Charles Darwin said it best years ago: "It's not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
Changing careers is challenging - but not impossible. Here are six
key things to consider before taking the leap.
1. Make a change for "the right reasons".
Do any of these reasons for changing careers sound familiar to you?
- I'm bored.
- I'm frustrated with office politics.
- There are no career development or training programs to speak of
at my company.
- The grass is greener elsewhere.
While its understandable that all of these reasons might inspire
you to RUN from your current job, consider exploring alternative
solutions before actually jumping ship.
If you
e bored, define what it is you'd rather be doing and look
for opportunities to adapt your position -- or perhaps switch
positions -- within your current organization.
If you want a more opportunities for growth and development, create
your own! Talk to your boss about your longer-term career goals and
ASK for the training or promotion you desire.
As far as office politics go, they exist (at least on some level)
everywhere. Try changing your focus from the politics to your
performance. What you focus on increases.
And as for greener grass elsewhere... isn't that an old proverb?
Change is hard, lets be honest. But its a whole lot easier if its
driven by a desire to move toward something - rather than an urge to
run away.
2. Know your product (YOU, that is).
What are you really good at? What interests and inspires you? What
do you truly enjoy - not just about working but about life? Knowing
yourself - what you want, what you do well, what you value, what
motivates you - is critical in making a career choice that truly
satisfies and endures. Investigate these issues thoroughly, and get
an outside perspective if possible.
3. Take it one step at a time. Moving from a marketing position in
retail to a marketing position in entertainment is a lot more doable
than moving from marketing in retail to It in entertainment. TAKE
IT "ONE CHANGE AT A TIME". Changing roles within an industry or
changing industries within a role gives you far more leverage in
terms of transferable skills and experiences.
If you ultimately want to switch both roles AND industries, consider
making this shift in a few gradual steps.
4. Have a solid financial plan.
Career changes often involve at least temporary pay-cuts. Get clear
on how much you
e willing to sacrifice - temporarily - in terms of
disposable income, savings, and luxuries while you make the
transition. Keep in mind that the average job search time at senior
management or executive level is about six months; the average
career transition at that level takes 12 months. If specific
training is required, it could take even longer, so be prepared by
deciding up-front how you and your family will cope with the
financial realities that come with the territory. Think of it as an
investment that will pay off with less stress, more joy, and greater
success down the road.
5. Do your homework.
This goes back to the "grass is greener" thinking mentioned above.
Before you make any gestures toward swapping careers, get the real
story on what its like to work in your field of interest. Talk to
people who've been there; ask them what they love and hate about
their jobs/companies/industries; get their perspective on the
lifestyle, the benefits and sacrifices, and what it takes to be
successful in their field.
A good way to do this is to set up "informational interviews" with
individuals who are already doing whatever it is you
e considering
moving into.
6. Think beyond what you "like".
People often pursue a career based on their likes, but a truly good
career fit also takes into account what you enjoy doing, what you
e
good at, and what sort of lifestyle you desire. For instance, you
may really love cooking, but if working nights and weekends
conflicts with your vision of a great family, you might want to
reconsider applying to culinary school.
Choose a career that supports your preferred lifestyle and plays
upon your strengths.You'll be infinitely happier, healthier and
more successful if your career adapts to your life, not your life to
your career.
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