A career change is a daunting prospect because of the uncertainty factor. It is also the ideal opportunity to realign yourself with where you want to end up. Here are four things to consider when you are on the cusp of a major step.
Direction
Is a career change in the cards as part of a deliberate, well-thought-out plan, or is it just something that fell in your lap? Sometimes, we are distracted by the first shiny thing on our path and miss the real treasure. Most of us feel like saying “yes” to an immediate pay increase or a chance to move to the city of our dreams; that immediate gratification can lead us away from our real long-term objectives.
Before you take the plunge and change careers or industries, take some time to check whether it is really a move in the right direction. It is okay to turn down an opportunity today if it leads you closer to your real goals.
Working to your Values
We each have a set of values that govern our decisions and we are happier when those values are reflected where we work and in the work that we do. These values may include independence, remuneration, creativity, impact, and recognition.
Values are not static in that the relative importance that we attach to each may vary over time. Younger people living with their parents may value the impact of their work highly. Meanwhile, those with families and, thus, a greater burden of responsibilities may find themselves placing greater importance on their remuneration package.
Consider not just your values pyramid today but how it may evolve in the future.
Building Relationships
It is not what you know; it is who you know. You have heard that phrase so many times because, sooner or later, everyone appreciates its veracity. Look back at your own career and you will realize that every success had its seed in a relationship you had former prior.
This is especially important if you are switching careers.
A network that served you well in the past may lack the necessary weight and connections in this new phase. Seek out new people in these areas where you are underinvested and make sure to convey what you bring to the table.
Learning
Every change in career direction should be precipitated by an innate desire to learn. That could mean learning a new, valuable skill, knowledge, or even a trait. It could be only a matter of
attending a course or an extended years-long process of building something from the ground up.
Take the time to consider how a career change will help you to learn. Look also for opportunities to teach or mentor for it is often when we have to guide someone else that we become intimately familiar with the knowledge required.
Still unsure if a career switch is the right move, or need someone to talk through your decision with? Reach out to me today.
