You’ve been through a lot of changes in your career. How can you make sure you’re on the right path?

1 Assess your situation

Before you make any decisions, take some time to reflect on your current situation. What are the reasons for the change? What are the challenges and opportunities? How do you feel about it? What are your expectations and aspirations? Be honest and realistic with yourself, and write down your thoughts. This will help you clarify your needs, values, and motivations.

2 Seek feedback and support

You don't have to go through career changes alone. Seek feedback and support from people who know you well, such as mentors, colleagues, friends, or family. Ask them for their perspectives, insights, and advice. Listen to their feedback and appreciate their support. They can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. They can also offer you encouragement, inspiration, and guidance.

3 Communicate your goals and needs

Once you have a clear idea of what you want and need from your career, communicate it to the relevant people. This could include your manager, team, clients, or network. Let them know what your goals and needs are, and how they can help you achieve them. Be specific, positive, and respectful. Explain the benefits of your goals and needs for yourself and others. Show your enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to learn.

4 Build relationships and trust

Career changes can also mean meeting new people and working with different teams. To succeed in your new environment, you need to build relationships and trust with your new colleagues and stakeholders. Show interest in them, their work, and their goals. Ask questions, listen actively, and share information. Be respectful, reliable, and cooperative. Demonstrate your value, skills, and potential. Seek and offer feedback, recognition, and support.

5 Embrace learning and growth

Career changes are also learning opportunities. You can acquire new skills, knowledge, and experiences that can enhance your career. To make the most of them, embrace learning and growth. Be curious, open-minded, and flexible. Seek and accept challenges, feedback, and mistakes as ways to improve. Seek and use resources, such as courses, books, podcasts, or mentors. Celebrate your achievements and progress.

6 Review and adjust

Career changes are not static. They are dynamic and evolving. That means you need to review and adjust your goals, needs, and actions regularly. Set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals and track your performance. Evaluate your results and satisfaction. Identify what works and what doesn't. Adjust your goals, needs, and actions accordingly. Keep communicating with your stakeholders and seek their input.