If you’ve been asking, “what are my non-clinical career options and how do I find them?” but you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back.

It’s tempting to start your career transition with “what and how”, but that can lead to overwhelm and slow your progress. Instead, start with “why”.

Here’s how.

START WITH 3 FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS

1. Who am I (or Who do I want to become)?

2. What do I really want?

3. Why do I want it?

WHY THESE QUESTIONS FIRST?

Becoming clear on the answers to these questions builds the foundation of your career and life.

When you’re going after something you really want and you know why you want it, you get in touch with a deeper motivation. This provides jet fuel to start and keep going.

If these 3 questions make your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone! The answers don’t have to be perfect or even 100% complete. Just get started.

TIPS FOR ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS.

1. Who am I or who do I want to become?

I invite you to read my blog post dedicated to this question here.

2. What do I really really want?

I. Make a list of everything you DON’T want. Don’t hold back.

II. Shake your body out. Change your posture, move your body.

III. Now make a list of everything you WANT. Don’t hold back. Even if some seem unrealistic, keep writing until you get underneath the surface ideas to deeper desires.

Stay vigilant for “should.” You’re not asking what you should want. You’re asking what you really want!

Still stuck? Try these questions:

• What makes me lean forward?
• What excites me?
• What activities, even when I’m tired, give me energy?
• What did I love to do as a child?

Still stuck? That’s OK! Repeat this exercise for as long as it takes.

3. Why do I want it?

For everything you want, write WHY you want it.

Do the “7 levels deep” exercise: Ask why? at least 7 times until you feel an emotional response.

PHYSICIAN EXAMPLE.

“I want to start a side-gig.”

WHY? I don’t want to depend solely on my W2 income.

WHY? I want to have financial freedom in 10 years.

WHY? I want freedom and autonomy to spend time the way I want.

WHY? I want to do other things, like travel and spend time with my children.

WHY? I want to live a more well-rounded life.

WHY? I want to show my children what’s possible (here’s where emotion came up)

WHY? I don’t want them to be stuck in a job they hate.

In this example, a driving force underlying this physician’s desire to find a side-gig, is to be an example to their children. That’s a powerful motivator.

LAST WORDS.

When you’re at the career crossroads, it can be tempting to skip the questions, who am I?, what do I want?, and why do I want it? and move directly to strategy. However, the answers to these questions provide the foundation from where you can effectively explore options and develop your job search strategy.