by Glenn Magas

Created on: December 30, 2009

Getting back on track after a layoff could be extremely difficult. And unless you welcome the unscheduled time off, it is best to get back on the saddle and determine what career you want to pursue before laziness becomes your biggest obstacle.

Hoping for a change in career will get you nowhere. Taking action will prepare you for achieving career success.

Finding a clear sense of purpose will provide a path to your new career. The first question you may want to ask is: what are you passionate about? There may be many things you will need to do to pursue a career you are passionate about. But if you are willing to make this change, here are 5 essential questions on how to do it.

1. What is most important in your life right now?
2. What is your time frame to getting your ‘dream job’?
3. What skills do you need?
4. Who can help?
5. What tasks do you now need to accomplish?

The following 5 Career oriented questions will lead to each: a new career path and the steps to get there, as well as self-improvement and motivation – things you need after a layoff.

Find the job that you love and you will never work a day in your life! Do you believe this age old saying? If so, then do not settle for ‘a job that pays’ when you have the opportunity to look for a change in career!

1. What is most important in your life right now?

Make a list of our priorities. Group them. And sort them by importance. Discover if your priorities are family, finances, or a new career.

Once you discover if it is important enough to change careers then this should now be a priority- top priority, and being proactive is a must. Sitting at home wishing for things to be easier is the mindset of someone wishing their lives were better but doing nothing to make it so.  Instead of wishing for a better career while unemployed, take this time to discover a new career while you have the opportunity!

2. What is your time frame to getting your ‘dream job’?

Tomorrow is not realistic. Six months to a year is something you can strive for. It all depends on the next couple of questions.  Yes, you may be desperate ‘now’ because of a layoff, but if your goal is a career change, work needs to be done, time needs to be taken, and an opportunity needs to present itself.

Yes, it is possible that in one month you will land the job of your dreams, and if you are desperate enough, then set the date for a month. This will force you to work harder on the next 3 questions.

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