When it comes to navigating career problems, the truth might surprise you: there are only six. Thatâs right, after 20 years as a career coach and thousands of success stories, Iâve learned that every career challenge fits neatly into one of six categories. Recognizing which one youâre dealing with is the first step toward a clear solution.
The 6 Career Problems
At any given time, youâre likely grappling with oneâor maybe twoâof these issues. Hereâs the breakdown:
1. No Interviews
Youâre actively job searching but canât seem to land an interview. Applications go out, but responses? Crickets.
2. No Job Offers
Youâre getting interviews but not offers. You leave feeling optimistic, but no one is calling you back with good news.
3. No Recruiter Outreach
This issue is more common for senior professionals and executives. At higher levels, you expect recruiters to proactively reach out with opportunities, but the silence is deafening.
4. New Job Isnât Working Out
Youâve started a new position only to find itâs not what you were promised. Whether itâs unforeseen circumstances or a misaligned role, youâre feeling stuck.
5. Problems in Your Current Job
Maybe your once-dream job has turned toxic, or a sudden change in rules, management, or workplace dynamics has left you unhappy. Sometimes, you might even be the source of the problem.
6. No Career Plan
Youâve been too busy working to step back and strategize your career. Without a plan, youâre moving without directionâand missing out on long-term growth opportunities.
Whatâs Your Career Problem?
Identifying your specific challenge is the first step toward resolution. Once you pinpoint the issue, you can focus on the right strategies to overcome it.
Solving Career Problems With The GLOW Method
Navigating career problems can feel overwhelming and deeply personal, but the truth is, most issues can be solved using a straightforward approach. I developed a simple yet powerful four-step methodology called the GLOW Method to address any career problem.
When people come to me with their career stories, they often feel their problems are uniquely complex and confusing. But Iâm a problem-solver at heart, with a background in engineering that taught me the value of processes. Over the years, Iâve realized that the six fundamental types of career problems can all be addressed using the same four-step framework:
- G: Gain Perspective
- L: Luminate the Goal
- O: Own Your Actions
- W: Work It Daily
Letâs break it down.
Step 1: Gain Perspective
The first step is to gain clarity on whatâs truly happening in your situation. Often, career problems feel overwhelming because weâre too close to them to see clearly. By stepping back and analyzing the situation, youâll uncover “aha” moments that reveal where you might be misinterpreting events or overlooking key factors. This shift in perspective opens new doors and possibilities.
Step 2: Luminate the Goal
Next, itâs time to get laser-focused on what matters most. Career problems often arise when weâre distracted by too many options or letting emotions cloud our judgment. This step involves pinpointing the single most important goal you need to achieve right now. By “luminating” this goal, you create a roadmap for success and eliminate unnecessary distractions.
Step 3: Own Your Actions
Clarity leads to action. In this step, we focus on identifying high-impact activities that will drive results. Itâs about working smarter, not harderâconcentrating your energy on productive tasks that feel good and lead to tangible progress. By owning your actions, you take control of your career journey.
Step 4: Work It Daily
Finally, consistency is key. Tackling career problems doesnât require marathon workdays; itâs about committing to small, focused efforts every day. Even 15â30 minutes a day spent on your goal can produce incredible results. With the right hacks, tips, and tricks, youâll find the process not only effective but also manageable.
Free Resources To Support Your Journey
For two decades, Iâve used the GLOW Method to help thousands of people solve their career problems and achieve their goals. Itâs a proven system that simplifies the complex and delivers results.
To make this method accessible to everyone, my team and I have created a Free Resource Center packed with over $1,000 worth of signature materials. This includes access to live podcasts where I answer questions three times a week, plus recordings and other resourcesâall completely free (no credit card required).
If youâre ready to tackle your career problems and achieve the results you deserve, check out the Free Resource Center today.
Your career isnât an unsolvable puzzle. With the GLOW method, success is just a few steps away. Itâs time to stop overthinking, identify your specific challenge, and take actionable steps forward. Letâs tackle your career problems together.
Good luck! Go get ’em.
