Career planning in action: Where to start

Job hopping can lose its charm. That shiny new easy gig can start to feel boring and meaningless after a few months. On the other hand, bouncing to a new job will probably lead to the same grind you faced with your previous employer.

So maybe it’s time to stop the cycle and try something new: career planning. Career planning is the process of understanding your skills and your interests, and then finding a profession that aligns with those.

By focusing on the long game, you can change your patterns and build a new relationship with work, one that’s on your terms.

Do some self-reflection

Rushing through big decisions is never a good idea, so before jumping to the next job, take a minute to think about your current skills and degrees. Write down the experiences and knowledge you’ve gained from each job you’ve had in the past. Consider what you want to learn more about and what you want to see on your own resume.

Don’t forget about the leadership and people skills you’ve put into practice as well. Three years spent as a hostess at a busy restaurant might not give you the technical skills to land a job as an engineer, but if there’s anyone who can truly demonstrate “conflict resolution,” it’s you.

Read more: Questions to ask before you make that big career change

Move to a growing field

Making a giant change in your career requires a leap, but if you really can’t see a future in your current job or those open to you, consider switching industries entirely. Research which fields are growing right now (healthcare, education, and green energy are big ones), and see what excites you.

Not only will you be moving to a field you’re passionate about, but you’ll also have the opportunity for more stability and growth.

Read more: How to update your resume with skills for the green economy

Ask about opportunities

Don’t feel like you’re overstepping if you ask your boss or a hiring manager about chances for advancement. Maybe there are opportunities in other departments or for you to take on more of a leadership role.

Signaling to your hiring manager that you’re thinking long-term lets them know you’re committed. Also, if you’re not yet qualified for that next step, you’ll learn which skills or certificates you’re missing to get that new job.

Read more: How to sell your soft skills

Take concrete steps

You’ve done your research and career planning – but what if you still don’t have the skills or degree for that job? Or, you’re still not sure what career to pursue?

That’s where Adecco can help.

Our active associates have access to training and professional development that can help them advance their careers, and thanks to our partnership with The Adecco Group US Foundation, we’re able to provide them at no cost to associates.

Aspire Academy: The Aspire Academy provides more than 3,000 free online courses to our active associates. That means in your free time, you can take courses that range from Basic English writing to Project Management to Industrial Math.

High school equivalency program: Available in both English and Spanish, our high school equivalency program covers the cost of the coursework to prepare for the HiSET, a high school equivalency test. Depending on your motivation and previous educational background, the program can be completed in as little as four weeks.

Aspire Journeys: Our “Aspire Journeys” provide learners a pathway to a specific professional goal, and each is aligned to another step forward in your career. The comprehensive program provides hands-on practice and tests for you to work toward a unique credential.

Forklift upskilling: Forklift operators are a regularly in-demand role, but it’s still difficult for many employers to find OSHA-certified workers. Our forklift upskilling program lets you earn that certification and usually earn a pay bump along the way. On average, our associates who go through this program earn $2-4 more an hour.

Why wait?

It’s time to stop chasing after the next new gig and start career planning for the long term. At Adecco, we understand that there are real obstacles that prevent you from stepping into a meaningful path. That’s why our associates have access to health benefits, training opportunities, and other job perks to help make it a little easier to get there.

Explore our job openings today, and let’s start working together soon.