Want a more exciting career? Then stop playing it so safe
Want an exciting career? Then take on something that scares you.
A few years ago I was working in a cube living a very small life. I worked with a handful of colleagues on 1-2 projects, had 1-2 customers and reported to 1 manager. Small life.
I had been doing the same kind of marketing work for several years and was good at it. My customers were pleased, my boss was satisfied, and I was receiving successful performance reviews with the normal 3% annual pay raise. It wasn’t that anything was really wrong with my career. It just wasn’t satisfying. Boring. Dull. Lifeless
I was under-challenged. Under-motivated. Under-valued. My career was blah.
When my big marketing project finished, my boss asked me to lead a technical project. It was so far out of my marketing comfort zone that I would have had to take a plane to get back into my comfort zone. It terrified me. Everything in my bones told me this would be a mistake. But there were two interesting components of the project –
- Nobody in the department had ever led a technical project before. I would be the first. I loved that! These opportunities didn’t come around very often working in a department of type A scary-smart men. The thought of me being the first person in the department to do anything got my heart fluttering.
- Two project managers had been on the project, and both had failed. That’s right, failed. That meant the probability that I would fail was higher, but it also meant that expectations were low, and the risk was low. Plus, it also meant that if the team and I were successful the glory would be that much sweeter.
Game on! I accepted the challenge.
I walked in every day for the next 5 months shaking in my boots, but firing on all cylinders. I was in the game, all day, every day. Five months later, the project launched successfully and I was put into the IT department’s “Hall of Fame” for project management.
Want a more exciting career? Then go stretch yourself.
Stop playing it so safe. Stop sitting on the bench and go get in the game. Change positions. Change teams. Change sports. Do whatever it takes to start tapping into those hidden skills and talents that you don’t even know you have. You’re capable of so much more than you ever thought possible. 
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Sherri Thomas is a Career Strategist, international speaker and best-selling author of two books including “Career Smart – 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand” which is currently on AMAZON’s TOP 10 LIST for personal branding books, and “The Bounce Back – personal stories of bouncing back higher and faster from a layoff, re-org or career setback“ also available on AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE. Right now you can download three FREE CHAPTERS of “The Bounce Back” at http://www.MyBounceBack.com
Feeling stuck in your career? Challenge yourself to change…
Nothing is worse than the feeling of being helpless in your career. Helpless. Hopeless. Stuck.
The notion that you don’t have any career options is a myth. Every day you are making choices. Every day you make the choice to work for the company where you are. You make the choice to work for the boss you have. You make the choice to work on the projects you drive. Every day you’re making decisions about your career.
So what can you do if you don’t like your company, manager or projects?
I’ve been making a 6-figure income working for a Fortune 100 Company for the past 10 years, and also working as a leading Career Coach (yes, I’ve been busy 
) and I’ve learned that creating change is simply a step-by-step process and that even with the small steps can come big rewards –
1. Know what you want.
What’s pulling you toward your career right now? What’s pushing you away?
The first step in getting un-stuck is to sort through the logic and emotion of everything going on in your job right now and make a list of what all the positive things are that you’re getting in your job, such as a salary, benefits, doing purposeful work, working for a company you love, working for a manager you respect, being in an environment where you can constantly learn new things, etc.
Now make a list of things you dislike about your job such as little or no career advancement, limited visibility with leaders, feeling unvalued or unappreciated, being under-challenged, etc.
Now, look at both lists. Are you still feeling that you need a career change? Is there anything you can change on your “dislike” list? Many times it’s difficult for us to come up with solutions on our own so try brainstorming possibilities with a few people you trust such as a mentor, manager, department managers or colleagues.
What’s in your control that you could change? How could change it? Who could help you?
2. Shake things up internally.
If you like your job, but just wish one or two things would change – then see if you can make it happen. There are probably parts of your job that you enjoy, and parts that you don’t. Identify what those are and then have a heart to heart talk with your manager.
Try saying something like, “I am really enjoying my job, but there are a few things I’d like to see if we could change.” I once said to one of my managers something like, “I’m really not sure how much value I’m adding to the research project, but if you gave me those 4 hours each week, I would use them to create a new leadership initiative.” I then went on to explain the new initiative and how it would benefit me, the department and my manager. Ten minutes later he told me to, “Go for it!”
Another time I asked one of my manager’s if he needed any help with the budget and told him that I wanted to learn about managing the department’s finances. He gave me more financial responsibility and taught me everything I wanted to know!
Other great sources to help you shake things up internally could be your manager’s manager, other department managers and anyone who has, or has had, a responsibility that you would like to have. Two key things to remember are -
a. You are the only one who can make a change happen. b. You cannot make a change by yourself – you need the support, wisdom and mentorship of others.3. If you can’t get what you want internally – go external.
Sometimes our career requires big bold changes. If you’re unhappy in your job and you can’t get what you want inside your current organization, then it’s time to explore external opportunities.
The first step is to simply start exploring possibilities. Talk to others who are in the industry or job role that interests you. Ask them what a good day looks like, what a bad day looks like, if they have any special training or education, and how they got their job. You can learn a lot about different career options simply by talking to others.
After you identify a job role that you are really interested in, the next step is to start exploring job openings. Let your network know that you are ready to take the next step in your career and ask if they could send you any job leads, referrals or recommendations.
Also, search the job boards on company websites where you want to work. Be sure to set up Job Agents on Glassdoor.com and Indeed.com so that you’ll receive weekly job openings in your e-mail box.
Whether you make a few small changes in your career or one big bold change, you owe it to yourself to have a career that lets you do meaningful, purposeful work and makes you feel valued, appreciated and energized. You really do have control over your career – you just have to get in the driver’s seat and make it happen! :)
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Sherri Thomas is a Career Strategist, international speaker and best-selling author of two books including “Career Smart – 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand” which is currently on AMAZON’s TOP 10 LIST for personal branding books, and “The Bounce Back – personal stories of bouncing back higher and faster from a layoff, re-org or career setback“ also available on AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE. Right now you can download three FREE CHAPTERS of “The Bounce Back” at http://www.MyBounceBack.com
Agonizing over whether to leave your current job?
Being in a passion-less job is a career killer. 
Managers, clients, peers, and potential employers will see you as someone who lacks desire, drive, and enthusiasm. If you’re craving a career that inspires you, then you need to step up and take action. As a leading Career Coach, I encourage you to ask yourself three (3) questions to help you decide whether you should leave your current job…
- What do I really want in my career?
What is it that will give you the feeling of being happy and fulfilled in your job? Is it status? Prestige? Fame? Respect from your peers? Credibility within the industry? Money? Less stress? An easier lifestyle?Stop a minute and think about it. You need to define the specific things or “gets” that you want to ultimately achieve in your career. You should be able to narrow it down to one or two very specific objectives. Once you are able to identify your ultimate career objectives, then the next thing you need to do is take stock of your current career and where you are today.
- What are the “gives and gets” in my current situation?
This means taking a quick inventory of what you are currently giving to your manager, company or clients, and what you are getting in return. Let’s first look at the “gives” of your job. Write down the value that you are providing to your employer by being in your current job role.For example, do you have knowledge, experience and skills that are valued by your manager or clients? Are you an expert in your job and providing work that is valued? Are you consistently delivering high quality projects that are on time and on budget? Are your clients thrilled with your work? Does your manager think of you as a valued contributor? Do you have the most relevant training and certification to do the job effectively? Are you adding to the bottom line by bringing in new business and maximizing opportunities, or saving costs by streamlining processes or bringing in advanced technologies? Are you leading projects and initiatives? Are you training and mentoring team members and peers? Are you providing some kind of unique expertise and viewed as the “go to” person for that knowledge or skill?
I encourage my career coaching clients to also identify another kind of “get.” Those are the negative “gets” in your current position. Every job has a certain amount of frustration and stress, but does your job give you an excessive amount? Does it make you feel inferior? Incompetent? Overwhelmed? Undervalued? Underutilized? These negative “gets” should also be identified. Think about any negative gets that you have in your current situation and write them down.
Now it’s time to review all of your “gives”, “positive gets” and “negative gets”. Are the gets that you are receiving the gets that you really need to feel valued and inspired? If not, then you may want to consider making a career change.
- Before I leave, is there anything else I can glean from my current situation?
There are times in everyone’s career when you hit a roadblock, and it’s best to simply move on. But before you disconnect completely from your situation, I encourage you to glean anything else you can from your current employer or client.Are there any projects you could join or lead that would allow you to gain knowledge or experience in a new area? Could you strengthen your leadership skills or boost your credibility by leading a project? Is there a project you could create that would challenge you and help you grow professionally?
Also, is there anyone in your current environment who could guide you, mentor you, or teach you about a product, technology, or the industry? Is there anyone else you could work with who could give your career a boost just by saying that you worked together?
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Sherri Thomas is a Career Strategist, international speaker and best-selling author of two books including “Career Smart – 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand” which is currently on AMAZON’s TOP 10 LIST for personal branding books, and “The Bounce Back – personal stories of bouncing back higher and faster from a layoff, re-org or career setback“ also available on AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE. For a limited time, grab (3) THREE FREE CHAPTERS of “The Bounce Back” at http://www.MyBounceBack.com
Was this the year you were going to make a career change?
One year from now, do you want to be doing the exact same kind of work you’re doing today?
If not, then there are a few things you need to START doing, and a few things to STOP doing…
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Stop going with the flow.
Stop working on mundane projects you can do in your sleep. Part of the reason you’re feeling under-utilized and under-valued is because you’re under-challenged. We weren’t meant to take a job and then stay there forever. We’re meant to stretch, develop, grow, bounce. Look for ways to step up and flex your professional muscles. When you stop learning and growing, your career will stall.
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Stop taking setbacks personally.
Everyone experiences career setbacks. Everyone! If you’ve been a victim of a layoff, a demotion, a project that failed or didn’t get accepted then get over it! Hanging on to feelings of rejection, embarrassment or anger isn’t helping you. You only think other people care about your setback, but seriously, they’ve moved on and you need to, too. It’s not the setback itself that is holding you back, but how you’re internalizing it.
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Stop being “small.”
If you think that being humble and shy will help you be successful, think again. When somebody offers you a big juicy project or a spot on a high profile team – grab it! Saying things like, “Oh, I don’t know if I’d be the best choice for that,” or, “I don’t know if I have the right experience to do that” will keep you sitting on the bench. You’ve got to step up, be bold and put yourself out there (especially if the new opportunity scares you!) Yes, finding new opportunities means taking risks – big bold risks that you won’t be able to take if you’re playing it small.
And here are a few things you’ll need to start doing…
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Start talking about what you want to do.
Start describing the types of responsibilities and the kinds of projects and teams you want to work on. If you don’t have a crystal clear vision, then at least start talking about the type of work you enjoy doing. By simply having these conversations with your manager, colleagues, and those in your network can lead to new career paths and opportunities.
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Start claiming your space.
Put your expertise out there by showing others you have something to say through presentations, articles, coaching others and speaking up in meetings. Don’t be a shrinking violet, but instead, have confidence, be bold and voice your technical opinion. So what if someone may not agree with you – that just makes it a more interesting conversation. Successful executives and professionals constantly put themselves “out there” – that’s why they’re successful. Don’t shy away or back up, but instead step up, speak out and claim your space at the table.
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Start charting your course.
Go find people working in different industries and job roles. Ask them about their responsibilities, education, training, challenges and career paths. Get connected to those who inspire you. Give yourself permission and time to explore all possibilities. That doesn’t mean that you have to accept every opportunity that comes your way, but you at least owe it to yourself to learn what else is out there so that you can get ready for your next career move.
Successful professionals aren’t successful because they let things “happen.” Instead, they make things happen in their career. They figure out what they want, take some risks, stretch, grow, fall down, learn and bounce. Don’t let someone else take the wheel on your career path. Step up and make things happen. It’s your career and your year!
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Sherri Thomas is a Career Strategist, international speaker and best-selling author of two books including “Career Smart – 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand” which is currently on AMAZON’s TOP 10 LISTfor personal branding books, and “The Bounce Back – personal stories of bouncing back higher and faster from a layoff, re-org or career setback“ also available on AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE. Right now you can download three FREE CHAPTERS of “The Bounce Back” at http://www.MyBounceBack.com
3 Easy Ways to Put Yourself in High Demand with Hiring Managers
As a leading Career Coach for professionals and executives, my phone rings every day with professionals (just like you!) looking to make a career change. I know what a tough job market it is right now, but my clients are consistently able to put themselves in high demand with new clients, managers and hiring managers. In fact, 3 of my clients are interviewing this week!1. Keep yourself marketable. If you’re looking for a new job, then use your “in-between” time to get any training or education you may need. Job requirements can change over the years. Industries can change. So make sure you stay current with the demands of the market by assessing your skills and qualifications with what the market is demanding. Most industries have a kind of license or certification that’s highly valued – such as project management certification, marketing certification, financial planning licenses, and so on. So keep yourself marketable by staying current with required training and education.
Another strategy for keeping yourself marketable when you’re not working, is to start freelancing or consulting. This shows hiring managers that you take initiative and that you’re considered an expert in your field by others. Also, join an association’s Board of Directors, or at minimum, a committee. These strategies will help keep you visible, expand your network, and boost your resume.
2. Fish where the fish are. In other words, know where your potential employers are. Find out by reading trade magazines, industry publications, company websites and websites that advertise job openings like CareerJournal.com, and CareerBuilder.com to learn which industries are hiring, which companies are hiring, and what the hot jobs are.
You can also learn about companies that are hiring by attending industry conferences, trade shows, business networking events and association meetings. Another good idea is to join professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.com to get connected to industry leaders and company decision makers. Make it a priority to get connected, and stay connected, to people who can inspire you, hire you, or introduce you to others who could potentially hire you.
3. Be a resource to others. When you’re in the market for a new job, you never want to give the impression that you need a job. Instead, you want to be seen as someone who’s a leader, a driver, a mentor to others, and someone who’s resourceful – who knows how to get things done and get results. This is one reason why you want to consult, freelance, or volunteer while you’re in between jobs.
So here’s a tip – instead of sending the message, “I need you to give me a job”, you should send the message, “I’m someone who is resourceful, insightful and has a specific area of expertise.” In other words, “I’m someone YOU should get to know!” This is a major shift in the way others perceive you.
One way you can do that is to send out personal notes with links to cool videos, reports, press releases, or websites that you think might interest them. Another tip is to invite them to business networking events, and introduce them to other movers and shakers in the industry.
The bottom line is that successful professionals are drawn to other successful professionals and those who are resourceful. So get personal with your professional network and show them how you can help them be more successful.
And finally…
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What clients are saying…
"I was in a work situation that really wasn't for me. My motivation was at an all-time low and I even started questioning whether I belonged in my cur [...]
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"I decided to make a career change after 15 years in the same industry. When I thought about looking for a new job, developing a resume, and interview [...]
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”Sherri gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and to take a risk. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of career coaching.” [...]
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Sherri Thomas, author “Career Smart – 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand” AMAZON’s TOP 10 LIST for personal branding books! Learn how to put yourself in high demand with leaders, clients and hiring managers! Buy it now! -
