Should You Keep Going or Make a Change? How to decide if your job is truly right for you

Wonder if you should continue doing what you're doing?

You're not alone.

Many of the clients I counsel have spent years -- even decades -- developing skills, a reputation and deep knowledge in a certain career path. They're paid commensurate with their expertise and the idea of making a change feels risky and daunting. Here's what I advise them:

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should (or want to). Just because you know how to perform a job, have the credentials to do certain work, or are skilled in an area doesn't mean it's in your heart to make it a career.

Here's an example: I love to cook. My family and friends will tell you that I'm a creative and talented cook and they always leave my home with full bellies. That doesn't mean I should open a restaurant or become a chef. I can cook (and love to!) but I don't want to cook for strangers, or under the pressure of a professional chef.

When deciding if what you know how to do is what you want to do, ask yourself:

1. What is it about your work that inspires and ignites you?
2. Are you as passionate about your work today as you were when you began?
3. Do you continually seek out new ideas and learn to keep your skills sharp and fresh?
4. When you're not at work, do you find yourself talking about what you do and why you love your work?
5. Have you mentored others coming into your industry and been motivated by their enthusiasm?

If you answer positively to those questions, you likely are passionate about your work and have enough enthusiasm to warrant continuing to look at working in that area.

If you struggled or answered negatively then perhaps your career to date has been more of a function rather than a sense of purpose.

Next, ask yourself these questions:

1. If you continue in this career field, where do you see yourself in five or 10 years? Does that vision excite or depress you?
2. How does your work tie to your sense of self (are you proud to tell people what you do?)
3. If you were to imagine another career path, what could that be?
4. Do you have any dreams tucked back away in your mind that are worth exploring now?

These questions get a bit deeper and harder to answer for most people. There may be parts of your work that you enjoy, but the larger career path doesn't inspire you. If that's the case, see what other career paths might leverage your talents and skills, and allow you to explore more of what makes you happy.

A career is not a static entity. We morph and evolve our careers many times over our adult lives. New technologies, market segments, challenges, communities, and opportunities open doors that offer tremendous professional satisfaction.

Just because you have skills and experience in one area doesn't need to feel limiting. Open the possibilities to see where else those talents could be used that are more fulfilling and meaningful.

**Partially extracted from my article on Military(dot)com

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On my next LIVE with Lida , I have the great pleasure of hosting an amazing guest. Heather Ehle Ray is the Founder and CEO of Project Sanctuary , a non-profit organization. She pivoted from a nursing career to create a profound impact on military families.

We’ll discuss

• When a career pivot is non-negotiable: Understanding when it's time to make a significant change.
• Amplifying underrepresented voices: Using your voice to advocate for those who need it most.
• Being seen: How to stand out with your authenticity and make an impact.
• Rooting in your mission: Leveraging your "why" when fear tries to take over.
• Building a passionate team: Finding the right people who share your mission.

Learn from Heather's experiences and gain insights that will help you navigate your own path to making a meaningful impact.

Click the "attend" button so you'll be notified when we go LIVE on July 23rd at 12:30 PM EST .

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