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Have you ever thought about your career vision? Now, I’m not referring to a career plan or even goals. I’m talking about your ideal vision for the job or career of your dreams.

Perhaps you envision yourself working as a CEO for a startup, or in a manager role, or maybe you’re more excited about making a pivot into a new industry. Regardless, your career vision should be your personal North Star.

You may have even once achieved your North Star, but now your career vision has changed. 

That’s ok! Maybe you’re feeling lost in the career landscape, or your current job feels more like a chore than a calling.

It’s never too late to chart a new course and find meaningful work. The key is to create a compelling career vision and a roadmap that guides your steps and fuels your passion.

In this article, I’ll tell you exactly what you need to build a career vision that will help you build the career of your dreams, wherever your journey is taking you next.

What is a career vision?

Your career vision is a vivid picture of your ideal professional future. It goes beyond just job titles and salaries; it also encompasses your values, aspirations, and even the impact you want to make. 

It can be a powerful tool that helps you stay focused, motivated, and excited about your career path moving forward.

Crafting your career vision: A step-by-step guide

Not sure where to get started on your career vision? No worries, I got you! Simply follow the steps below.

1. Start with self-discovery

Before you envision your future, you need to understand your present. Take time for introspection and ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my passions and interests? What activities energize me?
• What are my values? What principles are most important to me, both in my career and life?
• What are my strengths and weaknesses? What do I excel at, and what areas require improvement?
• What’s my ideal work environment? Do I thrive in a fast-paced team setting or prefer independent work?
• What is my desired lifestyle? What kind of work-life balance do I want to achieve?
• What kind of impact do I want to have on the world? How do I want to be remembered?

Jot down answers to your questions, and reflect on what that means for where you are in your career today and where you’d like to be in the future.

2. Explore possibilities and opportunities

Research different career paths and industries. Read articles, talk to professionals in fields that interest you, and don’t be afraid to try new things. 

Remember, your career vision can evolve as you learn more about yourself and the world.

3. Define non-negotiables

Reflect on what matters to you in your career from a personal values and lifestyle standpoint. 

Ask yourself the following question: “What are the things I absolutely must have in my career?” This could be anything from work-life balance to a specific type of work environment or the opportunity to use your skills in a meaningful way. 

4. Dream big and imagine your ideal future.

Don’t hold back! Let your imagination run wild and envision your ideal career scenario. In this step, you’ll want to ask yourself the following questions:

• What role am I playing? Do I lead a team, start my own business, or work on a specific project?
• Who am I working with? Am I surrounded by inspiring colleagues or working remotely with clients worldwide?
• What impact am I making? What difference am I making to the world through my work?
• What am I feeling? Do I feel excited, fulfilled, and empowered in my career?

Reflect on what your day-to-day work looks like. What are your key responsibilities? 

5. Craft a personal vision statement.

Your vision statement is a concise declaration of your career goals and aspirations. It should be clear, inspiring, and reflect your unique values and personality.

Here’s a template to get you started:

“I envision myself as a [your ideal future role] making a positive impact on the world through [your desired impact]. My passion for [your passions] fuels me and I’m driven by my values of [your values]. I am surrounded by [your ideal work environment] and feel [desired emotions] every day in my career.”

6. Break down your career vision into actionable steps.

Now comes the practical part: translating your vision into a roadmap for success.

1. Set SMART goals: Break down your vision into achievable milestones. Use the SMART framework to make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. Identify skills and knowledge you need to acquire.
3. Research career paths and opportunities that align with your vision.
4. Network with professionals in your field.
5. Seek mentorship and guidance.
6. Take courses and workshops to develop your skills.
7. Continuously learn and grow.

7. Most importantly, take action on your career vision! 

Don’t just let your career vision sit on a piece of paper. Start taking steps today that will move you closer to your goals. 

Additional resources to fuel your journey

• FIREYourCareer Start Page: This page outlines key tips and articles you can use on your FIRE and career journey, regardless of where you are today.
• The Muse: Find career advice, job listings, and inspiring stories of people who have made career changes.
• Udemy: Learn valuable skills with online courses (I’ve learned incredibly valuable skills from these courses!)
• LinkedIn: Network with professionals in your field and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Psst… invite me to your network and I will happily accept (just let me know how you found me!)

Conclusion

Creating a fulfilling career vision takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to adjust your course as needed. 

Most importantly, have fun with the process! When you’re excited about your career, it shows. You’ll be more engaged, productive, and ultimately, more successful.

So, what are you waiting for? Start crafting your dream career vision today!

Now that you’ve learned how to craft an ideal career vision, you might be wondering how else you can FIRE Your Career. Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Resources I Frequently Recommend:

ClickUp (my recommended goal-tracking and project-management tool)

Strengths Finder (book to help you uncover your innate strengths, includes a free personality quiz)

The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing (a great intro to investing book)

Others: 16 Books I Recommend to FIRE Your Career