Let’s begin the process by identifying your skill sets, values, and passions. You may be feeling nervous or unsure about what you want to do next, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most people feel trepidation when contemplating their journey back to work, especially if it involves a career shift. We challenge you to approach your career return and job search with an open mind and to be excited about how your direction and career opportunities might evolve. We encourage you to think not only about what you CAN do but about what you WANT to do. Let’s start by getting organised and ready to tackle the tasks ahead. Here are some tips on how to best prepare.
Find Your Space
First, take a deep breath and relax. We want your time to be a stress-free time for you to develop, learn, and reflect. Find a space in your home that enables you to be calm and productive. Assemble some items you love, like your favourite pen or pencil, a single rose, a photograph, or a candle, to keep in this space and use during your challenge.
Journaling
Next, have a journal you can use throughout this challenge. Whether it’s online or a notepad, pick something you can use consistently. This will be where you answer guiding questions and write reflections. Keep this in an accessible place, so you can grab and go. During this challenge, we will provide you with worksheets to complete, and you may want to find a convenient place to keep these, too, whether in a notebook or online.
Informational Meetings
We recommend setting up regular informational meetings so you can engage with and learn from the people around you. This could be as simple as setting up a zoom, Skype or phone call. The people you know and their networks have a wealth of information we encourage you to access. Some may help as you discern your next step; others may make valuable intros; still, others may offer you your dream job. You could meet with a former colleague, a friend in a field of interest, or even an acquaintance you’ve been meaning to contact. Or you could meet with a family member, friend, or someone who’s known you since childhood. Each of these individuals will have a different perspective and possible suggestions for your job search and employment opportunities. We suggest starting with the “safest” connections—those who love you and want the best for you. Once you have a better sense of your new career direction, it’s time to reach out to those who can help with connections and perspective on specific roles. Let the networking begin!
Carving Out the Time
Finding and protecting the time to complete these tasks may prove to be the most difficult part of your job search and career reboot. We often prioritise others at their own expense. That’s why we’re going to ask you to identify, in advance, the time slots you’ll need to complete the tasks for each Kickstart lesson. Will it be in the morning before your day begins? Or when you have some downtime after dinner? Think now about when you’re most likely to make time, and then write it down as an appointment in your calendar. This will help you hold yourself accountable for these tasks.