In this episode, we delve into the challenging—and common—terrain of a career crossroads.

Many of us have been there—maybe some of us are at one now.

I’ve certainly been there.

Back in 2022, I had just laid myself off and started a sabbatical. I had no idea what was next for me professionally. That’s when a friend recommended the book, “Designing Your Life”, which offered a structured approach to explore my options.

Having experienced its effectiveness firsthand, I now utilize this process with many of my clients facing similar crossroads. In this episode, I delve into this process and share ideas for you to turn your career crossroads into a moment of powerful transformation.

Key Episode Takeaways:

* Recognizing a Career Crossroads: It’s not a career decision or strategy. It’s when you really don’t know what’s next for you. Whether you’re employed or unemployed, take a moment to assess your feelings about your current situation and where you see yourself heading.

* What’s Beneath: Instead of solely viewing a career crossroads as a professional dilemma, consider it a broader life crossroads—an opportunity for holistic personal growth.

* Why Navigating It Is Hard: Attempting to solve life problems with career tools is ineffective and often leads to feelings of pressure and urgency. These factors hinder our ability to engage in a thoughtful exploration process.

* See the Opportunity: Prior to taking action, it's essential to cultivate self-awareness of your own crossroads. Zoom out to see the bigger picture and embrace the journey as a transformative experience.

* The "Designing Your Life" Methodology: Leveraging the principles outlined in the book "Designing Your Life" provides a structured and flexible approach. It helps you explore various life paths and gain clarity on your next steps.

* The “Odyssey Plan” Worksheet: This concise, 5-step process can be completed in under an hour. It offers a powerful tool to imagine possibilities, address lingering questions, and move yourself forward. I share personal insights on completing the worksheet effectively.

* Tips for Success: To maximize the benefits of this process, allow yourself to dream freely and prioritize learning. Choose a stimulating environment to complete the worksheet, and consider setting a time limit to maintain creativity and focus.

There are many people at a crossroads who need support. If you believe this episode can help them, I encourage you to share it.

- Elliot

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oncourage.substack.com