How to Identify and Plan for Your Next Job

For Ambitious Young Professionals Ready to Take the Next Step

(Infographic link)

You’ve spent a few years in the business world, gained experience, and now you’re wondering: Am I on the right path? Should I pivot? How do I make the right career shift?

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to assessing where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.

1. Reflect on Your Hierarchy of Values (HOV)

Before making a career move, identify what matters most to you. Ask yourself:

• Do I prioritize financial growth, creative freedom, work-life balance, or industry impact?
• Is my current job aligned with these priorities? Your career should support your values—not work against them.

2. Evaluate What Energizes vs. Drains You

Take stock of daily tasks:

• What tasks make time fly? These indicate your strengths and natural inclinations.
• What tasks feel exhausting? These might be areas to avoid in your next role. Look for patterns—your ideal career shift should include more of what energizes you.

3. Identify Skills You’ve Gained (and Those You Need)

Make a list of:

• Hard skills (technical, industry-specific knowledge)
• Soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving)
• Missing skills (What would you need for a new role?) If gaps exist, find ways to close them—through online courses, mentorship, or side projects.

4. Research Potential Paths (and Talk to People in Them)

You don’t have to guess your next move.

• Look at job descriptions for roles that interest you.
• Reach out to professionals in those roles on LinkedIn for a 15-minute chat.
• Ask: What do you love? What would you do differently? Real-world insights will save you from making a blind leap.

5. Test the Waters Before Jumping

If possible, experiment with new career interests before quitting your current job:

• Freelance or consult in a new field.
• Take on a side project at work that aligns with your target role.
• Shadow someone in the role you’re considering. These small steps confirm if the shift is the right move.

6. Build a Career Shift Plan (With a Timeline)

Changing careers doesn’t happen overnight.

• Set a 3-6 month learning phase (courses, networking, building a portfolio).
• Set a 6-12 month transition phase (applying, interviewing, positioning yourself).
• Break down actions into weekly goals to make steady progress.

7. Rebrand Yourself & Expand Your Network

• Adjust your LinkedIn headline & summary to reflect where you’re going.
• Highlight transferable skills that apply to your new field.
• Start posting insights about your desired industry to establish credibility.
• Engage with leaders in your target field—follow them, comment on their content, and attend relevant events.

8. Set Career-Building Habits

Success comes from small, consistent actions. Examples:

• Read industry news daily.
• Reach out to one new person per week.
• Work on your skill-building goal for 30 minutes a day. These habits will separate you from others just "thinking about" a career shift.

Final Thought

Your career shift isn’t just about a new job—it’s about designing a path that aligns with who you are and who you want to become. Use the Time Bandit method to prioritize the right actions and build the right habits. Your future self will thank you.

Now, ask yourself: When do I want to take the first step?

Download full infographic here.