How to Regain Control of Your Career (in 3 easy steps!) - When I Grow Up

How to Regain Control of Your Career (in 3 easy steps!) - When I Grow Up In the (re)branding work that Ive been doing, Ive been able to articulate something that I havent been able to before. It turns out that, no matter who Im working with and where they are in their career transition, their underlying WANT is to get back into the drivers seat of their career. Somewhere along the way, theyve lost control. Theyre in a job where they feel like a cog in the wheel instead of the person who makes a difference. Theyve built a business based on what others told them to do, and it doesnt feel as authentic/fulfilling/successful as they want. They know their potential, but feel that theyre not allowed to shine. Whether you work for yourself or someone else, heres how to regain control of your career: Create something that brings you personal fulfillment and then put yourself in charge of executing it.  What is it that you could put into motion that would make you feel meaning-full? Whether its asking to lead a training session on time management or signing up to volunteer at an animal shelter or just starting the blog youve been dreaming of, decide on a personal project thatll leave you fulfilled. Taking classes doesnt count!  You need to be the leader here, whether its just of your own work or as head of a team. Bonus points on having it be something that you can pitch to your manager and tie into your work. And if you work for yourself, bonus points for  making this an offer, product, or promotion! Rene at Beach Beauty Bar has a great example of this, having just put together a womens half-marathon training team  thats sponsored by her business. Make a website or an About.me page.  Tell the world who you are, what youre proud of, what you can help them with, and what you enjoy. I dont care if youre gonna be an employee for life (instead of a business owner) thats even more reason to carve out your space on the Interwebs! This is where  you can be proud to direct a potential interviewer, or where youd want a new connection to find out  more about you. Bonus point for hosting a blog there (you dont have to post often just enough to give people insight as to who you are, what you know, and how you can add value), linking to your social media accounts, and/or printing up business cards with the url on it. If youre a business owner who has a site, make sure  you are predominantly represented. Is there an About page thats up to date, not written in the third-person (or says We when youre an I), and doesnt shy away from touting your amazeballsness? If not, some new copy  is in order!   Craft your own personal mission statement, and use it to answer The Dreaded Question.  There is such freakin power in turning, Im Michelle, and Im a career coach for creative women to Im Michelle, The When I Grow Up Coach! I help creative women get out of soul-sucking jobs and into work that feels like play. Its empowering for me, and it allows the person who hears/reads it to have it click for them or someone they know (or not at all, and leave you alone which is great, actually!). Bonus points for updating your twitter bio / LinkedIn profile/ Interweb homes with it, too! What have you done that has allowed you to take control of your career? Any steps I might have missed? Id love to hear it all in the comments! If you live in NYC and want my help with the last step, come to Find Your Career Compass tonight at 7pm. Theres less than a handful of tix available!  If you dont live in NYC but want my help in regaining career control, you can fill out an application to work with me one-on-one here.  February is fully booked, and I have only 2 spots left for a March start!