Career Management: Use Your Intuition

Career Management: Use Your Intuition

From Wikipedia:

“The term intuition is used to describe "thoughts and preferences that come to mind quickly and without much reflection."

As this economic “recession” drags on, I have come to realize that one of your most valuable assets in career management or a job search is: Intuition.

Why? Well, let's examine this a little more closely. What exactly is intuition? I love the Wiki definition because it brings to mind what I–and many others–would call a “gut” feeling. You may have felt it once or twice in your life: it's the sensation that tells you “don't drive down Route 25 today” and you listen. And then find out Route 25 was hit by a flash flood...and well, your gut feeling really paid off.

How can you incorporate intuition into your career management or job search? One thing I recommend is LISTENING to your gut feelings! If you are considering a career change, say from zzz to aaa and as you investigate the move, the re-training, the cost, the time, the opportunities, etc., and even though it LOOKS GREAT on paper, but you still have that little nagging feeling from somewhere that “it doesn't seem right” for some unexplainable reason, then by ALL means, listen to your intuition. Rarely does lead you astray.

CASE STUDY

Okay, this may not be a “scientific, quantifiable, double-blind” type case study, but we're talking intuition here anyway. This is a real life example based on a experience from a candidate, "Bob" that I consulted with last year. Bob saw layoffs coming at his firm, and quickly made a decision to take a 9-month certification course to become Pharmacy Technician (which can cost around $12,000.00 at some trade schools).

His previous career was in B2B sales with a national corporation where he earned a six-figure salary, and had the perks to go along with it. I realize that sacrifices must be made these days to get a job, but when I asked him why he decided to get this certificate, he said that there seemed to be “a lot” of Pharm Tech positions available. Then I asked him if he WANTED to do that job, which can start at $10/hr for entry level and includes tasks such as sweeping and inventory, and Bob said ”no, not really, but I needed to do something.” I asked him what did your gut tell you? He said it told him that this was not the best decision. And it turned out that he could not find a job. Anywhere. And mostly, employers were not interested in speaking with him.

Unfortunately for Bob, he spent a lot of money and time on a career move that he “felt” in his gut was wrong from the first moment. He listened to his head when he should have listened to his to his intuition! It is very difficult to let your gut have the final say over your brain, but think about it: he knew instinctively, without much reflection, that it was a bad career move, and did it anyway. Had he used intuition, Bob would still have about  $12K in his pocket!!

So, listen to your gut!! It's always right (ok, mostly) 

Have you used your intuition in your job search or career management? Please add your story in the comments below.

About the Author: Kristi Enigl (www.kristienigl.com) is a career consultant with an background recruiting and hiring specializing in the creative professions. She leads career workshops in personal branding, social media and networking and coaches clients worldwide.