The job market is rough right now. Mass layoffs have people desperately clinging to their current positions. The Great Flattening has more and more workers competing for a dwindling number of roles as entry-level roles dry up and AI potentially rendering entire career paths obsolete.
Long-term unemployment is at a post-pandemic high, with more than one in four workers without jobs unemployed for at least half a year. Which makes it a nerve-wracking time to be moving through any sort of career upheaval.
If you do find yourself unmoored in the current market, whether or not by choice, it could be a good time to recalibrate and get clear on your next steps.
The team of career experts at U.K. jobs site targetjobs suggest one way to find direction amidst the chaos. It’s called the GPS Method.
Whether you’re just entering the workforce (I’m so sorry), considering a career pivot, or plotting your next move, this method can help you decide where you want to go and how you’re going to get there in small, actionable steps.
G: Ground Yourself
The first step is all about grounding. Before you update your LinkedIn and start firing out job applications, take a deep breath and look inward. Ask yourself, what actually are my interests, strengths and values and how do they fit into work?
This doesn’t necessarily have to be your life’s passion. In fact, many workers are no longer interested in sexy job titles, instead saving their real passions and ambitions for off the clock.
Rather it’s about recognizing what gives energy and what drains it. Perhaps, you recognize you work best when bouncing ideas off people in the office. Or you’re most productive in a remote setting away from any distractions.
Think about the impact you want to have in your next role. Does a fast-paced environment at the forefront of innovation excite you, or do you feel the pull to help others in a meaningful way?
P: Plot Your Path
Once you’ve done the inner work, it’s time to start putting a plan together. Rather than spray and pray Easy Apply applications to every job posting you can find, conduct meaningful research and use the job spec to tailor your CV to the role. (Yes, many hiring managers can tell when you’ve used AI.) Remember, one considered job application is worth a thousand half-baked ones.
Think in experiences, not commitments. If you can, take on a few freelance projects to test out a new career path before you dive head first. Network at events or reach out to connections in the industry for advice. Look at it as collecting data and trying out different techniques to find what fits you best.
S: Steer and Stay the Course
The traditional career ladder is dead. A “lattice” (or jungle gym) career approach has taken their place, but requires a little more adjustment as you go. Make sure not to fall asleep at the wheel; continue to set short-term goals and reflect on what is working and what isn’t so you can course correct as needed.
The “stay the course” part? It means be patient. Bumps in the road are normal. In fact, they are a great time to circle back and repeat the process, and any rejection is only redirection.