Have you ever asked, "How do I know what to do next in my career?"

That is the most common question I get. When people ask, it’s usually asked with some anxiety. It seems people are always looking ahead and feel unsettled when they don’t really “know” what to do next. Many times, they are content with their present situation but have a sense that something is missing. Somehow, the meaning they once attached to their job is no longer there. The common responses are to update the resume, post it online and engage in a passive job search. They might get a few nibbles, but most often the response is pretty dismal. Then, they begin to wonder if they even have other options.

When people ask me that question, I usually respond with a question, “What are the options you are considering?” More often than not, I’m met with a blank stare, a bit of mumbling, then “A few things.” Upon further questioning, it becomes clear that they have no idea what, exactly, would constitute a satisfying career move.

Maybe you can relate.

Since there are several career advancement options to consider clarity of purpose is very important.

You may have thought about advancing within your current company, moving to another company for a change of scenery and advancement opportunities, or making a more drastic career change.

You may feel that staying put while enhancing your current career situation is the way to go. Or, you may ultimately decide to enhance your knowledge through education, enhance your visibility through project work or volunteering, or by actively cultivating a professional network.

What is most important, though, is that you are able to clearly articulate the factors that will contribute to your career satisfaction no matter what next step you choose.

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Markell Steele is a career counselor, owner of Futures in Motion, Inc. and author of Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love. She helps frustrated job seekers find career direction so they can get the job they want in less time with less stress. Follow her on twitter to get daily job search and career transition tips- http://twitter.com/futuresinmotion

Find more career and job search articles at http://www.futures-in-motion.com/article_archive.php. Contact Markell at http://www.futures-in-motion.com/contact_us.php.

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