Elevations^TM is a revolutionary career discovery tool by Scully Career Associates, Inc.

Are you considering a career change?

• Was the pathway to your career somewhat random and unpredictable?
• Do you sometimes wonder what else you could do with your talents and experience?
• And, like so many of us, have you been tossed about by the whims of corporate restructuring and economic uncertainty?

If you can relate to one or more of the above you are not alone.  Current studies indicate that as many as 60% of US workers are ready for a job change or career overhaul.  As you might imagine, making that change successfully will require some self-reflection and strategic planning.  Here are some goals you can set to get you headed in the right direction:

Goal One: Do a Solid Career Self-Assessment
“To thine own self be true,” said Shakespeare and he was right.  Success in your career requires an ongoing review of your own preferred values, skills, career interests and personality preferences. 

Beware of assessments that claim to be “free” or quick.  Remember, this is your life and your career pays for most of your pleasures and obligations. Commit yourself to a solid understanding of your current strengths and passions.  Then connect those characteristics with viable options.

Goal Two:  Do Your Research
Finding out “what is out there” is best achieved by setting up informational interviews with people in fields that interest you and by analyzing how well the career options you are exploring line up with your talents.  Look at small and medium size employers along with the larger well-known organizations.  Explore contract work, temporary work or self-employment.  Open yourself to the full range of possibilities and you will find your dreams unfolding in amazing ways.

Goal Three:  Deal with Your Fear
Men and women at all ages face “career fear”.  Your sense of self worth and your security are wrapped up in what you do for a living.  Putting this aspect of your life under review may cause some anxiety—but you can combat it.  Start a “dream group” with friends or neighbors.  Meet weekly to help each other achieve career goals.  Hire a qualified career counselor or take a class.  Support is the key.  Once you have encouragement and guidance along the way, fears will give way to hope.

Goal Four: Have a Solid Strategy
Very few souls “fall into” fabulous careers – rather they plan and strategize.  You can, too!  Expect that your career self-assessment and research will generate a list of 5 to 10 career directions you could take.  Eliminate the ones that are unrealistic – but be careful.  Career fear can kill dreams.  Consult with friends and experts to see if the careers that excite you really are possible.  Analyze the local labor market availability, salary levels and job satisfaction potential

Goal Five: Be a Competitive Job Seeker
Career success hinges on your ability to market yourself.  Have a top-notch resume with a clear focus.  Highlight achievements, not job duties.  Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and function you are targeting. Write cogent cover letters.  Be prepared to develop proposals that make you stand out.  Learn how to interview and master salary negotiation.  

So the goals are clear.  Now the question remains…. what are you waiting for?  Career satisfaction is a choice and you have unique talents to contribute to your community, your country and the ever-changing global market place.  Take the first step today.   Find something in this article that you are willing to do to get the ball rolling.  It may be the start of a wonderful new career venture in 2010.