Working from home doesn’t have to mean you’re not working on your career

I had a client that I worked with last year – she was unhappy in her role working at a not for profit, and she wanted to change but wasn’t sure which direction she should take. Her employer wanted to keep her so they offered her a different role, and when we unpacked her Top 10 strengths it became clear that this new role wouldn’t make her happy either. What did make her happy was an opportunity she found online, that was a maternity leave backfill, but was more closely aligned with her strengths in the environmental space. You know what? Not only did she take this temporary role and love it, but when the incumbent returned, the new employer created another role for her which is very much aligned with her strengths!

I have had a few people who were hesitant to take temporary roles or even leave their employers, but after they overcame their mind blocks, they actually carved career paths that took them much further than they expected.

Here are some top tips to look after your career while in isolation:

1. Networking - Now that you don’t have the boss looking over your shoulder, seek out 1-2 people you admire and ask them for a virtual coffee. Ask them cool questions like what inspires you most? What would you choose as a career if you had no restrictions? This enables you to make some meaningful connections and who knows? It might lead to a future role for you.

2. Play to your strengths – If you love learning, look into some free courses that are now being offered not only by TAFE NSW, but here are some other ideas too. Or If you love strategy and new ideas, ask the boss if you can create a special teams unit to work on xyz problem. They will love your initiative and you get to choose your dream team. The key here is look for ways to use your strengths more.

3. Career Mapping - Maybe you’re unhappy in your role. This is your chance to think of new ways to add some enjoyment to your role, or even start mapping out how to get to your next role. Why not complete this strengths survey, and then ask yourself these questions:

a. Does my current role allow me to use ALL of my top 10 strengths on a daily basis?
b. What are other roles that I might consider that do let me use my top 10 strengths?
c. What are the steps I need to take to get where I want to go?

Studies have consistently shown over the last few years that over 65% of the jobs are going to candidates who know someone in the organisation. It reinforces it’s not about WHAT you know, it’s all about who you know. So now’s the time to reach out and ask others for advice. For more ideas, click here for free resources

Thinking of starting your own business? Check out this Facebook group who is generating ideas for small business owners or thinking about upskilling, a list of resources here

Interested in Career Coaching? Contact me for a FREE Zoom Chat robin@impowercoaching.com.au