Many of us have had to review and rethink our lives and careers over the last two years. Clients have come to coaching with new priorities and changing values.

I often find I’m having similar conversations with many clients and over the last few months a common theme has been career planning. I often hear this kind of comment: ‘I really should know what I want to be doing in the future, but when I think about it I panic because I just don't know’

Be Agile

If the last two years have taught us anything, it is that we need to be agile, to respond to what is, rather than stick rigidly to a pre-determined plan. In uncertain environments it is our ability to be present and in the moment that gives us advantage. Choices are best made in response to what’s needed right now and then adapted when necessary.

I worked with a maternity returner who was wrapping herself in anxiety about whether to return to work full or part-time. How could she make a choice before returning? She didn’t know what it would be like to manage a small baby and a big job. She had to stay responsive, to know that whatever she decided she could always change her mind. I’m a big advocate of trial periods for any change in working pattern - 3 months is a good amount of time so that both you or your organisation can pivot if necessary.

A career is a marathon not a sprint. For most of us we will work until the age of 65. For parents that's another 15 years of career after the kids have left home. How can we know now what we will want then?

Have A Vision

Having a ‘vision’ of how you want your life to look in 10 years’ time is extremely useful. A vision allows you to explore your values and what is important long term without needing to know specifics. Creating a ‘vision board’ is a very simple creative exercise that involves you and a big pile of magazines. Just sit and tear out images that appeal - don't over think it just use your instinct to create a collage of all the things you want in your life in 10 years. If you have a vision of where you are headed you are more likely to make career choices that align with that vision.

Be Strategic

Once you have a 10 year vision you can create strategic growth objectives for 5, 3 and 1 year’s time. A 5 year plan is used to define what we are aspiring to. Although you will need to be specific, fresh thinking and different objectives may be required in uncertain working environments. It is often necessary to make strategic lateral moves in the short term to reach a longer term objective.

And so, when thinking about career planning we need to be agile, visionary and strategic.

If we are only agile we may respond to short term needs and end up with an unfulfilling career. If we are only visionary we will not take action that moves us forward. With any strategic approach we must be open to adapting when necessary.