Before deciding to change careers, endeavor not to forget these 5 things which include; Reflecting on your career journey, specifying the motive, acquiring knowledge and skills-, spicing it up, and preparing psychologically.
Photo credit: stephane
The bandwagon to change careers is hard not to miss, why? There is always that gut feeling we carry around that the grass is greener on the other side. It may not be solely about making one’s pockets deeper, some people will change careers to follow their childhood dreams, others want to put their talent to work and to others, there is a possibility of finding yourself again. Whatever the reason, a career change is solely your personal decision to make.
However, they are major things we forget to do among which includes the following five;
1. Reflecting on your career journey
Before making that big decision to change careers, first, take a step back and look at how far you have come.
How did you get here? This is important because you will be able to pay attention to either the mistakes or the opportunities that led you to where you are at the moment.
Why do I love or hate my job? Look at both the pros and cons of your current role or career, which side outweighs the other. Are there other solutions rather than moving? These are all important questions to ask yourself deeply before making the big move.
How is it going so far? Have you registered key achievements in your career that you are proud of? What have been your highs and lows? This homework will direct you to make better decisions in your career move. Then also, find out where would you want to be if not here? It is always paramount that you have a clear picture of where you want to go next. Do not work on guesswork!
2. Specifying the motive
A career change should be in the wake of a viable or identified cause. Doing something just because you want to, will lead you into a deep pitfall. Are you looking for better pay? Do you want a more flexible career? Are you bored and tired at your current job? Asking yourself all these questions will enable you to strategize better. As you make the final move, be certain that your new career will meet your aspirations. Maybe it’s not the career and it’s the company, perhaps the boss is giving you constant headaches or failing to have ‘Me time’.
When you know the sole reason why you want a career change, you will be able to align yourself with the available opportunities in the market. This will save you from regretting your decision.
3. Acquiring knowledge and skills before changing careers
Changing careers could be exciting, but do you have the required knowledge and skill? Having the required knowledge and skills will give you an advantage in your job search. As you do this, rebrand yourself. This involves updating your professional profiles and resume. Show off your transferable skills so that recruiters know you are not starting from scratch. Get help from your mentor or career coach on how best to tailor your resume to suit your career goal.
4. Don't be forced to change careers by your current employer
Working in a toxic environment will, at times, induce you to think you are in the wrong career. Sometimes you do not need a career change. You might be better off changing your current employer, industry, or moving to a new location. Building something for over five years and just watching it waste away should not be the first solution. Try looking out for new employment opportunities through research and networking. Moving to a new location may also help to break the monotony of your current life.
“I was sad and tired. After 6 years of hard work and acquiring my Master's Degree, I convinced myself that HRs was not my field anymore. I wanted to start a new life in Finance, only God knows where that would have led me. After sharing this with my mentor, they advised me to try and cast my net on a different side of the boat, and apply to totally different industries given that I had a good experience. As luck would have it, I got an offer. It has been a year since I took on this job and I am experiencing the excitement in Human Resources.” Says Karen, an HR Manager at a fast-growing beverage company “A new environment and industry gave me a fresh perspective of my career” She added.
5. Psychological preparation is important before you change careers
Having decided to change a career because it is probably stressful and depressing, have you mentally prepared for your new career? Truth be told, nothing is easy. The challenges you faced at hand while doing your previous job may not be any different from those you are to face ahead. Carrying a solution-based approach to your new career will save you a lot of complaints and whims. Do not carry your fears along with you as you jump onto a new career. Be open to change and learning. This might be the time to invest in a career coach. Great things take time, be willing to take the longer route to where you want to be.
Changing your career could bring mixed emotions. It can be both exciting and scary at the same time. But no matter what it is, always know that the life we live is based on the choices we make. Do not dim your light forever when you could be blooming somewhere else.
