Discerning Career Direction
The use of a decision matrix is helpful when considering any major life decision. It is a framework to capture the multifaceted dimensions and our personal preferences surrounding important life decisions, such as a career change.
The process uses two tools designed to help discern priorities around career direction with adequate consideration to the qualitative dimensions of a job search. Once personal priorities are more clearly defined, the resulting job search will be more focused and intentional. The process will take more time, but should result in a job position that feels like a good fit in a more holistic way. For example, if you use this process you will be less likely to end up in the right position but the wrong location; or the right industry but the wrong company in terms of cultural fit; or great compensation but a job so demanding there is no time for relationships, etc. It will become the framework to evaluate multiple opportunities. If an opportunity strays too far from your original objectives it should be cause to pause and ask yourself why you are considering this opportunity. It makes it easier to eliminate or not even consider certain opportunities.
The first tab in the workbook is the tool to consider and define each of the qualitative areas and your personal preferences around work life balance, location, industry, company size, position, etc. The second tab is a tool to extract both the key quantitative (position, salary, benefits, etc.) and qualitative aspects of each opportunity to assist with evaluating whether it is aligned with and satisfies your stated outcome. This process may not result in 100% alignment but I guarantee you will get closer. If you cannot clearly articulate what you desire how will you know it when you see it?
And finally, I always meditate for guidance and right-thinking around life decisions. You only get one shot at this thing called life!