Ask the Career Coach: Look Before You Leap

Dear Career Coach Lisa,

I have a decent paying job, but I have been considering changing my career path—possibly going back to school or possibly pursuing a career which I am truly passionate about. Can you please provide me with some general guidance with respect to what I should do?

In Career Limbo, Millburn

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. It sounds like you are not fully engaged in what you are doing. Think about your present job and what initially drew you to accept this opportunity. What was it about the job responsibilities, the company, the culture, and the people that attracted you? In reviewing your answers, what changed and how has it impacted your role?

When we are not present in a situation, we tend to overlook possibilities. Possibilities may include taking on additional responsibilities, learning new processes, working with other colleagues and gaining exposure on projects. Change creates opportunities. Keep yourself open to seeing these opportunities. Be open to learning and be a team player with a can-do attitude.  Have you explored possibilities that you can create within your current company?   

When thinking about changing careers and going back to school—do you know what you want to pursue next? Going back to school is a big decision involving time and money. Identifying your interests will help determine what type of program to pursue. In this job market it may serve you well to remain employed while pursuing education on a part time basis. Determine if your present company has a tuition reimbursement policy. If you are in school while working, you can apply what you learn in school to your real-life business experience, enriching the overall learning process.  

It may be time to doing some planning for your future. Remaining in your present job in this market may be a good thing while you begin your self assessment. That said, review your day and try to find something within your daily work activities that re-energizes you.

As for career assessment tools, there are many resources to consider. I would be happy to discuss this with you further to select the assessments that will be most helpful to you.

"Ask the Career Coach" is a column dedicated to those who may be in transition or wrestling with a career dilemma by providing a forum for advice. We welcome your questions. Please send them to CareerCoachLisa@gmail.com.

Lisa Chenofsky Singer is a Millburn-Short Hills resident and the founder of Chenofsky Singer & Associates LLC. She offers Executive and Career Management Coaching and Human Resources Consulting, writes and speaks on job search and career-related topics. Her web site is www.ChenofskySinger.com.