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Making Career Transition 101: How to Plan Your Next Career Move

Updated: Jun 18

So, your job is making you feel dead inside. (Join the freaking club.)


To cope with the feeling, you start scrolling through LinkedIn and Indeed job boards which—surprise!—only makes you feel MORE dead inside. 


So: How do you successfully make a career change from a job you hate into one that makes you feel excited to wake up and go to work? 


Here’s the short answer: You stop scrolling, you stop hitting easy apply and you figure out what you actually want for your life. 


Keep scrolling for a step-by-step guide!



Step 1: Get to know yourself.

It’s time to open a document or dig out a pen and paper. Here’s what you need to be asking yourself:


  • What do I value? Here are some examples: Flexibility, Purpose, Family, Freedom, Money, Passion

  • What kind of impact do I want to make?

  • What am I good at?

  • What brings me the most joy at work?

  • What am I naturally drawn to?

  • What do I want to be known for?

  • What experiences in my life have made me feel happiest and most engaged?


Write your answers down. Don’t overthink—just let them flow. This creates a bird’s-eye view of what matters most to you, which will become your guide when evaluating opportunities.


(My client Sal is a great example of zeroing in on what you want!)


Professionally dressed woman and her pinstripe shirt are in focus with a blurred, fade-away view of her staring at herself in a mirror in the distance pondering

Step 2: Let AI help you clarify your core values.

Once you’ve listed your reflections, use a tool like ChatGPT to help distill them into a simple list of 3–5 core values.


Try prompting: “Based on this list, what are my five core values?”


Then go deeper: “Based on these values and my experience in [your field], what career paths might align?”


Pay attention to your emotional response—what sparks excitement or curiosity? Jot those down. These are clues pointing toward your aligned next step.



Step 3: Reconnect with your “why.”

Now that you have defined your values,  let’s get clear on why you’re making a change. You’re not just making a change for the heck of it—you’re doing it to align your life with your values. This is your vision statement, and it’s the foundation for every decision you make.


Examples:

  • I’m pivoting my career to do more people-oriented work.

  • I’m changing jobs so I can have more time with my family.

  • I’m pursuing a career in arts & entertainment so I can use my talents.


Without this anchor, you risk making reactive, short-term decisions when a recruiter reaches out. Keep this vision front and center throughout your journey. Finding her vision helped my client MaryGrace soar!



Step 4: Break your career transition into 3 phases.

Now that you’ve defined your “why” and values, it’s time to create a simple plan. Use a 3-phase framework:


  • Phase 1: Where am I now?

  • Phase 2: The halfway point

  • Phase 3: The ideal outcome


Here’s an example:


Vision: I want to leave my current job to work fully remotely so I can spend more time with family.


  • Phase 1: Working from home 0% of the time

  • Phase 2: Working from home 50%

  • Phase 3: Fully remote role with home office set up


Professional is seated at a wooden table with a pen in-hand and an open notebook planning their next career move on paper over a cup of afternoon coffee

Step 5: Outline clear action steps.

Once you know the phases of your transition, each phase needs specific, actionable steps. For example:


Phase 1:

  • Research remote-friendly industries

  • Learn about your company’s resignation process

  • Start networking with people at companies of interest


Phase 2:


Phase 3: 

  • Land a full-time remote job

  • Set up your home office

  • Celebrate the transition!


By breaking it down, you turn a daunting career shift into a series of achievable steps.



Step 6: Apply with intention.

Finally, it’s time to take action—but don’t fall into the trap of applying to anything and everything. Return to your values and vision. Ask yourself with every opportunity:


“How does this job or company align with what I care about most?”


Only apply to roles that light you up and fit your vision. And don’t just apply—network with people at the companies you’re interested in! You’re much more likely to get an opportunity because you know someone than if you simply uploaded your resume. 



Step 7: Don’t do it alone.

A career coach (like me!) can help you clarify your values, map your plan, and hold you accountable through the change.


Your next move doesn’t need to feel chaotic or directionless. With a clear vision, a values-based plan, and support, you can step into your next chapter with more joy and confidence than you thought possible.


Cheering you on!



Certified Life & Career Coach in Central FL Ali Goodin

Ali Goodin

Ali is a certified career coach, former Disney cast member, and creative professional turned career transition expert based in Central Florida. Founder of Ful Life Coaching, Ali helps job seekers, career changers, and growth-minded professionals confidently navigate career transitions. Whether you're pursuing a new role, switching industries, or seeking greater purpose in your work, Ali provides personalized coaching, job search strategy, and resume support to help you build a fulfilling, balanced career at any stage of life.


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