Standing at a career crossroads? Here’s how to make your next move count
When it comes to work, sometimes you have to take a leap to keep things moving forward. Whether you're gunning for a promotion or just looking to establish yourself, making bold career moves is key.
But it’s not just about ambition; you also need some solid values to guide you.
At the recent She Leads 5 event, titled "Bold Career Moves: Shift or Stay?", corporate director Daneena Rahman shared some down-to-earth advice on how to tackle those career crossroads.
She highlighted that choosing your next steps isn’t just about picking a direction; it’s about gearing up with the right mindset and tools to chase those choices with confidence.
Let’s break down the 5Cs Daneena shared.
1. CLARITY: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
Daneena said that one should have a clear definition of their version of success. This is because different people have different definitions of success. Once it is determined, the target that needs to be reached shall be approached with focus.
Only with clarity would one be able to know what they want, where success would feel fulfilling and another way of flourishing in the career life.
She explained that having a constant inner monologue—regularly reminding yourself of your goals—can help keep you on a steady path forward.
"Trust your first instinct. It helps to overcome self-doubt," she said.
2. CONVICTION: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
The second C she stated was 'conviction', which stands for a strong belief in their stance in their career.
She said that people tend to sabotage themselves when they doubt themselves, further lowering their conviction value and confidence in their careers.
"Stop sabotaging yourself and believe in yourself," she said.
3. COMMITMENT: STAY ON THE PATH
The third C she stated was commitment, which helps one to stick to their plan, which is important to reach a certain goal.
Commitment means sticking to your plan, and when conflicts arise, knowing when to seek help becomes essential.
"You are not alone. If you don't seek help, you won't be able to progress," the corporate director said.
She said that most people often forget that they are not alone in their journey and that help is available everywhere.
4. COURAGE: FIGHT FOR YOUR WELL-BEING
The fourth C would be courage, where beyond belief in oneself, for external actions to be taken, courage is important.
"Be courageous in making that move," she said.
While all four values are practiced, she said that loving oneself helps one to excel in pursuing them.
It also helps reduce stress and avoid being burnt out, where loving oneself allows them to know what their limitations and boundaries are, further allowing them to identify when they are crossed and situate themselves at a better place so as not to sabotage themselves and hurt themselves.
"Go out to the park, meditate and do whatever it takes to take the time out," she said.
While staying comfortable is important, being courageous also comes with stepping out of one's comfort zone, which is the most significant part of it all.
Doing something new is needed in one's career pathway to leap and make a difference, where one needs to be able to push oneself, believing that one will only learn more for their good, she said.
While it is important to pursue opportunities, she advised me not to be a yes man and to learn when to say no.
"Learn from your experience; you know better what is best for yourself," she said.
She also reminded not to be embarrassed to ask for guidance from experts.
5. CONSISTENCY: PERSEVERE WITH GUILT
The last C she outlined was consistency as the complete ingredient of the cake.
"Life is a marathon," she said while emphasising the importance of balancing family and career.
"You have to plan how to make your career consistently in a way that rewards you in your career and also family," she added while emphasising the importance of embracing failure.
She said that having things not work out is normal, but there is always "a silver lining," making focusing on positivity rather than negativity vital.
"Challenges differ based on what industry you are in; only you know yourself best and how to handle them," she said.
Daneena said to expect criticism in one's career. Being emotional is an easy resort, but reminding oneself that it is constructive and helps for self-improvement is important.
"Don't let negative talk affect you and get to you," she said.
Also present at the event was multi-artist Nini Marini, who talked about the importance of having passion in one's career and how she switched from being an excellent corporate media worker to a full-time artist and enjoyed nevertheless.
