Maybe you’re ready for more in your life at work.
That might mean more opportunity, money, meaning, or growth.
Feels like a million paths to get there, right?
But how do you START finding what’s next at work?
Where should you look? What’s the first step?
It’s confusing, isn’t it?
Honestly, there’s an awful lot of craptastic advice out there. And yet, it keeps getting repeated, over and over again.
It’s so confusing that too many people give up. It feels a lot easier to stay stuck.
Please don’t let that be you.
That’s why I created this guide.
It’ll show you how to start finding what’s next at work, in a way that works for today’s talented professionals just like you.
Before You Begin, a Word of Warning! Avoid These Time-Sucking and Energy-Draining Traps
Upon hearing that you’re thinking about what’s next for you, many well meaning people will suggest you do one or more of the following four things:
- Update your resume or hire someone to do it.
- Surf job boards
- Ask your friends for introductions to “headhunters.”
- Just be grateful you have a job.
RESIST THEIR OUTDATED ADVICE.
It’s a trap.
Do not be suckered into wasting time and energy on ANY of these traps right now.
The truth is that each of these traps are things that help us hide.
They lie to us and make us feel like we’re making progress.
But they don’t. Each one just helps us stay stuck.
You’re too awesome to let that happen to you. Avoid the traps.
Read more here specifically about why updating your resume is the wrong place to start.
Okay, you’ve heard the warnings. Now let’s dive into what’s working right now for smart professionals like you.
How to Start Finding What’s Next
These are the same three steps I recommend to any of my coaching clients who are asking “what’s next for me?” They’re the actions that I promise will get you moving forward, fast.
Step 1: Schedule alone time in the next few days to ask yourself three big questions.
The three questions are:
- What am I doing when I’m in my superpower space?
- What are the environments where I thrive?
- What will happen if I don’t make a change?
Your answers to these questions help you begin to get clear on who you are and what you want now.
I don’t mean what you want in terms of a specific role.
I mean what you want from your life at work.
These are big questions, and they’re not the only questions, but they’re ones that can get you started. And after working with hundreds of clients over the years, I know one thing for sure:
You already know the answers.
You just need to let yourself listen to them, and not talk yourself out of wanting what you want.
The truth only comes out when you’re on your own and getting honest about your thoughts.
It’s not always fun, but it works.
(If you’re stuck and need help pulling the answers out of yourself, it’s time to talk to a professional coach like me. )
Step 2: Make individual dates to meet with 3-5 people you already know.
I’ll make you a promise: your next opportunity will not fall magically from the living room ceiling while you’re watching Game of Thrones.
It will come from people.
People hire people.
And people help people.
Start the process of reaching out to people who you already know, but who you haven’t talked to in a while. Follow your curiosity–who intrigues you? Who’s doing work that looks interesting, at least from where you sit?
Pick people who are in professions, companies or industries you’re curious about, and invite them to a meal, cup of coffee, or even just a phone call.
WARNING! YOU ARE NOT ASKING ANYONE FOR A JOB, A JOB REFERRAL, OR AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW.
(Gag.)
You’re simply inviting another human being to a chat with you, another human being.
Your message is simple: “I’d love to learn more about you and what you’re doing.”
(I’ve already written the email scripts for you here. My clients use these all the time.)
Your conversation is focused on them, not you. It gives you a chance to gather new data and ideas as you get clearer on what you want to pursue next.
And it makes someone else feel good to have an opportunity to share their experiences without any pressure to do anything for someone else.
Can’t think of who to ask? Think about:
- That person you enjoyed working with in the past, at your own company or another company
- A neighbor who works at an organization that intrigues you or in a profession that interests you
- A consultant, vendor, or another service provider who supports an industry you’d like to learn more about
- A colleague who’s recently left your company
- A colleague who’s recently joined your company
- A former boss or mentor
Most people are happy to share their experiences and perspectives as long as they feel you’re geniuinely interested in them–not in what you think they can do for you.
But you’ve got to be the one to ask.
You’re building (or rebuilding) relationships here–relationships that will lead you to new insights, ideas, and ultimately, opportunities.
Read more on how to cultivate relationships here.
Step 3: Schedule a “what’s next for me” conversation with your current boss
It’s easy to assume there are no opportunities to get what you want right where you are.
We think that if what we wanted was here, we’d have it, right?
It’s a dangerous–and wasteful–mindset to have.
Here’s the truth:
Organizations are messy. No matter what straight lines appear to exist, work happens in squiggly lines.
For you, that means you don’t have to wait until the perfect, fully baked job pops up on the “open opportunities” database.
You don’t have to wait for the promotion fairy to come down and sprinkle bonus dust on your head, either.
If you want new opportunities, you need to tell your boss and other leaders that you want new opportunities.
More importantly, you need to paint a picture for them of what it looks like, and how it’ll help the company overall.
(Here are ways to find new opportunties in your current company. )
(Watch my video on how to change your job without leaving your job.)
Truth is, you’ve grown since you arrived where you are. But it didn’t happen overnight–it happened inch by inch.
So it’s common that those who’ve known us for a while won’t always see our growth–or our dissatisfaction. Even the best, most insightful and empathetic managers can’t read your mind to know that you’re ready for a new challenge, or that you’re feeling restless, bored, or undervalued.
You’ve got to get honest with them. Start talking.
Steal these scripts to start having tough conversations when it’s time for change.
Once You’ve Started, What Do You Do Next?
Getting started is the hardest part. Congratulations!
Don’t discount your actions –many never get this far. You’re now making forward progress.
Now, it’s time to rinse and repeat. Just go deeper in all three areas:
- Get more specific about what you want
- Meet more people and build deeper relationships, and
- Continue conversations about what’s possible inside your company (and sometimes, you’ll have to create it yourself)
This is where an experienced coach can accelerate your progress, hold you accountable and give you a safe, confidential sounding board. It’s not easy to do this alone. Learn more about what a coaching partnership is like by scheduling your consultation here (free).
As you keep moving forward, there’ll be the right time and place to dive into leveraging tools like a resume, job postings, LinkedIn, and relationships with recruiters.
But for now, set those aside, focus on these three actions, and start finding what’s next for you right now.
My latest book, “Red Cape Rescue: Save Your Career Without Leaving Your Job,” shows you how to take back control over your career, whether you decide to stay or move on. Find out more here. 
Hey—want more help?
No matter what’s happening in your life at work, a 30-minute chat with me can help you get unstuck and move forward, fast.
Just hit the button below, and pick a date and time that’s available. Answer a few short questions, and then I’ll call you at the time you picked. There’s nothing to prepare–just show up right where you are. If, after we talk, it sounds like one of my coaching programs or courses will help you going forward, I’ll share details after our call. There’s no pressure -my goal is to be helpful immediately.
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