Ready to make a career transition? Try this.

If you are in a place where you're ready to make a career transition, for whatever reason, here’s an activity that can help.

Take a piece of paper and divide it into 4 quadrants.

Top left: things you like most about your current/previous work experiences

Top right: things you like the least

Bottom left: new things you would like to see in a new role

Bottom right: new things you want to avoid

Now, start looking for a next move for you that includes as many of the things on the left side & as little of the things on the right side. Then, do what you need to do to get there!

This helps to make decisions on where to look & how to make a decision on offers. It also helps to avoid over-planning for your career. If you are anything like me, your interests change often. I don’t advise trying to figure out what you will be doing in 5-10-20 years. Instead, focus on your next step.

When you get there, reflect & adjust your list for the next transition. I’m a firm believer that no job will ever be perfect, so setting those expectations can set you up for failure. Especially for opportunities you can just enjoy until it’s time to move on.

Take a look at my quick reflections below if you need an example.