When it comes to your career, making a change can often be

the most frightening step in the process.

That's because it means disrupting your current

and perhaps very comfortable situation.

Uncertainty is the path forward.

Right? I mean you can go back to the I chose the one less traveled.

You can do all of those types of things,

but the reality is if you fall back on what you know

then you're no longer going anywhere. You're not moving.

You're going backwards, or you're standing still.

If you take that chance, if you do the uncertain thing,

you're going to learn new things. You're going to find something.

It's like I mentioned having goals, and I change those goals all of the time

because I do something I didn't think I would do,

and I realized writing a book is silly. There's no reason for me to write a book.

It's because everyone else has written one, and I feel like I should,

but I want that time back so I can then help somebody. Right?

Some people say without the risk there can be no reward,

but let's minimize some of that risk right now by getting focused

on what kind of changes make the most sense for your career.

If you already have a job, first consider if your current company

is a suitable place for you to continue along your desired career path.

If it's a place you enjoy, it has some value to you personally

so it's certainly worth thinking about.

To find opportunities where you are,

start by looking at the current structure of your team, your department,

or company as a whole,

and you might see a logical progression for yourself

from your current position to something more advanced or desirable.

Some job progressions are clear.

For example, junior, mid, and senior level positions

may be a natural part of your team.

As you move up your responsibilities and salary would increase

as would your exposure to more complex projects and responsibility.

Theorizing about opportunities is easy to do,

but you need information to know for sure.

If the lines of communication are open,

having a conversation with your direct supervisor

or human resources representative is always recommended.

Most managers would prefer employees who are engaged in the company

looking for ways to stay and contribute

rather than employees with no apparent interest in doing more than the minimum.

Managers don't always know if the people working for them

want to do more or are looking for a change.

So taking the initiative here can be very helpful

and beneficial for everyone;

however, your current company may not be the right fit for your future plans.

If you have aspirations to move up or expand upon your current responsibilities,

but there are no opportunities to do so,

your current job may be a dead end.

It's a sad reality to face sometimes, especially when you work with great people

and make friends along the way;

however, you have to consider what's best for your career.

You know I would say you find that one thing that you're really passionate about

that you want to do.

You find your skills that you're really good at,

and then I mentioned this.

You find that thing that when you're doing it you lose track of time.

That's when you know that that's what you're supposed to do.

What I would say is if you don't have anybody paying you to do that

sort of do it for yourself and put it out there

and show people what you're capable of

and show people what it is you care about.

It could be there's a not for profit, it could be a dog with a hot dog stand,

it could be whatever, but find something that's real enough

that it touches somebody else because the big issue I think a lot of people have

is they build something for themselves, and they keep the energy trapped.

It has to go out and touch somebody else so that they are like suddenly

your ambassador saying wow, he is awesome at designing identities,

and that's what he loves to do.

Look at what he did with this hot dog cart.

You know whatever it is, however silly it might feel,

just work at what it is you love and make sure that it touches somebody else.

Sometimes the best next step is expanding your skill set.

If you learn something that could be valuable to your team or business,

you make yourself more valuable as an employee.

This is why many companies will pay or reimburse their people

to supplement their education.

Investing in the people they have is much cheaper than replacing them.

For example, an IOS developer might decide to learn Android.

Not only would this increase their value as an app developer,

but it can mean new opportunities for the business they already work for;

however, if the new skill you learn is of no interest to your current employer,

at least you've increased your value for prospective employers.

In addition to learning new skills on your own,

it's always helpful to collaborate with a mentor.

Consider working with, shadowing, or simply having a cup of coffee

with a web designer, developer, or someone else with the job you're interested in.

Ask them what their job entails,

what tools they use, what skills they find helpful,

and what the experience is like.

Understanding how they got into the position you're interested in

can be very helpful to plotting your own path.

Everyone's journey is different,

but professionals already in the industry might know where a few of the shortcuts lie.