How to start figuring out what you want to do next

“But I don’t know what I want to do?” This frustrated exclamation wasn’t coming from a twenty-something. This was my 52 year old coaching client. He had a 26 year career under his belt and wanted a change. He knew he wanted to take the early-out retirement being offered and start a new life. But doing what?

You read a lot (heck I have even written it) that the whole experience of career changes and new starts in midlife is an adventure, it’s on your terms, and it's fun. Well…maybe. More often it is scary, hard to do and nearly impossible to get started. That question: “what do I want to do?” is HUGE! Get that answered and it can lead you to an experience that is rewarding and enjoyable.

To answer that question, you won't do things like the job-hunting you did in your early years. It is not like you can scan the classifieds and the perfect job jumps out. Why not?

Because you are probably longing for more than “just” a job. Are you looking for a new experience, a new way of living? Do you want to be doing work that has meaning and is a best expression of your talents, interests and calling? If so, there is another way you might try.

For the time being, let’s shelve the idea that you must identify the job - just for now. Instead, work on getting clear what kind of life you want to have.

Start writing about the kind of life you want.

Where would you be living? What kind of setting?
What would you be wearing for your work?(For me when I did this, it was NO suit or tie)
What would you be doing for fun?
What would be important to have near you?
What would your friends be saying about you?
What do you drive? (I came up with a 4-wheel drive vehicle because I wanted to be in the woods)

Get the drift? Spend time really getting the details. Write as if you were writing a novel describing the character (you) and the scene in great detail – or as scenes in a movie.

Don’t worry about describing the actual job. Some hints might emerge though. For example, for me, I was describing an office with a view of trees. I knew I wasn’t behind a desk. I knew I was dressed comfortably and casually. I didn’t worry if that meant I was a consultant, architect or door-to-door salesmen (actually, I did worry about that last one). I just stayed focused on the environment and lifestyle.

I will explain what to do with this as we move forward in the process in the next article. Stay with this – don’t just rush through it in one setting. Write over several sessions. Get as detailed as you can. This actually can be fun.

And it is critical. I did this 15 years ago. I had no clue what kind of work I wanted to do. Last year I found the original writings and I saw I had described my life exactly as it turned out.

Stay tuned for next steps.

This post is part of LifeTwo's Midlife Career Change FAQ covering all aspects of changing careers in middle age.