What to Think About as You Take the Next Step in Your Career

NEW YORK, February 22, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Taking the next step in your career is a big decision—one that requires you to carefully consider multiple factors. Whether you've just been offered a promotion, are applying for one, have decided to go back to school, or something else, it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed during this time of change. Before you rush in, here are some things to consider that can help set you up for success: 

1. Align Your Goals: Are you on the career path you want to be on? Where do you see yourself in one year? What about five years? Take the time to revisit your career goals and decide what success looks like to you. This can help ensure that wherever you decide to go next is truly aligned with your vision and joys. 

2. Consider Learning Opportunities: It's important to keep growing your skillset and expertise throughout your career. What learning opportunities are available to you, or would be available to you in this new role? Don't be afraid of taking risks and stretching yourself professionally. While it's important to play within your strengths, don't let comfort keep you from exploring new opportunities or avenues for growth.  

3. Think about what skills you have: Whether you're trying to figure out your next move or are ready to interview for a new job, don't forget to account for all the skills you have acquired in your current job, or from any other experiences. Even if the skills don't feel completely relevant to the next step in your career, there is likely still a way to frame them as an asset. 

4. Get Feedback: getting others' perspectives can help you figure out your blind spots and areas to improve in. Ask mentors and colleagues to provide honest feedback on how you can continue growing professionally.  

5. Research Job Opportunities: Whether you decide to stay within your current organization or look elsewhere, make sure you know what jobs are available and what skill sets they require. Doing research may also help uncover new opportunities that weren't on your radar initially. 

6. Network Strategically: Reach out to people in your industry who have been successful at making similar transitions. Through networking, you can gain valuable insight into best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and helpful resources. Connections may also alert you to job opportunities.  

7. Plan your finances: If you're looking at a higher salary in your next role, it may be time to modify your budget and savings plans accordingly. This may mean putting more away for retirement, investing more, or adding something new like whole life insurance, a type of permanent life insurance that has a life-long death benefit and offers cash value, which grows over time and is available for you to access during your life. 

8. Consider work-life balance: As you look for the next step in your career, consider what type of work-life balance is right for you. Some questions you might want to ask yourself: Do you prefer working with a flexible schedule or structured hours? Do you like going to an office every day? What kind of company culture are you looking for? Thinking through the answers can help you decide whether an opportunity is right for you.