How to think through longer-term career moves with these 4 possibility brainstorms

So you know your values, have identified your strengths and know what you really don’t want in terms of your future work.

So where do you start with establishing what you do want?

There are many different ways you can go about this. A simple one to get started with is the ‘four possibility brainstorms’ adapted from the book The Squiggly Career.

Possibility #1 The obvious

This first one is simple - it’s the next logical step from where you are now. Maybe a promotion, a shift into a different role, or a switch to another organisation.

Possibility #2 The ambitious

Here you want to think about bigger bolder moves that you have considered. Something that feels bold and brave. These are often accompanied by a limiting belief e.g. I don't have enough experience do my manager's role or I am not entrepreneurial to set up a business.

Possibility #3 The dreams

When we remove even more constraints and consider widely, dreams start to emerge. If you could start again and do anything, what might you like to try? What would feel fun? Who with? What does the week look like? Where would you invest an excess of time or money if you had it?

Possibility #4 The pivot

This is where you look for ‘bridges’ - where your existing skills or experience could link you to something else. E.g. you’re a teacher with transferable skills that could pivot you into corporate L&D. Or you pivot by format e.g. an agency copywriter switching to freelancing.

Starting somewhere is better than pushing things to the back of your mind...

I am not saying this process is easy. Trying to work out what you want to do for the next 5-10 years can feel very daunting. Yet starting somewhere, even if it's some quick brainstorming on the obvious often kick-offs the thinking in the right direction.