How To Craft Your Career Plan B – Without Losing Sight Of Your Goals
Even the best-laid plans can go awry.
Many of us carefully crafted our career plans in our early 20s. Sometimes that plan worked out. Sometimes it veered off another way. Regardless, all of us worked hard to get the positions we’re currently in.
But the reality is, more often than not, we’ll reach a point where we need change.
Sometimes change comes from internal factors like personal growth, a shift in our priorities, or a necessary increased focus on our well-being. Other times, it’s the result of outside factors—technological advancements, economic downturns, or company restructuring.
Regardless of the circumstances, one thing is clear: The traditional idea of sticking to ONE career for your entire life is no longer practical—or even possible in most cases.
That’s why it’s important to remember that crafting a career Plan B is never too late—or too early. Creating a backup plan does more than ensure financial stability in the face of unexpected change. It can also give you the confidence and motivation you need to pivot.
In this article, we’ll break down the steps you need to take to create a Plan B that works for you. With the right mindset and strategic approach, you can tap into your transferable skills and make a smooth transition from Plan A to Plan B.
3 Signs It’s TimeTo Craft A Career Plan B
It’s always a good idea to craft a career plan, but sometimes a Plan B is more essential than optional. Here are three signs it’s time to start thinking about your career Plan B.
Sign #1: You feel stuck or unfulfilled in your current role.
If you’re feeling unmotivated, unfulfilled, or just plain bored in your current job, don’t ignore these feelings. They’re not negative emotions you need to push through. Instead, they could be a sign that you’re ready for change.
Sign #2: You’re experiencing burnout or a lack of work-life harmony.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt out, it may be time to reassess your priorities. Your health and well-being should always come first, and if your job is taking a toll on these areas, it’s time to take action.
Sign #3: You’re curious about other industries or career paths.
If you find yourself daydreaming about working in a different industry or pursuing a different career path, don’t ignore those thoughts. Curiosity can be an exciting sign that you’re ready to experience something new.
Step By Step: How To Craft Your Career Plan B With Intention
A career Plan B gives you the confidence to take risks, try new things, and pursue opportunities that may not have been on your radar before. It can help you stay motivated and focused. When you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you’re more likely to work toward it with enthusiasm and dedication.
So how do you decide what you’re working toward? Follow these 5 steps.
- TAKE INVENTORY.
The Fried to Flourishing course includes an exercise called “Three Things To Notice Daily.” As you start thinking about what your career Plan B might look like, it’s a good idea to pay attention to your answers to these three questions every day:
+ What is energizing me today?
+ What is draining me today?
+ What assignments am I looking forward to doing?
Think of this exercise as a way of taking inventory of what you like/don’t like. Do this for a few weeks to see what patterns and trends pop up.
If you’re unsure of the type of work you want to do next, you’ll likely find that answering these questions truthfully provides you with helpful clues that can guide you to a more fulfilling career.
- TUNE IN.
I sometimes refer to this as “finding the flowers,” but one of the most important steps in crafting your career Plan B is slowing down enough to listen to your intuition.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and ignore our inner voice. But slowing down and tuning in can help you gain clarity and perspective on what you want.
Start by taking some quiet time each day to reflect on your career and your goals.
Ask yourself questions like:
+ What do I enjoy about my current job?
+ What do I dislike about my current job?
+ What are my strengths, and how can I do more of them?
+ What are my long-term career goals?
By listening to your intuition and reflecting on these questions, you can start to gain a better understanding of what you want out of your career.
- EXPLORE OPTIONS.
Once you’ve started to gain some clarity on what you want, it’s time to start exploring your options. This can involve a range of activities, such as:
+ Volunteering: Look for opportunities in your community or online that align with your interests and goals. This is a great way to gain new skills, meet new people, and explore different industries.
+ Starting a side gig: Test out a new career path without giving up your current job by freelancing or starting a small business in your spare time. This will help you gain experience and build your skills.
+ Talking to people in different industries: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who work in fields that interest you and ask them about their experiences. What they tell you may be quite enlightening.
+ Joining groups to make new professional friends: You can attend networking events and conferences, or you can find a virtual group, like The Gathering Ground, where you meet other career-minded people and learn about their jobs and industries in a low-pressure way.
+ Getting curious about the jobs available: Research different industries and job titles to get a better sense of what’s out there. Read job descriptions, company profiles, and industry news to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and opportunities.
- START LEARNING.
Once you have an idea of what Plan B looks like, build your HEART-based career development plan with the three key areas of learning: experience, exposure, and education.
Experience: Experience is about gaining practical, hands-on training in your chosen field. Take on new projects or responsibilities in your current role, and keep your eyes open for opportunities to build your skills and gain experience in areas that interest you.
Exposure: Exposure is about getting your name out there and building your professional network. You can get exposure by attending networking events, connecting with people on LinkedIn, or building relationships with colleagues and industry leaders.
Education: Education is about building your knowledge and skills in your chosen field. Every season, I make a Learn List and prioritize studying one or two topics. You can learn by reading books or taking online courses. You might even attend workshops or conferences. What would you put on your Learn List?
- KEEP GOING.
Courage and confidence come into play here. If you’re going to truly pursue a career Plan B, it’s time to get it out of your head and into a plan. Then start taking tiny steps forward. Try setting small, achievable goals that align with your career Plan B, but remember that progress takes time. Simply be patient and persistent in your efforts.
The Real Deal With Career Plan B’s
The act of crafting a backup plan—especially when you’ve invested so much time, energy, and resources into your current path—can feel overwhelming and intimidating. But it’s something that can be done with a little courage and a whole lot of patience.
The information in this article can help you make a great start, but often more support and guidance are needed.
We’re here to help.
Flourish Careers is a career coaching and consulting business dedicated to helping individuals and small businesses find their unique path to flourishing professional success. Learn more about how we can help you pivot and pursue a career Plan B here.
