projects that excite you, or proposing changes that make your job more fulfilling.
Investigate: Research Your Path Forward
Research is your best friend when it comes to aligning your career. Start by looking for companies whose missions resonate with your values. Conduct informational interviews to uncover different career paths and learn from those who are already where you want to be.
When I was exploring the field of instructional design, I spent time investigating the industry. I discovered that it perfectly combined my love for teaching, my knack for using technology, and my passion for creating engaging content. This research not only confirmed that I was on the right path but also provided me with valuable insights that helped me succeed in my new role.
Remember, aligning your career goals with your personal values isn’t just a dream—it’s a strategic move that can set you up for long-term success.
Grow: Invest in Continuous Development
Never stop growing. Continuously investing in your personal and professional development is crucial for staying aligned in your career. After several years in instructional design, I decided to pursue a second master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I knew that this new knowledge would open doors to more coaching and consulting opportunities, aligning with my evolving career goals.
Growth doesn’t always have to be expensive or time-consuming. Online courses, workshops, and books can be invaluable resources. Working with career coaches and mentors has also played a significant role in my growth. They’ve provided guidance, feedback, and support that have been instrumental in my career transitions.
The bottom line is that personal and professional growth should be a lifelong pursuit. The more you grow, the more opportunities you’ll find to align your career with your evolving interests and goals.
Negotiate: Advocate for Yourself
Finally, whether you decide to stay in your current job or move on, don’t shy away from negotiating for what you need. This could be a better salary, more flexible hours, or opportunities for professional development. Sharpen your negotiation skills through practice and by seeking out resources.
Here are a few ways to get started:
Online Courses and Webinars: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses specifically focused on negotiation skills. These can provide you with strategies and techniques that you can immediately put into practice.
Books and Articles: Reading books like "Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In" by Roger Fisher and William Ury, or "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It" by Chris Voss, can offer valuable insights and practical advice.
Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars that focus on negotiation skills. These often provide hands-on practice and the opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
Role-Playing: Practice negotiation scenarios with a friend or colleague. Role-playing different situations can help you become more comfortable and confident in your negotiation skills.
Mentorship: Seek out a mentor who excels in negotiation. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer feedback on your approach.
Negotiation is a skill that can be honed with practice and persistence. Utilize these tips to advocate effectively for yourself and ensure that your career remains aligned with your goals and values.
Take Proactive Steps Toward Career Alignment
The A.L.I.G.N. Method is more than just a framework; it’s a guide for making proactive, informed decisions about your career. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or simply ready for a change, this method can help you navigate your career with clarity and purpose.
Remember, career alignment isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s an ongoing process that requires continuous self-assessment, growth, and negotiation. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a career that not only pays the bills but also brings you lasting satisfaction.
Great tips here. So many people believe that they will be noticed by their manager for their great work, but the harsh truth is that everyone has to manage their own career. And that takes work.