Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Is It Time for a Career Reset?

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a career that’s no longer aligned with who you are—or where you want to go? Maybe you’ve achieved the goals you set years ago but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. Or perhaps the world has changed so much that what worked before just isn’t cutting it anymore.

Here’s the thing: reassessing your career goals doesn’t mean starting over. It means giving yourself permission to evolve. Whether you’re seeking more purpose, better work-life balance, or simply trying to navigate today’s rapidly changing job market, this is your opportunity to step back, recalibrate, and set a course that truly excites you.

In this blog, we’ll explore why reassessing your goals matters, the challenges you might face, and how to adapt so you can not just survive—but thrive.

 

Why Reassessing Your Career Goals Matters

Your career isn’t static, and neither are you. What motivated you a decade—or even a year—ago may not inspire you anymore. And that’s okay. But ignoring those shifts can leave you feeling stuck, disengaged, or even burnt out.

 

The Concern:

• “What if I reassess my goals and realize I’ve been on the wrong path all along?”
• “Isn’t it too late to make a change?”

 

Why It’s Not Too Late:

• Studies show that people are happier and more successful when they align their goals with their evolving values and strengths.
• Reassessing your career doesn’t always mean a drastic change—it’s often about making small adjustments that lead to big rewards.

 

Example: Picture this: You’ve always aimed for leadership roles because they seemed like the

natural next step. But after reflecting, you realize what you truly enjoy is mentoring and collaborating—not managing budgets or dealing with red tape. With that clarity, you pursue a role as a subject matter expert instead, and it reignites your passion for work.

 

Action Step: Schedule time this week to journal about your career. Ask yourself: What’s working? What’s not? What would I change if I could start fresh today?

 

The Challenges of Reassessing Your Goals

Reassessing your career goals isn’t always easy. It can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming to question the path you’ve been on. But facing those challenges is how you grow.

 

The Concern:

• “What if I don’t know what I want anymore?”
• “How do I figure out what’s next when I’m already so busy?”

 

How to Overcome It:

 

• Give Yourself Permission to Explore: It’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Start by reflecting on what energizes you—and what drains you.
• Recognize the Fear of Change: It’s normal to feel resistance when stepping into the unknown. But staying stagnant often feels worse in the long run.
• Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul your career overnight. Sometimes, small shifts—like taking on a new project or learning a new skill—can pave the way to something bigger.

 

Example: Think about Sandra, a marketing executive who felt stuck in her role. Instead of leaping into a new job, she started volunteering with a nonprofit to test out her interest in social impact work. That experience clarified her goals, and within a year, she transitioned into a role that combined her marketing expertise with her passion for making a difference.

 

Action Step: Write down one aspect of your current role that you’d like to change. Is it the workload? The lack of growth? The culture? Identifying the “pain points” is the first step toward addressing them.

 

How to Adapt and Thrive

Once you’ve identified what’s no longer working, the next step is to figure out what’s next—and how to get there. The key is to approach this process with curiosity and a willingness to adapt.

 

The Concern:

• “What if I make a change and it doesn’t work out?”
• “How do I know if I’m making the right decision?”

 

What This Means for You:

• Start with Self-Reflection: Use tools like personality assessments, skills inventories, or even feedback from colleagues to gain clarity about your strengths and values.
• Explore the Market: Stay curious about emerging trends and opportunities in your industry—or even outside of it. What’s growing? Where could your skills make the biggest impact?
• Build Your Network: Talking to people in roles or industries you’re curious about can give you insight and inspiration.

 

Example: You’ve been working in tech sales but feel uninspired. After talking with a colleague in product development, you realize you’re more interested in the creative side of bringing products to life. You start shadowing the team and taking online courses, eventually transitioning into a product manager role.

 

Action Step: Set one career goal for the next 6 months that stretches you—whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a different responsibility, or exploring opportunities in another department.

 

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Reassess

 

The workplace is changing faster than ever. With advances in technology, shifts in work culture, and evolving employee expectations, now is the perfect time to step back and ensure your career goals are aligned with your future.

 

The Concern:

• “Why bother reassessing when everything is so uncertain?”
• “Isn’t it safer to just stick to what I know?”

 

Why It’s Worth It:

• Reassessing your goals puts you in control of your career instead of letting external changes dictate your path.
• It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about staying adaptable and intentional, so you’re ready to seize opportunities when they come your way.

 

Ready to Thrive?

 

Reassessing your career goals isn’t about abandoning the work you’ve done—it’s about building on it. By reflecting on what matters most to you and taking small, intentional steps, you can adapt to today’s challenges and set yourself up for long-term success.

 

P.S.

 

Too often, we wait until unforeseen circumstances force us to make a change—but it doesn’t have to be that way. I can help you take control now. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back, identify opportunities you might be missing, and create a clear, actionable plan so you can move forward with confidence. Imagine a career where you’re leading, thriving, and aligned with your goals—not reacting to what life throws at you. Let’s connect and take that first step toward the future you deserve.