Six Steps to a Better Job
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Step 1: Decide if you are willing to embrace a simpler lifestyle to increase your career options.
David's wife wanted to buy a home, and David wanted a new Jeep. I told him that if he were willing to forego the Lake District home, he would have more career options to explore. He said he wanted to consider those options.
Step 2: Identify your career non-negotiables.
David decided that the things he absolutely needed in a job were working for a good cause, the opportunity to be persuasive and a short commute.
I told David to convey his non-negotiables to everyone, from his parents' friends to his university alumni. One of the alumni suggested he become a fund-raising specialist. David liked the idea.
Step 3: Use time effectively to train for your new job or career.
The alumni suggested that David get a master's in public administration. However, I urged him to consider foregoing an MBA for what I call "You U," where you select one or two experts in the field and ask, "What should I read? What workshops should I attend? Would you mind if I watched you work?"
