What To Do When Your Career Doesn’t Go According To Plan

Most careers don't usually follow the path you want it to. So if it doesn’t go as planed there is no need to think that you have failed. It’s possible to graduate and not find a job, realize that the field you are in was not meant for you or miss a promotion. What is important is knowing what to do when this happens.

1. Accept that the plan has changed

The first thing to do is to stop acting like your career not going as planed means you have failed in life, accept that your career  has changed  and you cannot change that. Instead of asking why think about what you can do to make the situation better.

2. Identify what is actually wrong

Try to find out the problem. If you have been applying for jobs but getting no Interviews the problem may be you CV, the jobs you are applying for or even the way that you present your skills. If you don’t like you career try to see if you don’t like your current role, the industry, your organization or even your employer. You have to identify the problem before you change anything.

3. Pay more attention to the path you are expected to take rather than the one you want to take

There is more than one pathway to meeting your goal. You may realize that your industry is limited or develop a specialty in another area. You may decide to change your organization, go to another related industry or take on other projects. Just remember that they are different routes to get to one destination.

4. Take a truthful look at your skills

Career setbacks are also ways that you can realize what employers want and what you can offer. Take a look at you communication skills, technical skills, digital skills, industry knowledge and  transferable experience. Then compare the skills you currently have and what employers are looking for. This can tell you if you need more experience, evidence of your abilities or different skills.

5. Consider reskilling instead of starting again

Changing your career doesn’t mean you should let go of everything you’ve learnt. Your previous set of skills may be transferable to the new Industry you want to go into. Look for how you can transfer your skills instead of learning something new.

6. Don’t make decisions purely because your career did not go as planed and you are frustrated 

A lot of frustration can come from career setbacks. It may course you to make unexpected decisions or take the first opportunity that comes your way. Before making any decision think about the financial implications, qualifications or if the new job suits you. A short delay doesn’t mean you have to make permanent decisions.

7. Create a new and realistic plan 

Once you’ve found out why your career did not go according to plan and what changed. You need to now make a short plan instead of deciding your whole career. It’s best to focus on improving yourself and your career. Making small plans can help you buy time when your original goal is uncertain. 

8. Be willing to redefine success

Sometimes you realize that what you originally wanted is not what you want. Success may not mean having a lot of money or your life being exactly the way you planed. Success may mean going into another industry, having your own businesses or being more flexible with your work life. Your career should be decided by you rather than your career controlling you.