Once upon a time, you began your career journey based on what you were passionate about. Or perhaps a great opportunity presented itself and you jumped at the chance to take it. Whatever led you to where you are now, you might be wondering, “What’s next?”
One of the most important things we can do for ourselves mid-career is to explore who we’ve become along our career journey and where we want to go next. All too often, we find ourselves stuck in conveyor belt careers—jumping on and riding along wherever our career takes us. While this may work for some, you might be yearning to take back control of your career and steer it in new and exciting directions. This may include advancement, promotion, leadership, new assignments, new challenges or exploring a new career altogether.
Though new, engaging and re-energizing opportunities are right around the corner, you might be wondering where you can find them.
You may also need a “boost” to get you going. But before you even start the search for what’s next, you need to really discover who you are and what makes you uniquely qualified to pursue and excel in these career aspirations.
In other words, who you are includes what you are great at, what you have achieved, what skills and strengths can easily be transferred forward in this new venture and what makes you special. All these things rolled into one is what is known as your personal brand. Personal branding is a trendy catchphrase emerging in the career and business world, as professionals scramble to uniquely position themselves to be industry experts and workplace ninjas.
While this sounds exciting and edgy, it might be a little overwhelming when it comes to figuring out your next career step.
When you’ve reached your mid-career status, typically 35-50 years of age, it’s wise to routinely revisit what your brand is saying about you. Is it still unique or does it need a little revitalization to make you stand out as a solution and integral part of the team?
The following questions are designed to help you explore the components of your personal brand so that you can begin the process of revitalizing it and employing it to help you continue to stay on top of your game and succeed in your next career move.
- What are you known for?
- What are you passionate about?
- What are you better at than many people you know?
- What words would people use to describe you?
- What do you value?
- What strongly sets you apart from your peers?
- What would you do all day if you didn’t have to worry about income?
- What image do you portray?
- What makes you uniquely qualified for your next career move?
- What would you like people to say about you?
How to Be Career Happy? Revisit and Revitalize Your Mid-Career Personal Brand
I hope this article provided you with a few applicable ideas for success. I would be honored if you shared this on social media. And speaking of sharing, please share your own ideas and experiences below. Together, we can build a happier career community.
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