What to do next with your career?
That’s the question we all come across one day. Sooner or later. Some people stumble upon it every day. I’m in my early 30s, trying to get things fixed. Or at least to see clearly what is wrong with all the things.
Drowning in my deep thoughts about my calling, both professionally and personally, I realised that there might be some solution to it. What if I recollect all the questions I have been addressed recently? I’m quite sure that everyone receives numerous requests from their friends, sisters, neighbours and followers. People want our assistance or a single piece of advice. We in turn also address such queries to our friends who have some specific knowledge or experience in some field.
When I find myself doubting about something where I don’t have enough expertise, my mind normally reminds me of someone who has this expertise. I can ask my sister about laws or contracts as she is the one who has a ten years background in law. Even though she exchanged it all to flower business two years ago and feels much better outside the legal profession. I can also ask my friend about the night face cream I should better use for my skin type. She has no diploma in aesthetic medicine, but her face says the opposite. She is damn good in all the skin care and make up routines.
So, what about me, I thought. First of all, people come to me when they need some translation into English as I’m a linguist and translator with a university diploma. With honors by the way :) Secondly, I’m quite frequently asked to write copy or tiny texts for posts. Frankly speaking, I have no idea why I earned such a reputation. I have never been a fruitful writer or journalist or blogger. None of these. But for some unknown reason I have made my name as a person who can write. Ok, I said to myself. We’ll get back to the second point a bit later. What else?
This year I received the following questions from my friends:
- What to study to enter an IT sphere? What professions are suitable for non-IT guys? Which online courses can I suggest?
- Where to travel? Which places, cafes can I recommend there?
- Where to buy cheap tickets?
- How to make Italian/US visa, etc.
- What design should I use for my website? Do you think it looks nice?
- And many more questions about travelling as I regularly go tripping around the globe.
So, what to do next?
That is what I’m constantly asking myself. But it is reasonable enough when I already have so much data about what I’m capable of. I definitely have a lot of expertise in many spheres, and I willingly share it with people, but I normally do it in direct messages not publicly.
I always feel scared about being obtrusive with my information, my texts and posts.
I always feel scared about being obtrusive with my information, my texts and posts. I am a shy pie. However, there turn out to be at least a few friends who trust me, who need my piece of advice. Isn’t it magnificent? Oh, yes, it is. Being useful makes everyones complete. Our calling is to be useful. Mixed with a tint of vanity, this feeling can be compared to nothing else. I say it for myself and I’m sure that this composes a solid basis for any human being.
Coming back to the second point of my list of useful things. For some reason, people think I can write. Shouldn’t I just accept it and go ahead nailing it, mastering it and making use of it. Yes, I definitely should. That isn’t solely for myself, but to help with the rest of the things from the list. Using my writing skills, I can help people, I can share my experience and expertise, whether it is about design, marketing, or travelling. And I’m sure I can enjoy this win-win strategy.
And here is my request for you now: name the things you have been asked about recently. Make a huge or a tiny list of all things people have asked you so far. Please, don’t be a shy pie. I’m sure you have a very teasing stuffing of knowledge and experience inside. This list will guide you to the point where the question “What to do next?” will no longer have sense. Your calling is already here, just give yourself a chance to articulate it.
