If we tried to measure how much of our time is taken up by work, the answer would probably scare us. For better or worse, work life is a large and important part of everyday life, often working at the expense of the rest of our lives.

Work is an expression of creativity, but also a livelihood necessity. That is why, as long as the world works with existing data, it will continue to have a leading role.

So it is no coincidence that most of us always have our eyes open for the next professional opportunity opportunity, chasing a raise, a promotion, a better prospect. All this, however, is needed boldness. And when you have a job and an unknown door opens for you, this boldness is a bit like a leap into the void.

How do you make the decision to do it?

THE Danielle Dollen reveals to The Everygirl ten useful questions to ask yourself when you are in a career transition and are called upon to take important decisions for the future. According to her, the key is to appreciate where you have been, where you are today and where you want to go, so you can strategically decide your next step. THE Ellen Taaffea career expert, agrees: “Think about what matters most in your career and life today and in the years to come,” she says.

10 questions to ask yourself before making an important career decision:

1. How do I feel?

Before you take any decision, you should spend some time on yourself. Slow down and consider where you are. Think about what (not) satisfies you about your current work reality: Are you exhausted by the workload? Don’t you like your job? Gaining a clear picture of the present will “illuminate” the way to the future.

2. What am I really good at?

Think about what your strengths are. The tasks you undertake are based on them. Make a list of all the things that your partners refer to you for because you’re really good at them.

3. What tasks do I like?

Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you like it. So make a distinction between the responsibilities that you do somewhat compulsively and those that really interest you. What is it that you are passionate about and love to do? By clarifying this, it becomes clearer what direction you should take.

4. Where do my strengths and satisfaction align?

Now you know what you do well and what gives you joy. So it’s time to find out which one duties these two intersect. Do they align with your current role? If not, are there opportunities for improvement? This is key to determining your next career move.

5. What are the non-negotiable items?

Stop thinking of work as a deposit in the bank at the end of each month. There are many aspects that make up an ideal work situation. You have to determine which are for you the must-haves of a job. Then, try to identify which of these are satisfied in your current job. Do your research to see if there are other roles that meet more than these criteria.

6. What are my values?

We often hear about a company’s goals and values, but what about your own values? What do you envision for your life and professional career? What would make you proud and what wouldn’t you feel good about? There are no right and wrong answers. Values ​​are a personal matter. But deciphering which ones are yours will provide you with an important guide.

7. What are my career aspirations?

Now that you’ve got a good picture of how far you’ve come, it’s time to focus on where you want to go. Do you want to move up the ranks and establish yourself in your field or maybe change your industry? Are you considering starting your own business or even studying something else? It’s time to dream and envision what path could bring you the most satisfaction. Remember that the possible paths have no limits.

8. What supplies are necessary to achieve my goals?

Now that you know where you want to go, it’s time to assess what it takes to get there. Maybe some tutorials or maybe a chapter? “As things in the workplace evolve, everyone needs to learn and adapt,” says Amanda Brophy, Director of Grow with Google. “Today, 92% of jobs require digital skills and this percentage is expected to increase. Upskilling helps workers keep pace with the needs of the times and makes them more sought after in the professional arena.”

9. What does the next step look like?

It’s time to use all those thoughts you’ve had so far to shape a specific vision. “Before making a change, reflect on your progress, learning, and motivation to determine if the time is right.” Whatever path you choose, remember that opportunities never stop and so does your ability to grow and progress. So always keep your eyes open.

10. What is my gut telling me?

No one underestimates the value of rational decisions based on objective criteria. But when it comes to making an important decision, listen to your gut. Never underestimate that subtle little voice inside you. There are those who argue that instinctive reactions arise from our millions of experiences. So, while such a movement seems absurd, it is the body’s way of directing us towards the right – for us – path.

*At the end of the day, you should go to bed feeling good about your choices and the life you’ve created.

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