If you could turn back time, would you pursue a different career than the one you have now?
That’s a question I asked also some days ago on LinkedIN. Here are the results:
> 2,510 people casted their vote after 2 days
> 60% said that they would go back for a different career if they could
> 38% stated that they wouldn’t
And you?
Many people realize at some point in their lives and careers that there is something else they’d rather like to do. Especially when experiencing multiple ups and downs, not being fulfilled, purpose is missing, not progressing in their careers, or when not being challenged by their current work.
Asking ourselves if we’re doing the right thing is a good and required question as a lot depends upon it. It’s an exercise we should do regularly. Some decide after such reflections to stay course and others make a change, as it’s never too late to do so. Fortunately, and although there are various factors to be considered, there is no age limit to learning and development to change careers.
Before jumping ship, however, there are some aspects we might want to consider:
> Take a step back and try to get clarity about why you really want to leave. Is it a temporary reason like an awkward project you’re currently working on or a much more fundamental reason like a toxic work environment?
> Are there other alternatives for you? For example, could you speak with your line manager, mentor, or with HR to create a positive change for you? Maybe switching teams, joining another business unit, getting more support, etc.?
> Clarify your values, objectives, and expectations. Both professional and personal ones by looking at your whole life, and not just your job. Determining these aspects will assist in pointing you in the direction of a more satisfying and rewarding career. Not seldom, a disconnect in values causes dissatisfaction with our current job.
> Are you willing to start all over? To give up your current title, privileges, and to proof yourself again? Who can help you with the career move? A friend, colleague, or a career coach?
> Do you possess the right kind of skills required for the new job or challenge you’re thinking about? Transferable skills make it smoother to get yourself a new career and find an employer willing to recruit you.
> Conduct a thoughtful analysis of your potential new employer, their working culture and style, expectations, compensation model, and career opportunities.
> Think about how your decision might impact your family and other important individuals in your life. Also, it’s wise not to burn any bridges when finally leaving your current employer and team, as you never know if one day you might come back; or meet somewhere else.
If you’ve considered these questions and you feel in general good about your decision to make a career change, it’s time to start crafting a plan and then taking thoughtful and decisive actions. There’s no time to be wasted once you’ll have reached that point with the required clarity.
On a final note, in case you want to conduct a personal career check-up, or potentially increase your skills in your current role, and if you were to look for a stimulating sparring partner to assist, you might want to reach out to me or visit my website at https://lnkd.in/d4azhMgu.
Looking very much forward to hearing your thoughts. Please leave a comment below, join the discussion, and assist to Amplify our Lives.
Kind regards,
Andreas
#careers #careerchange #transition #careertransition #coaching #coach #avdh