Your Career is a Journey: Don't Go it Alone!

Do you ever feel trapped in your career with no one to talk to about your ideas, questions, or hopes? Or, does it seem like you are the only person who can’t find the right job?

Revisiting your career path can feel like a lonely business, but it doesn’t have to be.

DON’T GO IT ALONE

Like any journey, your career is complex. Building a lasting career takes more than a good resume and LinkedIn profile. It takes a community.

The word “networking” makes a lot of people cringe. So, instead think about building and nurturing a community of people who inspire you, challenge you, share your ideas and and have your back. No matter where you are in your career, consider the following for your personal career community:

Find a mentor.  Look for someone who has more experience than you, is a willing listener and is willing to share some wisdom they have learned along the way. Seek out a professional you trust and whose perpectives you value.

Have coffee talks. Set aside a few hours a month to chat with people about their careers and how they are navigating challenges and brainstorming new directions. Have an open mind and you may uncover some ideas that you hadn’t yet considered.

Go where interesting people go.  Find industry forums, business conferences, and other events that leaders and peers in your field are likely attend. Be alert for trends, ask questions, introduce yourself. Some of the best connections might be close to home so check out your local Chamber or business journal for ideas.

Reconnect with your alumni group(s).  Universities and graduate networks can be incredible resources. And, so can former colleagues. You will find them on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to check in with someone you haven’t seen in years.  Most people enjoy connecting with old friends.

Break out of your bubble.  Join a hiking group. Play pickleball. Take a mah jong class. Go to an arts or community event. Besides getting you out of a rut, you never know who you might meet and what new perspectives or ideas will come from. a conversation that has nothing to do with your current work.

Volunteer.  Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and leaders in the community, upskill in areas of interest and share your expertise with others. It’s also a great way to make a difference in the world while you consider your next steps.

Take a class. Learn a new skill or get up to speed on the latest ways of using AI. Meet others who are curious and want to grow, as well.

The point isn’t about collecting business cards or racking up LinkedIn contacts,

It’s about creating a groundswell of support that boosts your energy, expands your thinking and helps you see your way forward, with confidence and clarity.