Did you know that the average person spends one-third of their entire life at work? For perspective, that’s 25 to 30 years – it’s a lot of time to spend doing something you don’t love. Of course, many people thoroughly enjoy their jobs and are fulfilled with their careers, but if you’re still trying to figure out what you want to learn, where you want to go, and what you want your career to look like, this can be a stressful realisation. Naturally, you’ll want your efforts to be well placed, and to pay off in the long term as well as in the short term, whether that means building a specific skill set or aligning yourself with the right opportunities at the right time.
However, there are many reasons why people find themselves struggling with their careers, and sometimes the best idea is to seek a little guidance. If you are feeling uncertain about your future, you’re in good company. Ahead, we dive into three very good reasons to speak to a careers advisor.
Lack of opportunity in your current role
If you are a driven person who is keen to progress, you likely need to be working in a fast-paced environment where your skill and keenness are acknowledged and appreciated. If you are ready for promotion, but feel the opportunities are less than forthcoming, it may be time to discuss your options with an unbiased career advisor.
Of course, it’s vital to be realistic about the salary you expect and the skills you have to offer when looking for a promotion, but your employer should be supportive of your quest and facilitate any additional training you may need. More than 70% of employees say they would feel forced to leave an organisation if they felt a lack of advancement or skill-building opportunities, so sadly, it’s not an uncommon dilemma to be faced with.
Change of direction
If you are finding yourself becoming bored or apathetic about your work, it may be that your interests have changed and you need to look in a new direction. Even if you have worked in an organisation or industry for many years, there’s no shame in wanting something new. Speaking to a careers advisor can help you identify transferable skills that you could apply to a new venture, and open your eyes to new possibilities and opportunities.
As a professional in these matters, they’ll also save you hours of research and be able to guide you on any certifications or qualifications you’d need to attain before making a switch. Many people choose to change directions with their careers due to a change in personal circumstances, such as after having children or moving overseas. So long as you prepare and plan your switch carefully, it can be a very rewarding experience.
Overcoming obstacles
Career paths are very rarely linear and smooth sailing, and most people will look to make changes or experience setbacks every now and then. Rejections, self-doubt, burnout and personal circumstances can all interfere with even the best career plan. A trusted advisor can help guide you through any obstacles you’re experiencing and create a roadmap to a brighter future.
Serving as a mentor and an ally, a careers advisor can help you navigate workplace issues, identify areas where you excel and align your career goals with your values and interests. Whether it’s by setting next steps or exploring your horizons, their guidance can help prepare you for the next step in your career journey.