4 ways you can regain control of your career

No matter how old you are, you can feel like your career isn’t going the way you want it to go. Things happen, and sometimes your career goes down a path you didn’t plan on. If you feel like you don’t have control, it’s time to get back on track. Here are four ways you can regain control of your career.

Find your sense of purpose: If you’re not content with what you’re doing every day, you’re probably not super passionate about your job. Sure, maybe you’re good at what you do, but are you truly satisfied? Think about what drives you to wake up every morning and decide if you need to consider a different career path. If you’re having trouble thinking passionately about how you’re making a living, this would explain the feeling of not being in control.

Make a map: Where do you want to go, and how do you plan on getting there? Whether it’s one year down the road or five, it helps to map out your goals. No matter what stage of life you’re in, it helps to write down exactly what you hope to accomplish in the term you’ve set for yourself. And remember, plans change, so don’t be surprised if you have to change your route every now and then.

Get some support: Everyone needs a mentor. If you know someone who’s in a position that you want to be in one day, start picking their brain. Find out where they started and how they ended up where they’re at. Ask your mentor to be honest with you about your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus on the things that you need to do better.

Work hard and be patient: Success rarely happens overnight. You have to keep pounding. Whether you want to go further in your current field or succeed in a brand new one, it’s going to take a lot of patience. Keep doing the things you know you should be doing and sooner or later you’ll start seeing the fruits of your labor.