These Options for Growth Will Give Your Career a Spring Cleaning

Written by Julie Morris@InnovateNA5 years ago

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Spring is a natural time of year to think about change. After a long, cold winter, people seem to emerge outdoors and start enjoying the benefits of warmer weather. The world feels full of possibility, which is why spring is also the perfect time to achieve growth in your career.

Option 1 – Go Into Business for Yourself

Some people know they were born to be their own boss, while others may have trepidation about becoming an entrepreneur. The good news is that today’s business sector has options for just about everyone on that spectrum. There are opportunities and funding sources for everything from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to web-based side gigs you do alongside your regular job.

For some businesses, it’s worth looking into getting a small business loan. This might take the form of an SBA loan, term loan, business line of credit, or invoice financing, just to name a few of the financing solutions that are out there. With a little research about these small business financing options, you’ll be able to get a better feel for which one fits your situation.

Getting financing is a major factor in deciding what kind of business is in your future, but there are a few other key questions to ask yourself:

• Do you want to start a web-based business or something more traditional? There are all kinds of skill sets that can be translated into successful web-based businesses. It takes a minimal investment in money and time to get started in something like ecommerce, web design, social media consulting, or blogging.
• Do you have an area of expertise that you can offer locally? Web-based businesses may be popular, but the world still needs local service providers, like bookkeepers, marketers, and financial advisors.
• Do you plan on starting your business on the side or going full time? The answer to this question depends largely on what you can afford. Even if you start your business as a side gig, Forbes recommends spotting the signs of when you’re ready to make it a full-time pursuit.

Option 2 – Make a Shift

Another option for giving your career the boost you’re craving is to make a slight shift. This could mean moving laterally within your field or reaching for the next level. Sometimes, we think we need a complete overhaul, when a small move in the right direction can actually get you unstuck and feeling confident in your career again.

To achieve that move, whether you’re going for a promotion or applying at a new company, you need a top-notch resume. Since you’re aiming for a new role, it’s especially important to highlight your skills that match what employers want for that specific job. According to Fast Company, the most important thing is to focus on the quality of your relevant skills, rather than listing a large quantity.

Option 3 – Make a Complete 180

While a small change is sometimes best, if you feel stuck in your career and don’t see a way forward, it may be time to switch fields entirely. Is there something you’ve always dreamed of doing? Now is the time to look at planning a course of action! Start by identifying your transferable skills, like teamwork, organization, and good communication. Then, consider ways to develop the new skills you need, whether that means taking some classes or networking to open doors in a new field.

In order to be sure you’re headed in the right direction, it also helps to look at your past before moving forward. Look at what it is about your current job that has led to a dead end. You don’t want to make the mistake of winding up feeling stuck again.

Even though the possibilities are virtually endless, change can be scary, especially if you aren’t sure which direction to take. These are just a few of the options you can consider. Once you zero in on what kind of change you’re looking for, you can develop a plan and start taking the steps to make it happen.

Julie Morris is a life and career coach who thrives on helping others live their best lives. In her spare time, she loves spending time outdoors, getting lost in a good book and working on juliemorris.org.