It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of the year! With 2024 just around the corner and 2023 ready to retire, it’s time to think ahead to where you want to be in the New Year. For many people, this means thinking about making a change in their professional life. If you’re among the thousands considering a new job, don’t rush into anything! Take some time to think about what you really want, not just the kind of work you want to do but the kind of life you want to have and how your job can help you achieve your bigger goals.

Self-discovery and career progress can go hand-in-hand. Working in a position that aligns with your personal values, goals, and aspirations can be a very powerful, rewarding thing. Believe it or not, you can have both! Here’s how to align the personal and professional to make 2024 your most successful and rewarding year yet.

First, think about WHY you want to make a change.

If you’re unhappy in your current job, ask yourself what about it you don’t like. Is it the work? Is it management? Is it the company’s culture? Do you feel bored, not challenged, like your skills are going stale? Or are you overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the support you need? There are no right or wrong answers for wanting to make a change, but ensure you understand all the factors contributing to this feeling before moving forward.

What do you like to do?

When was the last time you asked yourself the equivalent of what you want to be when you grow up? That’s at the core of this process: What is your dream career? If you’re not sure, that’s fine! Think about the skills you have, the kind of work you’re doing right now, and do some searching to see where your abilities and what you like to do align with different kinds of jobs. (Or consider partnering with a staffing agency, like Bishop & Company, where our experts can help you find industries and jobs you might never have considered before!) If you’re unhappy with your actual work, think about your passions and what a career might look like that incorporates those tasks. Not everyone can be an animal rehabber, cuddling pandas all day, or a professional athlete, but there might be a career that incorporates your favorite things with a nice paycheck.

Then, determine what you think would be more fulfilling and rewarding.

If you like your work but aren’t happy where you are, you are probably looking for a new opportunity that isn’t all that different from your current job, just with a different team. What drives you? Do you want to advance in your career to a management or CEO position in the future? Do you want to make a little more money than you’re making right now but you don’t want to miss your kids’ plays or games? Envision the life you want and work to find a job that helps meet those goals.

Understand that things take time.

The economy is still in flux, and depending on the industry you want to enter, it might take a while to find a job that meets your personal and professional goals. Keep that in mind as you start to apply for new positions. If you’re currently out of work, utilize this time to polish up your resume and maybe find some online classes to take to learn new skills. There are plenty of free or low-cost tutorials and training programs online to learn so many different types of skills and specialties, all of which can help make you a more attractive candidate to a possible employer. Even if you find a new job quickly, remember that it’ll take time to adjust to the new position. You will need to learn the ropes of the new job and get up to speed to feel comfortable and confident in the position. That’s why it’s so important to understand your motivations before making a change — changes are tricky and difficult, and you don’t want to feel regret when you leap!

Don’t change everything all at once.

If you want to completely revamp your life and make a fresh start, resist the urge to pack up everything you own and move to a brand-new city on the other side of the country while embarking on a brand-new career. It’s really expensive to do that, and if you happen to move and end up hating your new job, you’re all alone in a new place without any friends nearby to support you. If you want to change industries, try to find a job where you can utilize your current skills but in a new way, then tell your manager you’d like to learn more things and grow your career, opening up the opportunity to learn more about the industry and make additional changes down the road. It’s a process, but it’s one that can provide great rewards later.

Above all, stay focused and remember why you’re doing this.

Some people want to change careers because their current job isn’t leading them to the financial success and stability they want. Others want a better work-life balance to pursue hobbies, spend more time with family, advance their education, or for other reasons. Whatever your driving factor is, keep that squarely in focus when things feel stressful or overwhelming. Maybe a little visual aid in your workspace can help keep you on track when you’re having a rough day. The hard work will pay off!

Not every job will fit every person perfectly, but finding a job that is an excellent fit for you is a wonderful feeling. Make every decision in the future considering what matters most to you and what kind of life you want to live, and you’ll find yourself happier and feeling more fulfilled! Isn’t that what new beginnings are all about?

Are you looking for a new job?

Bishop & Company wants to help you get there! Take a look at the jobs we’re working to fill and see what matches your interests and skills. If you’re not sure what you’d like to do next, give us a call and talk with one of our experts. We can help you find opportunities you might not have thought about before! Contact us today to get started.