Career & Business Coaching Blog.
Inspiration and tips for multi-passionate creatives & entrepreneurs.
5 Tips on What to Focus on When You Don’t Know What to Focus on
Do you often feel like you have too many ideas? Are you finding it hard to find your focus? If this sounds like you, don't worry, you're not alone. Many creatives and entrepreneurs struggle with this issue. I know I do, and so do my clients.
Knowing which project(s) to focus on can be challenging when everything seems like a good idea. And it can be particularly daunting to choose when choosing feels like losing. In this article, I'll discuss five tips to help you focus on the right projects without making you feel like you're missing out. Because, hey, let's be honest, wouldn't that be awesome?
#1 What's most important to you?
Having a creative mind is a blessing but can also be a curse. Too often, we have so many options that we don't know what to do first. From starting that vegan protein bar company to promoting STEM careers to teens to developing an app that helps busy moms manage their time, it's hard to know where to focus your energy. This can make us feel scattered, unfocused, and not doing anything at all.
When you're struggling to focus, probably the most critical question to ask yourself is what your goals are and what you want to achieve, aka what's important to you. A lot of people try to figure out what they really want. Unfortunately, that's probably also what they're struggling with the most. By clarifying what's most important to them - which doesn't need to be the same thing as what they think they want - it becomes much easier to choose what to do.
Some questions that often help:
What are you most excited about in life? What are you passionate about?
What do you want to achieve, personally and professionally?
Who do you want to help, and what difference do you want to make?
What problems do you want to solve? What is important to you?
What does success look like for you?
These questions will help clarify your goals and give you a better idea of which projects are most important to you. Once you have a good understanding of what your goals are, it will be much easier to focus on the projects that will help you achieve them.
#2 What's your time frame?
In addition to considering what’s most important to you, it's also essential to think about your time frame. How much time do you have to devote to each project? Are you working on a tight deadline? Do you have specific milestones you want to achieve in your life?
Your time frame will likely be different for each project. For example, if you're working on a new product you want to launch in the next six months, you'll need to focus on that project and not get sidetracked by other ideas. On the other hand, if you're working on a long-term goal, like writing a book, you might have more flexibility in how you spend your time.
Knowing your project's time frame will help you prioritize and focus on the most critical tasks. It can also be helpful to break down your projects into smaller goals achievable within a set timeframe. This will help you to stay focused and motivated as you work towards your larger goals.
#3 You don't have to choose, but you can't do everything at once either
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to focus is thinking they must do everything at once out of fear of missing out or having to choose. This is particularly true for multi-passionate creatives or creative generalists for whom choosing is like kryptonite (hello, there, I see you!).
The truth is: you can't do everything at once, and you shouldn't try to. Trying to do too many things simultaneously leads to feeling scattered, frustrated, and overwhelmed. That doesn't mean you have to choose and let go of what you want to do forever, but it's important to limit your focus to a few things and let the other ideas waiting for their turn.
It can be helpful to think about your projects in terms of seasons. What can you focus on right now, and what can you put on the back burner for later? For example, if you're working on a new product, you might want to wait to launch your blog until after the product is released. Just remember that choice is not equal to losing; you're not killing an idea, you're just putting it on hold for a while.
#4 Identify your core values
In addition to setting goals, another great way to find focus your attention is by identifying your core values. The question from tip one is related to this, but identifying your values goes even deeper. What is important to you? What do you believe in? When do you feel most fulfilled?
Your values will guide you as you decide which projects to work on and how to spend your time. For example, if one of your values is making a difference in the world, you might want to focus on projects with a social or environmental impact. Or, if you value creativity and innovation, you might want to focus on creative or challenging projects.
Identifying your core values will help you to stay focused on the things that are most important to you. Thinking about your values can be a great way to get back on track when you're feeling lost or uncertain.
#5 Make a list of all the ideas that you have
I purposefully added this tip as the last one and not the first because when you've gone through the first four tips, you should have a much better understanding of what is and isn't important to you. You'll especially know what you're truly passionate about (#1) and what your core values are (#4). So now, when you make your list of ideas, it will be easier to narrow down which ones are most important to you.
To do this, ask yourself which ideas are the most aligned with your values AND your passions; in other words, which ideas will help you achieve your goals. For example, if your core values are creativity and adventure, and you're passionate about writing, you might want to focus on ideas that involve travel or creative writing; or if you're passionate about fashion and your core values are simplicity and sustainability, you might want to focus on ideas related to sustainable fashion.
Bonus tip: choose your three most important ideas
After eight years of supporting creatives and entrepreneurs to get unstuck, I've come to believe that there's a sweet spot for the number of things we can focus on simultaneously. For most (except some powerhouse creative generalists), anything between 3 and 5 projects is doable at any given time. So my bonus tip for you is to choose the three most important ideas from your list and focus on those.
There you have it – five tips to help you focus if you don't know what to focus on! I hope these tips will be helpful for you as you work on bringing your projects and goals to life.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. The best way to find what works for you is to experiment and be patient. Focus on one (or a few) things for a while and see what happens and how it makes you feel.
One last thing I want to add is to give yourself permission to change your focus - and your mind. Our goals and values can change over time, just like we do as people, so it's ok to be flexible in how we focus our attention. If your focus no longer aligns with your goals or values, don't be afraid to adjust accordingly.
It's your life, you decide.
Feeling overwhelmed with all of the options out there and don't know where to start?
You're not alone. Many people feel this way because it's hard to know the best option for you. That's where private coaching comes in - I can help you figure out what you should be focusing on to make progress and achieve your goals.
I'll work with you one-on-one to help you create a plan that works for you and your unique situation. You'll be able to achieve anything you put your mind to! I'll support you set goals, stay motivated, and overcome any obstacles that get in your way.
The Courage to Quit: Five Things You Can do When You're Ready For Something New
Quitting is never easy. It's one of the most challenging things we can do. Whether it's a job, a romantic relationship or friendship, or a project we decided not to pursue. Whatever it is, quitting is hard. Not only because we have to let go of something but also because we have to face our fears.
That's why most of us overthink it and try to find excuses not to do it, even when we know in our guts that we should. This is especially true when we feel responsible, don't want to hurt anyone, or care about what other people think of us. But even if quitting requires courage, it doesn't mean you should hold off from doing it. When you're ready for something new, it's often the only thing you can think about until - guess what? - you finally do something about it!
That, to me, is the telltale sign that it's time for a change. In this article, I share five things that have helped me find the courage to make bold moves in my life and work and how I believe you can, too.
Why do we overthink?
When we overthink, we often try to silence our intuition instead of listening to it. Our gut tells us what something is right for us way before our mind does, but we don't always trust it. We second-guess ourselves and wonder if we're making the right decision. This is because we're afraid of the unknown and failure. But what if we looked at quitting in a different light? What if, instead of seeing it as a sign of weakness, we saw it as an act of courage?
We overthink because our minds are trying to figure something out that only time will tell. We want absolute certainty before taking a step forward, but life rarely works out that way. The more we try to control things, the more we realize that we can't. That's precisely why we need to have faith and trust our gut.
If you're considering quitting something, here are five things you can do:
Take time for yourself. This is probably the most important thing you can do. When we're ready for something new, we often feel we have to make a decision immediately. But it's essential to take some time for yourself first. Ask yourself why you want to quit and what you hope to gain from it. What are your fears, and how can you face them? Taking the time to think about your decision will help you make a more informed choice. The sense of urgency often makes the decision harder to take. When you take that pressure away, you might find the decision relatively easy.
Talk to people who have done it before. If you know anyone who has gone through a similar experience, talk to them about it. Ask them how they made the decision and what the process was like. Hearing other people's stories will help normalize your own experience and make it feel less daunting. Everyone quits sometimes, and most people feel some level of fear when they do. Don't be afraid to reach out for support. The more stories you hear from others and how they've done it, the easier it will be for you to choose a different path for yourself.
Confide in someone you trust. When facing a tough decision, it's often helpful to talk to someone you feel safe with enough to share what is going on with you. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or coach. Talking about our fears and concerns can help us gain clarity and perspective. It can also help us feel less alone in our decision-making process. Another reason why it's important to share what you're going through is we're often standing too close to our problems to see our options. Having someone listen and reflect back to us what they heard can help us see things in a new light.
Get rid of perfectionism. One of the main reasons we don't quit is because we're afraid of not doing it perfectly. We think we have to have everything figured out before we make a move, but that's rarely the case. Often, the best way to learn is by doing. So instead of waiting for things to be perfect, take imperfect action and trust that you'll figure it out along the way. Moving forward without knowing all the steps in advance allows you to be flexible as you progress into this new chapter of your life, which is always important.
Find an ounce of clarity. The first thing you can do is get some clarity about the thing you want. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's often the most challenging part. We can be so caught up in our current situation that we can't see what else is out there. When you're ready to quit, take some time to think about what you want. What are your goals? What would make you happy? Visualize what your life will look like once you've decided and finally quit what isn't working for you anymore. Once you have at least a little bit of understanding of what you want, it will be easier to take the following steps.
Finally, and this is what helps me the most when I've decided to quit something, make a conscious decision to step into this new chapter of your life. Making a significant change is never easy, and it doesn't happen overnight, but by actively deciding to change your life, you're setting yourself up for success. So take a deep breath, trust your gut and go for it! In the end, you're the one that needs to do it.
I hope these tips will help you find the courage to make a change in your life. If you're feeling stuck, remember that you're not alone, and there is always a way out. Change is scary, but it's also exciting and full of possibilities. So leap and see what happens! You might surprise yourself.
Feeling lost and uncertain about your next steps?
Private coaching is a great way to gain clarity on what you should do next in your life or career. I can help you assess whether or not it's time for a change and give you the tools necessary to make that change happen.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated, coaching can provide the support, accountability, and guidance you need to make lasting changes in your life and work.
Quiet Quitting: A Creative Generalist's Response to Not Being Valued
You're stuck in a job you hate, doing work that doesn't challenge you, being undervalued by your boss. Maybe you've even tried to talk to them about it, but it always ends in disaster. So what do you do? You quit. But not just any old way – you quietly quit.
Quiet quitting has been in the news lately, with more and more people doing it. And there's a good reason for that. People want to be valued and recognized for their work; they want to feel they matter. As someone who works extensively with creatives and entrepreneurs, I know this to be true. In this article, I want to explore quiet quitting a little further, how it affects us creative types, and what to do about it.
What is quiet quitting?
What is quiet quitting? It's when you don’t leave your job, you just stop caring about it. You don't hand in your notice; you stop stepping up and doing your best. It might not be the most professional way to do things, but sometimes it's the only way to deal with a situation that's making you miserable.
There are a few reasons why people might choose to quietly quit their job. Maybe they feel undervalued, bored, and underappreciated, or they can't stand the thought of going to work another day. Whatever the reason, quiet quitting is on the rise. Low pay, poor working conditions, burn-out, unsustainable workloads, and pressure are only a few reasons why people choose to stay in their jobs but not give their all to them anymore.
Although the concept and term are pretty new, quiet quitting isn't. It says, "I'm still here, but I've checked out." Demotivation and loss of a sense of purpose, alongside negative experiences at work, often lead to quiet quitting. I see it in my coaching practice a lot: people remaining at the same workplace but relaying to doing the bare minimum, putting in time but not effort.
Why do creative generalists quiet quit?
I would argue that although quiet quitting isn't new, and many people do it, creative generalists especially, have been doing it for years. We've always been told that we're not good enough, that we're not focused enough, and that we need to pick one thing and stick with it. We've been told that our multiple talents and interests are a hindrance, not an asset. We've been told that we're not valuable. So we've quietly quit.
Creative generalists are often quiet quitters because their work is undervalued. They're told that their ideas are too out there, that they're too chaotic, that they'll never make it. So they give up and resort to doing what is asked of them, not what they’re capable of producing.
Just this morning, one of my best friends and a creative generalist told me she was quiet quitting her highly demanding job. "I'm tired of always hearing about the little thing not being right when I've moved mountains for this company and made miracles happen. I can't stand being underutilized and seeing my talents and interests go to waste. So if they don't want what I have to offer, I won't put in any extra effort from now on."
Last week, another creative client said something similar: "I'm so bored at work, I'm begging for them to use my talents, but they just want me to fill out spreadsheets. So now I've decided only to do the bare minimum; they don't appreciate me anyway."
Both are scaling back at work, taking a stance about exploitative work cultures, and thinking about where to take their careers next. One clear thing is that the next move needs to be meaningful, where they can reach their potential and hone in on their skills, talents, and expertise.
What to do when you realize you're quiet quitting?
People quiet quit for different reasons. Once you realize that you've been quiet quitting your job, my advice would be to do something about it. Don't just stay in a job because it pays the bills; you need more than money to be happy.
If you're bored and undervalued, it might be time to move on. Talk to your boss about using your talents more, or look for a new job that will value what you have to offer. If you're feeling burnt out, try cutting back on your hours or taking some time off. And if you're just plain unhappy, it might be time to start exploring other options.
Other things you can do when you realize you're quit quitting include:
Talk to a career coach or mentor about your options
Take steps at work so you can do more meaningful work
Consider a career transition and find something more aligned with who you are
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to quiet quitting, but the most important thing is, to be honest with yourself about why you're doing it. Once you know the reasons, you can start taking steps to change the situation.
The bottom line is this: if you're not happy in your job, don't just quiet quit, do something about it. Don't stay in a situation that's making you miserable. Life's too short to waste time on things that don't make you happy. Quiet quitting doesn't have to be the end of your career. It can be a new beginning. So if you're quiet quitting your job, it might be time to make a change.
Quit quitting your job?
You're not alone. Many people find themselves at a dead end, feeling like they've hit a wall. That's where private coaching can help. Together, we'll explore your options to help you find new opportunities and get unstuck in your career.
I know it can be hard to take that first step towards change, but I'm here to help you every step of the way. Coaching is an investment in yourself and will pay off for years to come.
Brainstorming: The Disney Strategy For Finding Clarity And Getting Unstuck
If you're feeling stuck and need some clarity, brainstorming may be the answer! But not just any kind of brainstorming, the kind that doesn't kill your dreams before they even take shape in your mind.
The Disney strategy is a great way to get started. This strategy involves several steps for analyzing a problem, generating solutions or ideas to resolve it, evaluating those ideas, and finally constructing and critically reviewing a plan of action. I love this way of approaching a problem, especially when you feel there's nothing you can do to fix it. Often our lack of options or our difficulty in seeing the alternatives available comes from fear disguised as a strong focus to find flaws in any plan or course of action we come up with.
Clearly state the problem and brainstorm solutions
You start by clearly stating the problem or question you want to brainstorm about and what the task is you want to resolve.
For instance: "I want to move to a sunny location, preferably by the ocean, but I can't quit my job at the grocery store because I need to fund my life when I'm there. How can I ensure I will be financially secure to make this move?"
When I brainstorm possibilities or questions like this with clients, they all start with very few answers, sometimes none. But when we get creative, think outside of the box and go a little wild and crazy on what solutions might look like, we're always able to create an extended (and fun!) list of options to choose from.
For the question above, after a little bit of thinking and digging, the list might look something like this:
Not move and stay where I am.
Find a grocery store job where I want to be living.
Start my own business.
Get an inheritance, so I don't have to work at all.
Move to a sunny location and get a job that can be done online.
Start a GoFundMe page and ask for donations to help with the move.
Find a wealthy partner who already lives by the ocean.
Sell my art and pottery.
Become a coast guard.
Organize beach weddings and become a wedding photographer.
...
As you can see, the list above contains a mix of very realistic and not-so-realistic options. And that's ok! The goal is to get as many ideas on paper (or in your notes app) as possible.
Don't censor yourself while you're coming up with ideas
One unique thing about this approach is that no criticism is allowed while you're in brainstorming mode. And you're invited to come up with the wildest ideas and as many ideas as possible. This is what makes this method so unique. It's named after Walt Disney because he was a hard realist who was critical of his ideas and knew how to dream up the biggest and most impossible dreams first.
After coming up with creative ideas, Disney also introduced the practice at his animation studios. He would encourage his animators to "go wild" with their ideas and generate as many possibilities as they could. While doing this, nobody was allowed to criticize or downplay an idea. No feedback at all was being given. The only goal was to come up with as many possibilities as possible. There was plenty of time to think about their feasibility later.
In the 1990s, Robert B. Dilts developed a creative technique based on how Walt Disney brainstormed and called it the Walt Disney method. The original technique is meant to help a small group of four to six people develop new ideas and solutions. The basis for this is three roles that Walt Disney used during his creative process: the dreamer, the realist, and the critic:
The dreamer: This person comes up with as many ideas and possibilities as possible.
The realist: This person is responsible for looking at the ideas and judging which ones are realistic and feasible and which ones are not.
The critic: This person's job is to find flaws in the ideas and help improve them.
Narrow down your list and set priorities
After you've come up with as many ideas as possible, it's time to evaluate your options, so you don't get overwhelmed by them. This is the realist's job. The best way to do this is to narrow down your choices using your intuition and ask yourself:
What would you like to do?
What could you realistically do in the short term?
What are the most important factors for you?
What are your priorities?
Once you're clear on your top priorities, start using logic to categorize them and make informed choices. List the positive and negative aspects of each option.
For example, if one of your options is to get a job at a grocery store, the pros might be that you would get a regular paycheck, and it would be easy to find jobs like this. The cons might be that it's not the kind of work you want to do long-term, and it's not in the location you want to be living.
Make a choice and create a plan to move forward
Once you've examined your options, weigh the pros and cons and then make a choice. This is where the critic comes in. They help you to find flaws in the ideas and improve them. After you've made a decision, it's time to create a plan and take action.
If you've decided to get a job at a grocery store, your next steps might be to research which stores are hiring in your area and then submit your resume. Or, if you've decided to start your own business, your next steps might be to research what kind of business you want to start and then create a business plan. Whatever you decide, make sure to put even a tiny plan together, so you know what the next step to take is.
The Disney Strategy is a great way to find clarity and get unstuck! Brainstorming is a great way to see all the possibilities out there waiting for you, but doing it without holding yourself back is much more powerful! So next time you feel stuck, remember Disney and try it.
You might be surprised by what you come up with when you don't put any limits on yourself.
Feeling stuck in your career and life?
Private coaching is a great way to get unstuck and find new opportunities. As a certified coach I will help you identify your goals and create a plan to achieve them. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make in just a few weeks.
Coaching can help you achieve anything you want in life. With the right coach, you can finally break through the barriers that have been holding you back for years. Stop dreaming and start doing – learn more about private coaching today!
The Real Question to Ask Yourself About Work
Work takes up a big part of our lives, yet we hardly ever think about how our work shapes us. Everything we do in life impacts us - positive or negative. So does our work. Because we spend so many hours doing it, it has one of the biggest influences on us throughout our lives. It's important to ask yourself if you're really doing what you love, not only because you deserve to be happy.
Think about it - the people you work with, the things you do at work, the environment you're in... all of these things affect you. They shape the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you behave. If you're not happy with your work, chances are it's having a negative impact on your life. But if you love what you do, it can have a hugely positive impact.
Your work shapes your life.
So many of us go through the motions of our jobs day in and day out without ever stopping to think about whether or not we're happy with what we're doing. We may have convinced ourselves that work is just work and it's not supposed to be fun or fulfilling, but that's not true. I believe we deserve work we love; we own it to ourselves even.
Work is such a big part of our lives that it absolutely and most certainly should be something we enjoy. It's not just about making money - it's about positively shaping our lives.
Gone are the days that we entered an office or a factory and left ourselves at the door in exchange for a paycheck. We live in such a hyperconnected world today that we have no excuse but to find work we love. Work that's aligned with who you are, that fills your cup, that makes you feel like you matter, and that your contribution makes a difference; that's what we should all aim for in life.
Is your work aligned with what's important to you?
If you feel stuck in a job that doesn't make you happy, it might be time to reevaluate your situation. Ask yourself if you can do anything to make your job more enjoyable or if there might be another career path that would better suit your interests and talents. Make sure that your work is aligned with what's important to you: your values and what you stand for in life. Because if it's not, chances are you will end up feeling unfulfilled and unhappy.
Doing work you love is essential for your happiness and the impact it can have on the world around you. You bring your best self to it, which ripples on those around you. When you're doing something you're passionate about, it shows in your attitude and your behavior. It's contagious in the best way possible.
So if you're not happy with your current situation, don't be afraid to make a change. Find work that lights you up and makes you excited to jump out of bed every morning. Your life will be so much better for it.
It's not about how much you make; it's about who you're becoming.
Don't be afraid to change your life if it means you'll be happier in the long run. Work is a big part of our lives, so it should be something we enjoy doing. Otherwise, what's the point?
We all work to make money. But the real question to ask yourself at work is not "what am I being paid here?" but "who am I becoming here"? The real problem in a career that isn't making you happy is not "that they should pay you more"; it's that they should "value you more."
The work we do affects us on a much deeper level than just our bank balance. It shapes our beliefs, our values, and our identities. It teaches us how to think, what to believe, and who to be.
If your work isn't helping you become the person you want to be, it's not the right work for you.
It's as simple as that.
I'm not saying that you should quit your job tomorrow (although, if it's that bad, maybe you should). But I am saying that you should take a long, hard look at your career and ask yourself whether or not it's helping you become the person you want to be.
If it's not, it might be time to make a change. You only have one life. Make sure you're living it in a way that allows you to become all you're meant to be. Work is a big part of that, so choose wisely.
Feeling lost in your career and unsure what to do next?
You're not alone. Many people find themselves at a career crossroads, wondering where to go. I offer private coaching to help you get unstuck and find work you love.
As a coach, I have helped hundreds of people like you figure out what they want from their careers and how to get there. I'll help you assess your skills, interests, and passions, explore your options, and create a plan that works for you.
How to Overcome The Fear of Choice: 5 Tips For Those With Too Many Ideas And Interests
When you're a creative generalist (multi-passionate creative) or someone with many passions and interests, the fear of choice can be a real challenge. How do you know what the "right" thing to do is? How do you know which idea to pursue? How do you know which direction to take your career? This article will explore how to overcome the fear of choice and make decisions without feeling paralyzed by all of your options.
Not choosing is also a choice.
The first step is to understand that you don't have to choose forever. It's something I took a long time to learn and probably one of the most freeing things I teach my clients. If you're thinking about starting a new project but are afraid to commit, remember that you can always change your mind later. You really - really - never choose anything forever.
The second step is to understand that you can combine interests and ideas. It's one of the things that makes creative generalists so special. We can see connections between disparate things and bring them together into something new. So if you're feeling pulled in two different directions, try combining them into something new instead of choosing one or the other.
The third step is to choose temporarily. It goes hand-in-hand with the understanding that you can always change your mind later. When making a decision, remember that it doesn't have to be forever. You can always try something new later. It takes the pressure off of making a "perfect" decision and allows you to experiment without fear.
It's about the choice that's right for you at the moment.
When creative generalists are confronted with a choice, many are overwhelmed to the point that they do nothing anymore. But the truth is: that no choice is also a choice. If you don't decide, someone else will do it for you. So instead of being afraid of making the wrong choice, embrace your many passions and use them to your advantage. You never know where they might lead you. Remember, there is no "right" thing to do - there is only what is right for you at this moment. And even that can change tomorrow. So don't be afraid to experiment, combine interests, and change your mind. It's all part of the creative process!
Do you struggle with the fear of choice? Here are five tips to help you overcome indecision and move forward with your life.
Write down everything that interests you and look for the common themes. Are there things you can combine or that build upon each other? For example, if you're interested in fashion and design, you could pursue a career in fashion journalism or start your clothing line.
Look at your interests from different angles. What are the skills you have that are transferable to other contexts or environments? Instead of thinking in terms of knowledge gaps, what are your knowledge strengths? Remember that you don't have to choose just one thing. You can have multiple interests and pursue some of them simultaneously. The key is to be flexible and open-minded and not get too attached to any one idea.
By understanding your values, you can start to narrow down your options. What is most important to you? Is it creative expression? Making a difference in the world? Financial security? Once you know what you value most, you can begin to make choices that align with those values.
Try not to get caught up in the details. It's easy to get bogged down in all of the "what ifs" and "buts" when making a decision. But at the end of the day, there is usually more than one correct answer. So don't overthink it – go with your gut and trust that you will figure out the details along the way.
Sometimes, the best way to make a decision is to weigh your options and see which one feels right. But don't get too caught up in this process – at the end of the day, you must go with your gut feeling. So if that means combining things that look different to everyone else but make sense to you, go for it! Make a list of pros and cons for each option, but don't agonize over it.
Making decisions can be challenging, but it's important to remember that you don't have to choose forever. You can always change your mind later. So embrace your many passions and use them to your advantage. You never know where they might lead you. So go ahead and let your inner creative generalist out! Don't let the fear of choice keep you from pursuing your dreams.
Feeling lost in your career?
Overwhelmed by all your interests and the things you "could be doing"?
You're not alone. A lot of people feel stuck at some point in their careers. That's where private coaching can help. I will help you get unstuck and figure out what you want to do next.
Imagine having a job that combines all your passions into one cohesive career. It's possible, I see it every day in my practice, and I can help make it happen for you. We'll work together to find the best way to use your skills and talents, so you can finally be happy with your work life.
The Great Resignation: What to do if You're Ready to Quit Your Job
You might have heard about the Great Resignation, also known as the Big Quit and the Great Reshuffle. This massive wave of people quitting their jobs and looking for something better or a different way of life is an ongoing economic trend in which employees have voluntarily resigned from their jobs en masse. And it all started at the beginning of 2021.
Statistics point towards the younger generations as the biggest resignation group, but they're not alone. According to Wikipedia, possible causes include wage stagnation amid the rising cost of living, long-lasting job dissatisfaction, safety concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the desire to work for companies with better remote-working policies. An overall sense of dissatisfaction, a lack of purpose, and too little pay for shitty jobs make people want to explore new options. As a business and career coach, I've long seen this wave coming (it really didn’t start with the pandemic!), but everything accelerated with covid and the lockdowns.
This article is for people feeling the resignation itch and ready to quit jobs. It starts by briefly exploring the reasons why this resignation wave might be going on (without trying to be exhaustive as this is an incredibly complex socio-economic phenomenon) and continues by offering some tips and insights on how to best surf the wave and what to do if you're ready to quit your job.
What's wrong with work?
Work has been in crisis for a very long time. For the last decades, we've seen a slow and steady erosion of the social contract between employer and employee. In the past, companies offered workers stability and security for their loyalty and hard work. But now, that social contract has all but disappeared. Companies are no longer loyal to their employees – they're only interested in short-term profits. And as a result, employees have become increasingly disposable. If you don't like your job, or if you're not working hard enough, or if you're not making enough money, then there are a million other people who would gladly take your place. This is especially true during economic downturns when jobs are scarce, and competition for jobs is fierce.
In addition, the traditional career path – working your way up the ladder at one company until you retire – is no longer guaranteed. In today's economy, jobs are often temporary and insecure. And even if you have a secure job, there's no guarantee that it will be exciting or fulfilling. So it's no wonder that so many people are quitting their jobs. They're tired of being treated like commodities, and they're tired of work that isn't worthwhile.
The Great Resignation is also a response to the changing nature of work. We now live in a hyper-specialized world, where workers are expected to do a limited type of work. This is especially true in the knowledge economy, where workers are often nothing more than cogs in a machine. They're not allowed to use their creativity or their intelligence, and they're not given the opportunity to grow. This can be incredibly frustrating, (especially for creative generalists) and it's one of the main reasons many people quit their jobs.
What makes people want to quit?
As I mentioned before, there are many reasons why people might want to quit their jobs. But here are some of the most common ones:
#1 Lack of purpose
The first reason I see clients come to me for a career change is the lack of purpose that many people feel in their work. Jobs have become increasingly specialized, and while this has its advantages, it also means that people (particularly creative generalists or multi-passionate creatives) often spend their days doing things they don't care about or don't make them feel good. This can be incredibly frustrating and is one of the main reasons people are looking for something new.
#2 Low pay (for shitty jobs)
The second reason I see clients being dissatisfied is that many jobs don't pay enough. This has always been a problem, but it's becoming more and more acute as the cost of living continues to rise while wages remain stagnant. Add to this that many low-paying jobs are among the shittiest, and you've got a resignation wave waiting to happen.
#3 Boring and unfulfilling jobs
The third reason clients tell me they want to change careers is because they are dissatisfied with their jobs. Part of this is due to the reasons I've already mentioned, but it's also because we're becoming increasingly aware of the options out there. With the internet and social media, it's easier than ever to see what other people are doing with their lives, and this can often make our own lives seem small, boring, and unfulfilling by comparison.
#4 Lack of challenges and inspiration
The fourth reason I see clients change careers (or start a business of their own) is that they feel they're not being challenged enough at work. They're only allowed to bring a small part of their talents to work, but nothing else. Especially for (multi-passionate) creatives and entrepreneurs, this can be challenging. They want to be able to create, experiment and play, but their jobs often don't allow it.
#5 Toxic environments and being squeezed like lemons
The fifth most common reason I see people resign and change careers is when they're faced with toxic environments or are under such pressure to perform that they're being squeezed like lemons. Unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly common as organizations try to do more with less, and employees are expected to pick up the slack. This often leads to a toxic work environment, where people are constantly stressed and overworked.
These are just a few reasons people come to me for career or business coaching. If you're feeling ready to quit your job, my advice is to explore all of your options and find something that genuinely makes you happy.
So what can you do if you're ready to quit your job?
First of all, don't panic. This is a big decision, and you should not take it lightly. If you're thinking about quitting your job, it's essential to take the time to reflect on your decision. What are your motivations for wanting to leave? What are your goals? What are your alternatives? Once you've thought through these questions, you'll be in a better position to make a decision.
If you're sure quitting your job is the right decision, the next step is to start planning your exit strategy. It doesn't mean that you have to leave tomorrow, but it does mean that you need to start thinking about how you're going to transition out of your current job. Are you going to give notice? Are you going to start looking for a new job first? Are you going to freelance or become self-employed? There are many options, and the best way forward will depend on your circumstances.
The most important thing is to make sure that you have a plan. Once you have a plan, quitting your job will be much easier (and less stressful). So take the time to think through your decision, find support (hey, hello, I can help!), and develop a plan that will work for you.
Quitting your job is a big decision, but it can be incredibly liberating. With careful planning and a bit of courage, you can leap and start living the life you want to live! If you're unhappy with your current situation, don't be afraid to explore your options and make a change.
I know because I see and help people do it every day!
Feeling stuck in your career?
You're not the only one. A lot of people are unhappy in their jobs, but they don't know what to do about it. That's where we come in! I'm a certified career coach, and I can help you figure out what you want to do and how to get there.
I'll help you find a job that makes you happy, and give you the tools you need to succeed. I've helped hundreds of people make a change for the better, and I know I can help you too.