There are a wide range of pertinent “where” questions, so let’s start off with the obvious ones.

Where do you want to work? Having targets helps to focus your energy and your message.  Sure, at this stage perhaps you’re desperate to work anywhere that will pay you, but there are limitations.  Why spend your valuable energy on jobs that you’d never be qualified for, would require an unacceptable move, or are with people you’d never want to spend time with?  Sure, if a total surprise falls in your lap, check it out – but spend your valuable time where you’ll get the most bang for the buck.

Where do you want to live? For many people, this is a driving factor in their career decisions.  It’s quite OK to be attached to your family and friends – you get to decide.  You also have the right to want to move elsewhere, if you like that sense of adventure and getting away from your past.

Now let’s take on some of the less obvious questions.

Where are the influencers? These are people who are connected to people you’d like to know, who affect decisions, or who have useful information.  And notice that the question is where they are.  Many times you don’t know exactly who you’re targeting, so the first question is to find where these kinds of people tend to hang out.  That might be a physical place such as networking meetings or even a particular restaurant, but more often these days it’s in virtual meeting spaces and social media sites.  Watch, and then engage in the discussions.

Where is my career headed? This is a totally different kind of question, because it’s 99% about where you WANT to be headed.  But do take a minute to think about this objectively – What is the trajectory you’re on?  What’s the easiest path?  What do other people assume your next career steps would be?  Then, of course, don’t be constrained by these answers – where would you LIKE it to head?

Where are other people focusing? Then take this information and do something innovative.  Even do the exact opposite.  If you’re feeling frustrated by a lack of progress, if you’re uninspired by the advice you’re hearing from others, then mix it up.  Do something different.  Often you’ll find that this can help give you energy to dig into the hard tasks, especially if you’re feeling like you’re up against a brick wall right now.

If you’re feeling a bit burned out right now – in your job, or looking for a job – find a friend who can be your confidant and supporter.  Focus on sparking some creativity and energy to get yourself moving again.

An important resource

Here’s a strange one.  But since this is my newsletter, I get to be honest.

Some of the most important resources I have are on the spiritual side – my faith, my friends at church, and the contribution I make to others’ spiritual development.  Many people would enforce a wide division between spirituality and their work life, but I don’t tend to do that.

In fact, my spiritual side was one reason why I got into coaching in the first place.  This profession is one of the ways that I help my clients to find fulfillment in their lives, even if we never use religious language or images.  It helps me to pursue my deeper purpose.

So I’d ask you:  Would development of your spiritual side help you to find more happiness in your career?  It has for me.

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