How to Ask for What You Want In Your Career Journey
It can be tempting to overcomplicate the next steps in your career journey. But sometimes the most transformative actions are the simplest… including the powerful act of simply learning how to ask for what you want in your career.
As an educator pursuing work beyond the classroom, your ability to ask for what you want is a critical skill that can open doors to exciting opportunities.
In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of asking for what you want and provide practical tips on how you can effectively communicate your desires and aspirations.
The Power of Asking for What You Want
The first step to achieving your dreams and making a successful career transition is to vocalize your desires and ask for what you want. If you're craving change, whether it's to leave the classroom entirely or explore roles like education coaching, curriculum development, or education consulting on the side, you have to put it out there.
This might look like figuring out how to ask the universe for what you want, or like talking to your family, friends and colleagues about your hopes for the future.
By openly expressing your interests and intentions, you not only open doors to opportunities but also gain clarity, build confidence, and set yourself on a path of transformation. So, take that first step, start talking about your dreams, and don't hesitate to ask for what you want.
How to Ask for What You Want
1. Recognize Your Worth
Before you can effectively ask for what you want, it's essential to recognize your own value and embrace your expertise as an educator. Many teachers underestimate their skills, knowledge, and experiences gained in the classroom.
Understand that your unique perspective and insights are incredibly valuable beyond the classroom, and they can make a significant impact in the education world. You have so many transferable skills that are in high demand.
2. Clarify Your Goals
To ask for what you want, you have to know what you're seeking. Take some time to reflect on your career goals and aspirations. Do you want to create social emotional learning curriculum, provide helpful professional development to teachers, consult for an ed tech company, or start your own online education business? Clearly defining your objectives will make it easier to communicate your desires effectively.
The act of talking about your career goals not only creates opportunities but also provides clarity. By verbalizing your ambitions, you refine your ideas and gain a deeper understanding of your path forward, as well as transform a dream into a tangible goal.
3. Start Small
If the idea of learning how to ask for what you want in your career feels overwhelming, take baby steps. Begin by discussing your goals with a close friend or family member. Gauge your comfort level and gradually extend the circle of people you share your ambitions with.
Sharing your dreams and career aspirations may initially feel uncomfortable and daunting. This is entirely normal. The first time you vocalize your ambitions, it might seem awkward, but it's a crucial step in the journey. Remember, discomfort often precedes growth.
4. Craft a Clear Message
Whether you’re working on your resume, writing a cover letter or putting together a portfolio of curriculum design samples, crafting a clear message about your goals is a key step to get the job you want.
Practice sharing your thoughts, ideas, and mission clearly and concisely. Develop a succinct and compelling message that communicates your career transition goals. As you talk with others about your desires, be prepared to explain how your background and experiences make you the right fit for the opportunities you seek. Practice delivering this message with confidence.
Consider creating an elevator pitch, a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your skills, expertise, and aspirations. In the pitch, share what you can offer and why you're the right person for the role or opportunity you're seeking. Practice delivering it confidently.
The act of saying your pitch out loud can actually feel validating. Moreover, it can hold you accountable to your aspirations, ultimately propelling you to take action and turn your dream into a reality.
5. Network and Build Relationships
Networking is a powerful tool for educators looking to advance their careers. Whether you’re connecting virtually, such as on LinkedIn, or in person, it’s important to seek out like-minded professionals and decision-makers in the field. Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities, as people are more likely to help those they know and trust.
The process of asking for what you want extends beyond submitting job applications. It's about initiating conversations and sharing your aspirations with key people who can help you along the way. This proactive approach allows others to understand your goals and opens the door for potential collaborations and opportunities.
6. Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Don't be afraid to seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or professionals who have successfully made the transition from the classroom to other educational roles. They can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you refine your approach and strategy.
Whether you are growing an education business or starting a new chapter of your career outside of the classroom, there will be moments when you feel like giving up. This is a completely normal part of the process! In those hard moments, a coach or a mentor can pick you up and encourage you to stay the course.
7. Be Persistent and Resilient
Asking for what you want may not always result in immediate success. Rejection and setbacks are part of the journey. Be persistent, learn to embrace feedback, and adapt your approach as needed. Remember that you’re one step closer to a "yes" each time.
Your journey to a fulfilling career beyond the classroom can start with a few courageous words!
Ready to Get the Job You Want Beyond the Classroom?
Your impact as an educator can extend far beyond the walls of a classroom, and the possibilities are truly limitless. The key is learning how to ask for what you want and then go after it.
The Educator Forever Network has helped thousands of teachers like you identify their unique skills, learn how to apply them to flexible new careers, and go after what they want… And we’re here to support you!
By joining the Educator Forever Network, you'll gain instant access to our signature Beyond the Classroom course, where, you'll discover exactly where to find flexible jobs in education, learn about your career possibilities, and receive the support you need to land those jobs.
You’ll gain valuable information and insights into how to leverage your existing skills, create compelling resumes, and navigate the job search process with confidence.
You’ll also become part of an inspiring community of like-minded educators who are passionate about expanding their impact and income in education.
Sign up now to empower yourself and take your education career to the next level!