Dear Sam: I’m starting to think I need to resign from my job to improve my mental health. I have to find a different work-life balance; no role within my current organization will allow this. I have considered everything I can to stay with my employer of 13 years, but the culture is not suited to my needs. I don’t know if I’m in the right career anymore. I’ve never resigned from a position before, let alone from a long-time employer, so I don’t know if there are things I should consider first. Thank you for any advice you can give. -Rock

Dear Pierre: I applaud you for being proactive and preparing before making a change. Also, I know it’s hard to change careers after 13 years, but I’m so happy for you that you were able to put your mental health at the forefront of your decision-making process. Researching and evaluating potential career opportunities will prepare you for your pursuit of success.

Here are some simple steps I would recommend:

First, identify what you want in your next role. Do you want to change careers or simply need a different environment? I work with many clients who find themselves in a situation where they are so unhappy that they are taking a complete career 180. While this may be a good option for some, it’s not always the best route. You need to ensure that you will be considered a qualified candidate in any career transition you wish to make, and often, candidates who leave a bad environment do not need to change careers; they just need a new setting. Consider where you fall on this spectrum and define what you want to do next and what environment you want to engage in.

Second, start networking to explore the viability of your choices. Friends and former professional peers can provide additional insight into the competitiveness of your application for your chosen career goal. Start engaging in conversations with people you trust, asking their opinions on your proposed career choices, seeking mentorship from those you admire professionally, and opening lines of communication with potential influencers and decision-makers. However, I advise you to take everything you hear as expertise rather than opinion. It is therefore important to gather advice from various people with different perspectives and ideas to lend.

Third, start building your brand. Once you have a clear idea of ​​your next career move, you’ll leverage that information to tell your career story in a keyword-centric way. This approach should be reflected in all your brand materials, including your CV and cover letter, LinkedIn profileand interview responses. Having a career goal in mind in terms of the types of positions you’re interested in, whether there are specific industries you’re narrowing down your search toward, or particular environments you’re looking to be a part of, are all important. very important that should inform the development of your brand.

Fourth, plan and commit to a multi-pronged distribution approach. Don’t limit your job search to only applying online. Instead, continue to leverage your network to find opportunities and use various digital platforms to promote your brand.

Fifth, continue to develop your skills and refine your target as you engage in your research. Avoid viewing your career as static just because you are unhappy in your current position. Maybe participate in side gigs To provide additional career happiness, continue your education through platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Udacity, or start volunteering or participating in career affinity organizations in your areas of interest. Doing any of these will allow you to continue to develop your application for future opportunities.

I wish you great success in your positive career development which corresponds well to your professional and personal objectives.