It's often easier to know what it is that you don't want than it is to know what you do want and this is particularly so when it comes to careers.
The job you applied for with such high hopes has turned out to be boring, the opportunities which enticed you to apply have not materialized and you wake up on Monday morning dreading the week ahead.
Or it may be that the job was fun to start out and you enjoyed developing new skills and taking on new tasks. But what was once a challenge has become dull routine.
The trouble is, you want to move but you don't really know what you want to do. After all, you are totally disillusioned with what you once wanted to do. The goals you made when you were younger now seem empty and you are experiencing job dissatisfaction, instead of the job satisfaction you were aiming for.
You can start from where you are - it's the only place anyone can start from anyway. So start with what you don't like about the present job. Make a list of the things you don't like and then take some time to think about what would improve your situation.
For example, you don't have enough responsibility. Therefore you would like a job with more responsibility, a job which is more challenging. What would you prefer that responsibility or challenge to look like? Would you like to be managing a team or in charge of a project? Would you like more interaction with clients or to develop your technical skills?
Or are you looking for something completely different from your current job? Do you have values or a cause that you would like to work for? Perhaps you are concerned with an issue that has affected you directly, like an illness in the family or is it something which is problematic for the wider community, like youth crime or unemployment? Or you may be motivated to do something to alleviate a major problem in another country, such as famine or the devastation caused by natural disasters.
Do you want to go back to school and train in a completely new discipline? Or do you want a practical career which involves using your hands? Perhaps you are tired of working for other people and want to start your own business.
As you discover what you want, start researching all the opportunities available to you. The skills and talents that you want to use or develop can be applied in many different occupations.
If you aren't sure if something is right for you, volunteering can give you a deeper insight into some careers. Talking to someone already doing a job or visiting a college or attending a company open day can also help you make a decision.
If you are still unsure about what you want, or if you are clear about what you want, but not sure where to find it, think about getting some career advice.
Need more free tips and careers advice? Go to http://www.coolercareers.com
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