A wish-list for the dis-satisfied! I wish I hadn’t taken the job for the money given. I wish I could have quit earlier. I wish I had not missed that opportunity. I wish I took more initiative. People often express regrets and say many of those things to themselves. Most professionals rue missed opportunities and express similar feelings and regrets over the span of their careers. This is understandable, as studies show that an average person spends one-third of their life at work. But it’s unhealthy to remain in a perpetual state of regret. Some steps to overcome and minimize those regrets and take charge of your career while moving forward, are set out.
Do reflect and curb rash tendencies and career regrets if you can identify earlier bad choices or lack of action. Jot down your regrets over the past year or a lingering past regret that really upsets you. Why was the decision taken? Was it a sense of duty, or fear, or something else? Seek assistance and support if currently in a career situation you regret. Consult your spouse, parent or mentor or someone you trust about your feelings. Others have been in similar situations and can share practical tips to assist you through making better choices while moving forward. Career coaches can provide support besides framing ideas to help you succeed. Never remain stuck. Some basic steps to remedy the status quo and make better choices moving forward are:
Align your career goals with your aspirations
Remain cautious, taking jobs that pay your bills and make career moves that fulfil you, to secure better results. Fulfilment satisfies both your head and your heart. Your heart identifies what is important for defining success. Your head then prioritises factors like compensation, life balance and other essentials you need. Re-discover your values by working with someone trust-worthy, to develop listed goals based on your values and seek appropriate employment
Balance passion with practical steps
Having identified important factors that fulfil you, it’s essential to balance with practicality. Are your career goals realistic based on experience, strengths and education? Can you gain further experience or education needed, by taking online or local college courses? Align the priorities identified above to take care of yourself and your family. If saving money to buy a house, assess how your career needs additional support by requesting for a raise or promotion.
Prepare for various risks
After identifying what fulfils you and balancing with practical solutions, it’s time for action. It’s important to understand how to implement changes after assessing possible risks involved. When preparing for possible risks, to minimize their effects, making changes seem less scary. Review career goals to determine what action steps are needed. Conduct informative interviews to discover action steps needed to be initiated. While determining action steps, assess if each action will propel you towards the final goal. Working through these goals and action steps with a trustworthy person is helpful. Determine goals requiring the most risk, to evaluate if the risk is worth taking in your current situation. Minimize risks by implementing smaller steps over time.
Analysing all future decisions thus, minimizes career regrets, and over time, ensures easier career choices that really fulfil you.