Do You Need a Career Check-In? If yes, how often?

As Allied Health practitioners, we dedicate much of our time and energy to improving the lives of others. But how often do we pause and evaluate whether our own careers are progressing or thriving? Regular career check-ins ensure that our professional lives align with our personal goals, values, and evolving aspirations.

This blog post will explore the importance of career check-ins, how to conduct them effectively, and what to do if your evaluation suggests it's time for a change.?

We'll also provide a free practical guide to help you ask the right questions and look for signs of career satisfaction or stagnation.

Why Are Career Check-Ins Important?

Life evolves, and so do we. The passion, priorities, and aspirations that guided us into our professions might shift over time. Let’s face it: you are not the same person you were when you started your first job out of college! And that’s a good thing, it means you are progressing, or in other words: you are growing up!

Regular Career Check-Ins help you:

1. Stay aligned with your values: Ensure your work reflects your personal and professional priorities.
2. Prevent burnout: Recognise early signs of fatigue or dissatisfaction and take action before burnout sets in.
3. Capitalise on opportunities: Identify and leverage growth areas to advance your career.
4. Foster resilience: Reflecting on challenges and successes builds professional confidence and adaptability.
5. Maintain satisfaction: Ensure your work continues to provide fulfilment and meaning.

How Often Should You Check In With Your Career?

While the frequency of career evaluations may vary, here are some general guidelines you may want to keep in mind:

• Annually: A thorough review at the start or end of each year can help you reflect on past achievements and set goals for the future. Try not to have it align with your New Year’s resolutions though, as we all know how difficult it is to keep on track of those when we enter the post Christmas blues… :-)??
• Major life events: Changes like starting a family, moving, or experiencing health challenges may require a career check-in. And keep in mind that you can easily plan the check-ins well in advance when you know that in the next five years you are hoping to have your first child, or that in 18 months time, you’ll get the keys to your newly built house!?
• At the end of significant projects: Use these milestones to evaluate your growth and job satisfaction. Gained a new qualification? Graduated from your master’s degree? Great! Let’s check in with your career!?
• When feeling stuck or dissatisfied: If you notice a dip in enthusiasm or motivation, it’s time to assess why. Are you starting to have difficulty waking up and getting to work? Are you trying to come up with excuses to call in sick? Are you finding yourself watching the clock wishing it was time to go home? Yikes, if this is the case, you are definitely in need of a career check-in!
• When your Work Bestie resigns!: I’m sure you have experienced the dread of finding out that your Work Bestie has decided to move on. Oh what to do now? Who are you going to have lunch with, who is going to be your go-to person to debrief difficult clients with? Or who will have your back when you need to swap a shift? I’m sure you will be totally fine without them, but maybe it’s a good time to see if there’s a new challenge in the pipeline for you too!?

A Guide to Checking In With Your Career

To conduct a comprehensive career check-in, focus on these key areas:

1. Ask the Right Questions

Self-reflection is at the heart of a meaningful career evaluation. Consider these questions:

• Fulfillment: Am I happy in my current role? Do I feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment?
• Alignment: Does this job align with my long-term career goals and values?
• Growth: Am I learning and developing professionally? Are there opportunities to advance?
• Work environment: Do I feel supported by my workplace culture, colleagues, and leadership?
• Balance: Does my career support my desired work-life balance?
• Compensation: Am I fairly compensated for my skills, experience, and contributions?
• Challenges: What frustrations or challenges do I face? Are they resolvable or ongoing?
• Vision: Where do I see myself in one, five, or ten years? Does this job help me get there?

2. Look for Key Indicators

Evaluate both tangible and intangible aspects of your career:

• Performance metrics: Are you meeting or exceeding job expectations?
• Feedback: What do your clients, colleagues, or supervisors say about your work?
• Professional relationships: Are you building strong connections within your field?
• Emotional well-being: How does your work impact your mental and emotional health?
• Learning opportunities: Have you attended training, courses, or conferences recently?
• Career trajectory: Are you progressing at a pace that feels right to you?

3. Talk to the Right People

Career growth often benefits from outside perspectives. Engage with:

• Mentors: Their experience can provide valuable guidance and insight.
• Peers: Conversations with trusted colleagues can highlight blind spots or validate your experiences.
• Line managers: Discussing your aspirations and concerns with your manager can open doors for support or advancement.
• Professional supervisors: Professional support can help you navigate challenges and clarify goals.
• Your Informal Support Network: Your partner, your parents, your friends. Who are those people in your personal life that can help you navigate a career check-in??

4. Create a Plan of Action

Once you’ve completed your check-in, determine next steps based on your findings. Potential outcomes might include:

• Staying the course: If everything feels aligned, reinforce what’s working.
• Setting new goals: Identify skills to develop, certifications to pursue, or roles to explore.
• Addressing issues: Develop strategies to tackle frustrations or barriers. This could involve addressing workload concerns, seeking feedback, or requesting additional support.
• Considering a change: If misalignment or dissatisfaction is significant, explore new opportunities within or outside your organisation.

What if You Realise It’s Time for a Change?

Acknowledging the need for change can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Clarify your reasons: Are you seeking a new challenge, better compensation, or a healthier work environment? Understanding your motivations will guide your next steps.
2. Research options: Explore roles, organisations, or fields that align with your interests and goals.
3. Seek guidance: Work with a mentor, coach, or supervisor to weigh the pros and cons of different paths.
4. Prepare for transition: Update your resume, network within your industry, and enhance your skills or certifications.
5. Trust the process: Change is a natural part of professional growth. Embrace the opportunities it brings.

Benefits of Regular Career Check-Ins

The advantages of regularly evaluating your career include:

• Increased clarity: Understand what you want from your career and how to achieve it.
• Enhanced motivation: Renew your sense of purpose and commitment.
• Proactive problem-solving: Address issues before they escalate into major problems.
• Improved professional satisfaction: Align your work with your values and goals.
• Stronger career trajectory: Stay focused on long-term growth and development.

Common Outcomes of Career Check-Ins

A career check-in can lead to various outcomes, such as:

• Reaffirming your direction: Recognising that you’re on the right track can boost confidence and motivation. You got this!?
• Identifying growth opportunities: Discovering areas to enhance your skills or advance within your role. Time to make an action plan!?
• Enhancing job satisfaction: Taking actionable steps to address frustrations or improve your work environment. It’s like doing a workout, it sucks, but you’ll feel so much better when you’re done!
• Planning for change: Transitioning to a new role, organisation, or career path. Exciting times ahead! World, here I come!?

Final Thoughts

As Allied Health practitioners, we often prioritise our clients' well-being over our own. However, a fulfilling and sustainable career requires intentional reflection and planning. By making regular career check-ins a part of your professional routine, you can ensure that your work remains meaningful, rewarding, and aligned with your aspirations.

To help you get started, we've created a FREE Checklist to help you with your check-in that includes guided questions, reflective exercises, and actionable steps to evaluate your career effectively. Download your free copy here and take the first step towards a more satisfying and successful career.