Your post lockdown career audit

I think in one way or another we’ve all been affected by the pandemic and its fallout. Both at work and in our personal lives many of us have experienced the shock of change. But when these changes are happening TO us, rather than initiated BY us, our sense of control is eroded and this can leave us feeling disheartened, anxious, and uncertain. 

So now that we are emerging from the tight lockdowns that so restricted our lives (and saved many lives too), there is a buzz about the idea of re-evaluation. Yes, for many it may now be possible to work from home, but that isn’t suitable or desirable for all careers or all people. 

If you’re feeling a strange disorientation at work, uncertain whether this really is the career or place of work for you, I’ve pulled together six questions to help you gain some clarity about what’s driving this dissatisfaction. 

Put aside at least 20 minutes to take this mini-audit. Find time when you won’t be interrupted and make sure you really get to the bottom of each answer. Keep asking yourself ‘what else?’ until no more information surfaces.

Above all, be honest with yourself.

And if you’d like to discuss what you uncover, just get in touch. You can use the questions listed in full below or download and print out the worksheet here.

Your mini post-lockdown career audit

1. How has your work changed?

Think about where and with whom you work; the clients or customers you serve; your work content, processes and structures; relationships; management practices; your daily routine; and anything else that’s relevant. 

Think about which of these changes you welcome and which you hate. Consider why this is as you’ll then reveal more about what’s really going on for you.

2. How have YOU changed?

This is really about what you value most and how this might have shifted recently. Perhaps the pandemic has allowed time for reflection about your priorities, just as new ways of working and living may have altered your notion of what makes a good life. Think about what was driving you before Covid and how this might have changed shape now.

3. What do you actually want from your work?

Beyond paying the bills, what else do you need from your working life? Whether it’s about purpose, seeing the impact of your work, or having enough time outside working hours for the rest of your life, spend time thinking about your definition of career success. If you need a prompt, get in touch for my guide ‘Know your success criteria.’

4. What can you tweak for a quick win?

If you feel the need to make changes in your career, they don’t have to be major ones. If you’ve discovered a new skill, a powerful motivator or an important value that need to be honoured for your own fulfillment, there may be tweaks you can make in your current career. 

Think about your answers to the first 3 prompts and how one of these could be expressed through taking on new projects, working with alternative clients, or organizing your working week differently. Find the wins for other stakeholders in the situation and get ready to pitch your proposal(s)!

5. What needs deeper thought?

Whatever you have already uncovered may not lend itself to an immediate outlet in your current working life. But don’t abandon all hope – instead, think longer term or much more widely. A career coach could help you gain new perspectives, be totally honest about what really matters to you, find practical ways of building a bridge towards your new direction, and most importantly, strengthen your intent through gaining crystal clarity on the WHY that is driving the changes you want to see.

6. What obstacles are in your way?

Sometimes change can be so daunting that it’s impossible to take any action at all. One easy way to shift this impasse is to take a blank sheet of paper and answer the question: what is (really) stopping me from taking action? 

Think about any fears or self doubts you may have and separate these out on a separate line. 

Then consider practical issues like lack of information or expertise.

Identify the financial facts behind any change.

Ask yourself ‘what else is keeping me stuck?’

When you have your list of obstacles, the first way to free yourself is to write down at least one way forward for each – one action you could take today to get the clarity, belief or answers you need. Or if that’s too much, just start with one…then move on to the next.

Once you’ve removed the haunting power of these fears or uncertainties by writing them down and starting to find ways around them, you’re on your way.

Don’t stop there

So there you have it! Your mini career audit is complete – what next? 

Whatever you do, don’t just let your good work go to waste. You owe it to yourself to take the next steps, however small they might be. Talk to someone who has made a similar change, a contact in a potential new career, or a career coach.

Discuss options with your current boss or team – open up new possibilities rather than staying frozen in unhappy limbo. At least that way you’ll be giving yourself the best possible chance of achieving a working life that reflects who you really are and has the impact that you value.

Now, over to you - and if you’d like to book a free 30-minute slot to discuss, just use the button below.