How to Pick a Career (That Actually Fits You)

Summary

This video script discusses the common struggle of finding fulfilling work, offering insights from career expert Helen Tupper's book 'The Squiggly Career'. It suggests seven tips for building a meaningful career without drastic life changes, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, identifying core values, avoiding superficial job attractions, and leveraging strengths that energize. The script also highlights the value of being career curious, networking effectively, and fostering collective confidence to overcome common confidence issues, ultimately aiming to help viewers make more informed career choices.

Takeaways

• 😔 Many people feel stuck in jobs that are draining and unfulfilling, which can lead to a sense of wasting life due to the significant amount of time spent at work.
• 🚀 Helen Tupper's book 'The Squiggly Career' encourages breaking free from traditional career paths and exploring new possibilities at work.
• 🧘‍♂️ Tip 1: 'Unplug Autopilot' suggests taking control of your career by reflecting on what truly makes you happy and fulfilling, rather than mindlessly following a set path.
• 🎯 Tip 2: 'Play the Value Game' involves identifying core beliefs and needs by envisioning your perfect work environment and team, and understanding what is truly important to you.
• 💼 Helen warns against 'Shiny Objects' like high job titles or big salaries that may look appealing but do not necessarily contribute to job satisfaction.
• 🔄 'Switch Your Strengths' is about recognizing what energizes you versus what drains you, even if it's not something you're currently good at.
• 🤔 Be 'Career Curious' by exploring different roles and having conversations with people in those positions to understand what the job entails and if it aligns with your values and strengths.
• 🤝 Networking is not just about self-promotion but about building relationships where you can learn from others' experiences and seek guidance.
• 🙏 Asking for help should be done in a way that makes it easy for others to assist you, by articulating your needs clearly and showing appreciation for their time and advice.
• 🦁 'Collective Confidence' is about acknowledging that everyone has doubts and anxieties, and by recognizing this, we can support each other in overcoming these fears to pursue fulfilling career paths.
• 🔗 The importance of following up with mentors and showing them the impact of their advice can foster stronger relationships and further guidance in your career development.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script regarding people's jobs?

The main issue discussed is that many people find themselves stuck in jobs they don't enjoy, which can drain their energy and make them feel like they're wasting their lives.

Who is Helen Tupper and what is her contribution to the discussion?

Helen Tupper is a career expert who has written a book called 'The Squiggly Career'. She offers insights on how to break free from the corporate ladder and find fulfilling work.

What does the term 'unplug autopilot' mean in the context of the script?

'Unplug autopilot' refers to the need to stop making quick, thoughtless choices about one's career and instead take time to reflect on what truly makes one happy and fulfilled.

What is the 'values game' and how does it help in career planning?

The 'values game' is a method to identify one's core beliefs and needs in relation to work. It helps in career planning by allowing individuals to understand what is truly important to them and to make career choices that align with these values.

What is the significance of 'shiny objects' in the context of job satisfaction?

In the script, 'shiny objects' represent superficial aspects of a job that may seem appealing but do not contribute to genuine job satisfaction, such as a fancy title or a high salary.

How does Helen Tupper redefine the concept of strengths and weaknesses in the context of career?

Helen Tupper redefines strengths as things that energize you, even if you're not yet good at them, and weaknesses as things that drain your energy, even if you're skilled at them.

What is the advice given for avoiding the trap of 'shiny object' careers?

The advice is to focus on one's values and what is truly important and fulfilling, rather than being distracted by superficial benefits.

What is the role of 'career curiosity' in finding a fulfilling career?

'Career curiosity' involves being proactively curious about one's career options, exploring different roles, and having conversations with people in those roles to understand what they entail.

How can networking be beneficial in career development, according to the script?

Networking can be beneficial as it allows individuals to learn from others' experiences, gain insights, and find mentors who can guide them in their career development.

What is the concept of 'collective confidence' and its importance in career advancement?

'Collective confidence' refers to the understanding that everyone struggles with confidence issues or 'gremlins'. Recognizing this can help individuals support each other and not let doubts and anxieties hold them back from pursuing fulfilling career opportunities.