Some people have a clear vision for how they want their career to go: They’ve selected their line of work, they know which promotions are possible, and carefully track both the skills they need to secure that promotion and have an idea of how long it should take to get there. This kind of meticulous thinking and tracking can go a long way!
But don’t be afraid to jump on opportunities that might be slightly out-of-line with what you want for your career, because those unexpected opportunities might open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.
Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you’re not looking for!
Here are some tips on how to make the most of the unexpected opportunities presented to you:
Putting Yourself in a Position to Succeed at Your New Career Opportunity!
Trust in Yourself and Your Abilities
A perfect example of something unexpectedly good happening is being selected to give a presentation on a topic. Maybe you feel like you’ve only worked on that particular subject area for a short period of time, and the imposter syndrome (feeling like you’re un- or under-qualified) can be very strong. But remember that you were selected because the person who tapped your shoulder believes in you and thinks you’re a good choice to explain the topic and will do a good job. Take a deep breath and think about it. Draft up some notes and see whether you do, in fact, have enough knowledge to speak on the topic for the allotted time. You might impress yourself with how much you know! Remember, too, that someone newer to a topic might have fresh insights and thoughts that more familiar people might not have considered. Everyone has something to teach; everyone has something to learn. Be a teacher!
Embrace Nervousness
The adrenaline rush that comes when we’re nervous is akin to when survival skills kick in during a flight-or-fight response. Those butterflies in your stomach indicate that you have a heightened sense of attention and awareness; you can use that to your advantage! If you’re being asked to take on a new project that might feel outside your comfort zone, learn all you can about it before diving in head-first. Use those nerves to focus your attention and become an expert.
Ask Yourself: What Will I Regret More?
Some opportunities really are once-in-a-lifetime chances that will not come again. If you feel like you’re not ready when something that could change your life comes along, ask yourself if you’d kick yourself in six months or a year for not jumping at the chance. If you really, deeply, and honestly, feel like this is not a good fit for you, close the door and move forward without looking back. If you’re unsure, make a good old-fashioned pro-con list and see which way the scales tip. If you’re excited at the proposal but are kind of on the fence, close your eyes and envision what things look like six months down the road if you take the chance compared to if you stay put. Which feels more exciting and rewarding? If you have the time to talk it over with a mentor or someone who knows you well, do so!
Don’t be Afraid to Deviate
Not all career paths are set in stone. Most are written in pencil, not pen, and there is plenty of room for adjusting and reshaping as you go along. If you’re offered a promotion after six months, but the position is slightly different from what you originally thought you wanted, but you’re intrigued by it, learn a little more about the opportunity, and then, if it sounds good, take it! If it’s happening a little faster than you expected, give yourself the credit for being good at your job. People can often see things in us that we can’t see in ourselves; those who are looking out for us can often understand and realize our potential and our talents in ways we can’t. Just because something isn’t exactly, precisely what you had in mind, that doesn’t mean it’s a mistake to adjust your path.
If a new opportunity presented to you doesn’t interest you, it’s OK to turn it down. If you don’t think you’d be a good fit for it or the opportunity is too far outside your knowledge base or areas of interest, it’s OK to pass on it. But if you’re considering holding back because you don’t think you’re ready, or because you’re nervous about it, take the time to really think it through before making a decision. Ask the person who brought this to you why they thought of you for it, and listen closely to their response. Consider it, and your career, and if the pros outweigh the cons, take on the new adventure!
Find the Right Career Opportunity for You Today!
On the other hand, if you feel like you’re being passed up for opportunities that might be a great way to advance your career, it might be time to make a change. Call ABLE Associates! We work with great companies that are looking for motivated, driven, career-minded candidates just like you, and we’d be thrilled to send your resume along. Why not take a look at the jobs we’re working to fill now, then Contact ABLE Associates today, and let’s get started!