With all the ups and downs facing the world of employment right now, we thought it was a handy time for you to check in with your biggest current career goal. Why can’t NOW be the time to make it happen?

There’s a lot of upheaval out there; lots of redundancies, people being stood down, businesses closing down or reducing their workforce. It’s not all bad news though. These things can often be a big, fat, juicy opportunity! Maybe you’ve found yourself with extra time up your sleeve or you don’t honestly love what you do now. The way ahead for you may be a change in career path or finally studying that course you’ve talked yourself out of or not had the opportunity to take.

Career complacency is real! If you can’t imagine yourself doing the exact same job five years from now, it’s time to check yourself. Getting shaken out of your career complacency, even if you aren’t ready for it could be the best thing that ever happened to you. Determine which of the following two career goal types applies to you and discover the superpowers that will lead you to your career bliss.

No. 1 “I’m built for more than this”

Excellent! How can you make it happen? In the role that you’re currently in, do you have higher qualifications than what you’re using? Is ambition keeping you awake at night? Do you feel like you’re not getting paid what you could be or getting the recognition you deserve for your incredible ideas and the results you achieve?

How to make it happen: Make a wish list of dream jobs. Find out where they exist. Pimp your CV and craft an image of yourself that makes you irresistible to employers in the space you desire to be in. Study the sector and the major players. Get to know the industry intimately. Read, learn, ask, network, attend events, be visible. Play an active role in the sector so that you don’t ‘go in cold’. Create a trajectory, a plan, a timeline and plot your way, step by step. If you miss an opportunity, find the next one and the next one until you score the role that was meant for you!

Top 5 superpowers: Determination, tenacity, self-belief, visibility, ambition.

No. 2 “I want more, and that means study”

What’s stopping you? If a higher qualification will mean better pay, greater fulfilment, the opportunity to travel and ultimately, the career of your dreams, you’d better hit the books! There’s always a way.

How to make it happen: Work part-time, study part-time; work full-time, study part-time; work part-time, study full-time. Strategise how you can afford to get that time to study and still pay your bills. Understand that compromise will be necessary, but that the long-term result has the potential to be spectacular! Your employer may even pay for your studies. You don’t know unless you ask. Look out for grants, subsidies, and scholarships. Be proactive about the possibilities.

Top 5 superpowers: Focus, long-range vision, adaptability, diligence, flexibility.

The big takeaway here is that you don’t have to be ‘stuck’ in a career rut. Don’t listen to the pessimism about unemployment and recession. Power up, slip on a pair of future goggles and take what you want!