In my career, I’ve gone from graphic designer to CEO of a venerable civil rights organization, the Chicago Urban League. If you’re thinking that’s an unlikely career path, you’re right. I’ve had a career that defies logic. How?

I learned early on that—as a woman and a person of color who held a degree in painting and drawing from Northwestern University—I did not fit the cookie cutter mold that recruiters are looking for. If I wanted certain opportunities, I was going to have to make them myself. I was never going to be chosen for the jobs that I wanted.

If I had waited for other people to choose me, I would not have had the career I’ve had. 

There’s a quote I love from author and poet Marala Scott—

”Take creative control. Use the gift of freedom as desired. Any direction you choose, opportunity is waiting. Create the experience you want. The brush is in your hand.”

We’re in the final quarter of 2021. This is a great time to begin to position yourself and think about how you are going to approach 2022. You get to choose the opportunities and jobs you want. And you do that by becoming what I call a Career Free Agent.

You’re probably familiar with the idea of free agents in sports. You need to be a free agent in your career, too (even if you can’t dribble a basketball or run a mile to save your life). Don’t wait to be “drafted” by your dream team. You might be waiting a long time! 

When you’re a Career Free Agent, YOU go in search of the opportunities you want. 

You choose. You don’t wait for others to choose you.

How do you know if you’re ready to be a Career Free Agent in 2022?

Are you ready for a pivot? 

Many people assume that a pivot has to mean pivoting out of your job or out of your career or from having a corporate job into entrepreneurship. That it has to be a giant pivot. In reality, lots of smaller pivots have to happen before you’re ready for the big pivot. So if your soul is telling you it’s time to make some changes—even if you feel you’re not ready yet for the big changes—you’re ready to be a Career Free Agent.

Are you ready to level up?

If you feel like you’ve been stuck in the same role or same job for a while and you’re just not getting ahead, 2022 should be your year to get unstuck. You’re looking to take on some new challenges and make yourself visible to the right people. 

Are you seeking a career with purpose?

If the past year has made you do some deep thinking about what you truly want to do with your life, you’re really ready to be a Career Free Agent. You want more than a job that just pays the bills. You want a career with purpose that fulfills who you are and why you’re here.

Are you ready to grow as an entrepreneur? 

Do you fit into one of these categories? You’re one of the many people who started a side gig during the pandemic and now you want to move that to the main stage. You might be feeling it’s time to move out of the corporate world and do your own thing. Or you’re already a full-time entrepreneur and it’s time to reach for some stretch goals and grow your business. 

If any of those four things resonate with you, you’re ready to be a Career Free Agent. You’re ready to move into your brilliance and your soul’s purpose in 2022. Get ready, world. Here you come!

Download my 4 Signs that You’re Ready to be a Career Free Agent.

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If you’re ready to take charge of your career, there’s no better time than right now. Join my g2Coach community today and gain clarity, confidence, and a game plan to transform your growth with coaches, resources, empowering content, and an amazing tribe of ambitious women eager to support one another. Get your first month’s membership for just $1!