Our career is an integral part of our life and well-being. Navigating your career path, identifying growth opportunities, and balancing work, family, and personal needs can be challenging.
Long term frustration in these areas can impact both your physical and mental health. Based on 2022 survey done by Milieu Insight together with mental health company, Intellect:
- About 1 in 4 Singaporeans said that they were dissatisfied with their jobs
- 58% of workers surveyed in Singapore reported below “high engagement at work”, and· 43% Singaporean workers rated their mental health below “Good” rating.
This series comprises three parts tailored to different career stages:
- Part 1 focuses on individuals in their first decade of post-graduate careers
- Part 2 addresses mid-career professionals in their mid-30s to mid-40s aiming to advance in their careers
- Part 3 is designed for PMETs after mid-40s seeking to transition careers while managing responsibilities like caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, and planning for retirement
Part 1 – Finding your True North
Plenty of career advice revolves around pursuing the hottest jobs and industries, emphasizing skill acquisition through training and education. However, this approach is like choosing what to eat based solely on the length of the queue at a food stall. While some may thrive in popular careers, others find themselves unhappy despite securing popular jobs
✅Who Am I?
Self-awareness is crucial for career development, encompassing your values, interests, personality, strengths, and skills (VIPSS). This understanding doesn’t come overnight; it often requires deliberate exploration over time. Even after years of work, many people still grapple with self-awareness.
Just as the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child,” many individuals contribute to your achievements. Independence doesn’t mean going it alone. Successful individuals recognize that the next phase of life and career presents more intricate challenges requiring robust support networks. Therefore, cultivate a supportive network with the right people to navigate these challenges effectively.
✅What Should I Pursue?
Once you’ve grasped your VIPSS, you can align them with external opportunities to discern potential career paths. However, this stage may reveal challenges: the direction could seem too broad, suitable opportunities might not be readily apparent, or you may lack certain skills for desired roles.
To address these challenges, a comprehensive career development strategy becomes essential. This strategy should outline actionable steps to refine your focus, uncover opportunities, and acquire necessary skills or knowledge. In essence, it’s about crafting a concrete action plan to propel your career forward.
✅How to Execute a Plan?
Executing a plan requires courage, discipline, and support, even if you are highly motivated and intelligent. It requires problem-solving skills, reflection skills, and humility to acknowledge shortcomings and make corrections.
You would also want help from your support network to provide the needed feedback, insight sharing, and mental support.
While executing a plan, you will likely need to revisit the previous two steps to fine-tune them. Expect the process to be iterative. Every iteration makes you sharper and better.
✅How to Manage my Mental Health?
Managing your mental health is essential throughout this process. It’s important not to overlook the support and self-care you require. Just like physical health, your mental well-being plays a crucial role in your career journey. Take the time and patience to prioritize your mental health, ensuring it receives the attention and care it deserves. Remember, nurturing your mental resilience is vital for sustained career growth and overall well-being.
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