3 Steps to Figuring Out Your Next Career Move

Step 1: Create Space for Big Picture Thinking

• 🧠 Make dedicated time to think critically about your career, akin to Bill Gates' "think week," to clear mental clutter.
• ☕ Options include journaling alone at a coffee shop, partnering with a friend for a "strategy day," or consulting a career coach or therapist.
• 💡 Capture inspiration by noting energizing tasks, interesting topics, or insights from podcasts and LinkedIn to revisit later.
• 🌱 Give yourself grace and time to process; clarity often comes over a period, not instantly.

Step 2: Conduct a Listening Tour for Career Exploration

• 🔍 Begin by auditing your skills and strengths, identifying what people thank you for, problems they bring to you, and what you Google for fun.
• 🚀 Consider your "power assets" – both professional (e.g., storytelling with data) and interpersonal (e.g., connecting people).
• 🎯 Audit "cool jobs" by identifying careers you admire and analyzing what aspects appeal to you (e.g., remote work, industry).
• 🤝 Host a listening tour by reaching out to colleagues to discuss your strengths and aspirations, gathering insights on potential career paths.
• 🗣️ The goal is to hear from professionals who understand your work context, as they can offer different perspectives than friends and family.

Step 3: Focus on Culture and Company Fit

• 🎯 Move beyond just position titles and industries to focus on company culture and work environment.
• 🏢 Reflect on company factors like size (small/broad responsibilities vs. large/specialized roles) and stage (startup/unstructured vs. established/process-driven).
• 🌐 Consider industry norms and the typical lifestyle or personality associated with different sectors (e.g., entertainment vs. corporate HR).
• 📝 Compile an ideal company target list of 10-20 companies based on size, stage, industry, and your personal values and superpowers.
• ⚖️ Define your non-negotiables, including work-life balance, company culture, remote vs. in-person work, equity vs. compensation, and desired role type (manager vs. individual contributor).

Actionable Advice for Your Career Journey

• 🗓️ Block off dedicated time on your calendar (e.g., an hour twice a week) to actively work on this career clarity process.
• 🤝 Find a job search buddy or accountability partner to share the experience, gain validation, and feel less alone.
• 🎯 The aim is to narrow down your options from many possibilities to a few focused "swim lanes" or potential career directions.
• ✅ This structured approach, while not the fastest, leads to a job that is a better fit, more aligned with your values, and helps you understand your "why."