I’ve just read Harvard Business Review’s “Hackathons Aren’t Just for Coders“. Everyone should have the opportunity to let their creative juices flow — in an environment where ideas are considered and taken seriously. Hackathons bring together people and ideas. A rare event in today’s world.

Interestingly, there is another area where a little “hacking” needs to occur: our own career journey. We devote little time to consider work-life “tangents” or non-traditional paths. However, when you sit back to examine what you bring to the table in terms of knowledge, skills and abilities — there could be a number of new avenues you could explore

You may not see all of those paths. So, a method to find them is vital.

Here’s is the rub. On reflection, I’ve met many people who have done something like this successfully. The new paths they pursued were not always radical — however, the changes were vital to work life happiness. In a sense, they threw their skills and hopes into the “blender of career life” and concocted something better suited to their true career identity. (I’ve chatted with a medical assistant that needed to lose “practice politics” and then became a masseuse. I’ve met a happy small town doctor that once found herself in a large, “city” practice.  A nurse with aspirations to use her love of exploration and connection, to become a travel writer.)

They all embraced one fundamental strategy. They were open to a change that suited who they were, at the very moment. Their evolution (and yes, they were very uncomfortable) demanded a career response.

They “hacked” their career.

But, we don’t have to reach the ends of our rope, to do so.

Here is some advice to hack yours:

• Don’t listen to you. For a period of time, set aside all of the reasons why a career hack cannot happen. Turn off that inner “naysayer”. Tell it to be absolutely quiet. Only listen to the possibilities
• Ask the experts. And a I don’t mean career experts. Talk to 5 people who have knowledge of your workplace strengths. Ask them the following: Where do I excel? Do you think my current role accesses those attributes? Where do you see me job-wise? Why? Note their feedback and observe any trends. Get a real read on you.
• Consider only the facts. When have you been the most productive or successful? When did you feel that your work life was on track? How would you describe that work life experience? What made you feel positive about that experience? What factors played a role?
• Embrace possibilities. You can’t adjust your path if you don’t imagine your future self. Whether it is a  small pivot in your current role or an entirely different path — imagine yourself there. What do you see? What steps must you take to make your future career a reality? Take that first step.

Have you hacked your career journey? Share your story.

Photo Credit: DaVinciTech via Compfight cc