Lorraine Eivers, Career Coach & Mentor
The start of a brand-new year feels like the perfect time for a fresh start. The New Year often prompts us to reassess our lives, and for many, this means thinking about our careers and whether we are truly fulfilled. While many resolutions focus on fitness or breaking bad habits, is it time to make one that could transform your life? This is your chance to pause and ask yourself: Am I truly happy where I am in my career? If the answer is no, perhaps this is the year to take charge of your career and create the future you’ve always dreamed of.
The pandemic forced many of us to reconsider what’s important, and for some (myself included), it led to a significant career change. After 30 years in Human Resources, I pivoted to start my own career coaching business, helping professionals, returning mums, and career gappers find work they love – work that brings both career success and personal happiness.
But what if you don’t have the resources or time to invest in a career coach? How can you kickstart a career change on your own?
One of the first things to consider is your CV. When was the last time you updated it? This should be a key part of your job search, but before diving into any edits, take a step back and reflect on what really matters to you. What gives you a sense of purpose or satisfaction? What are you naturally good at? What would get you excited to jump out of bed in the morning? It’s also important to think about your non-negotiables, the areas you’re no longer willing to compromise on in your next role.
Many of us fail to consider our core values or strengths, but aligning these with our work is crucial for both success and satisfaction. When our values are at odds with our job, it often leads to discontent, frustration, and, in extreme cases, burnout. Luckily, there are some excellent free tools online that can help you assess your values and strengths. These insights will guide you in finding roles that energise you, as well as environments where you will thrive. Equally, they help you recognise what you want to avoid in your next career move.
Once you’ve identified your values, the next step is to evaluate your skills and experience. Look at the types of roles you’re interested in and compare your skill set to the job descriptions. You’ll want to highlight relevant experience on your CV, tailoring it to the positions you’re targeting and highlighting your transferable skills. Think about your key achievements, those times when you made a difference, achieved a win or were particularly proud of yourself. These need to be highlighted, with accompanying evidence, to demonstrate the true value you can bring to a role.
If you’ve been in the same career for a long time, it’s easy to feel stuck and fail to appreciate your worth. You may have chosen your path because of external influences, such as family expectations or your university degree. Or perhaps you have simply grown tired of your current role or find the environment becoming toxic.
It’s a common fear that switching careers is impossible, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many people have made successful career changes at all stages of life. I was 58 when I launched my career coaching business, and I know others in their later years who have embarked on entirely new careers, including many famous names, such as Vera Wang, Ronald Reagan, Ray Croc.
Think back to your early ambitions. Is there a dream you buried long ago? If you were writing a career wish list, what would your top three requests be? Sometimes, simply reflecting on these desires can unlock new possibilities and reignite forgotten passions.
Ask yourself what might be holding you back. Is it fear, a lack of resources, or something else? Once you understand what’s stopping you, you can start planning how to overcome these barriers. Consider who can help you – whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or an online resource – and what skills or knowledge you need to acquire to make your dream a reality.
With clarity on your goals, it’s time to take action. Refresh your CV and update your LinkedIn profile. Take the course or qualification you need to help make the transition. Begin networking with people in the industries or companies that interest you. Start conversations, ask for advice, and make connections.
Practicing interview techniques with a trusted friend can also be invaluable, particularly if you use methods like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to help structure your responses. And if starting a business is your goal, there are plenty of resources and advice available to help you take those first steps.
It’s absolutely possible to make a career change on your own and at any age, but many find that working with a coach accelerates the process and offers a safe, supportive space to explore your goals, challenges, and dreams. After all, life is too short to stay stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfil you. The New Year is the perfect time to follow your dreams and create the career and life you truly want.
www.lorraineeiverscoaching.com
LinkedIn: Lorraine Eivers FCIPD
