Feeling unsatisfied in your work--or worse completely miserable but not knowing what to do about it is rough. It's like standing at a crossroads with no clue as to whether to go right or left. Maybe your gut or in a "perfect world" you'd go left but what if you do and the correct path was the other one? What if you realize later you should have gone right? What will you miss out on? What if you have regrets?
Many of us want change but without a concrete idea of what that change is fear taking a move in any direction. It's that not knowing that keeps us from doing anything at all. It's almost like a type of paralysis.
If you're feeling stuck about what's to come but know it can't be more of the same, my hope is that you'll consider taking these next 6 steps:
1. Embrace uncertainty
This is freaking hard. I wouldn't blame you for rolling your eyes at me.
Acknowledging that uncertainty is a natural part of the process is the first step towards a successful career transition. Even if you find it hard to accep. Let me start out by saying this: the more you can become comfortable with the fact that there is no "sure thing" when it comes to what's next, the better. But this doesn't have to be terrible! What if it feels a little bit exciting or like a bit of a career adventure? Can you find a way to support yourself through it? I'm not saying you have to through all caution to the wind. Be cautious, plan carefully but you're gonna have to let your hair down at least a little bit.
Fear of uncertainty is a common human experience, and it's okay to feel uneasy about it. It can be helpful to have some tools to help you manage and comfort it. This is something I teach all of my clients.
There are some simple things you can try on your own to help, too. You can start by breaking down your goals. Instead of focusing on the entire journey, break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks--almost like the chapters of a book. I like to say to make the tasks so small they're almost as easy to do as not to do. This makes the path forward seem less overwhelming and more achievable.
Commit to setting realistic expectations and give yourself time. Accept that not everything can be controlled or predicted. Setting realistic expectations allows for a more flexible mindset when facing uncertainties. Setting unrealistic time pressure or being unreasonably hard on yourself can backfire.
Celebrate small wins! Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements along the way. Recognizing progress, no matter how incremental, can boost confidence and motivation.
Identify aspects of your life and career that you can control, and concentrate your energy on those. This sense of agency can counteract the feeling of helplessness that uncertainty often brings.
2. To transition from one career to another when you DON'T know what you want to do, dive into a little self-discovery.
My recommendation is that you get curious about these 4 areas about yourself:
Your work and life values
What drives you
Your ideals
Your strengths
I call the answers to this quartet of questions the path to uncovering the "essence of what makes work worthwhile to you". When you know what this is and you hold a vision of it loosely in your mind, you'll naturally continue to gravitate closer and closer to it.
3. Explore your options
Learn effective research strategies to explore different industries and career paths. Understand the current job market, growth trends, and the skills required in various sectors. Do you want to mine career change gold? Understand and get skilled at informational interviewing and get more comfy with networking as super helpful ways to gather real time career insights (I can help with this too).
Be open to trying new things. Think about the possibility of exploring short-term projects, internships, contracts, or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience in various fields. This practical approach allows you to test the waters and determine which industries align with your interests and skills.
4. Skills assessment and development
Evaluate your existing skill set by conducting a skills audit of both hard and soft skills. Identify transferable skills that can be applied across different industries.
Explore strategies for developing new skills through online courses, workshops, or certifications. Learn how continuous learning can enhance your versatility and marketability in the job market.
5. Seek guidance and mentorship
Understand the value of mentorship in guiding your career transition. Explore how mentors can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and offer support as you navigate the uncertainties of changing careers. I even recommend putting together a Career Board of Directors.
Create a support system through networking, joining professional organizations, and connecting with individuals who have successfully transitioned between careers.
6. Decision-Making Strategies
Define your priorities and establish short-term and long-term goals. Set achievable milestones that align with your values and aspirations.
Explore strategies for evaluating career pathways, job offers and other opportunities that come your way. Understand the importance of aligning your values and career goals with the roles you consider, even when uncertainty lingers.
Career change can represent more than the chance to quit a shitty job or leave a career that's sucking your soul. Of course it can mean getting rid of a long drive to the office or making more money but one of the most significant advantages is the opportunity for personal development and self-discovery. The process of career change can result in a confidence boost and the way I teach it leaves you with a repeatable process you can use to introduce a new richness to your life. This is true agency.
A career change can also reignite passion and enthusiasm for work, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. Ultimately, the benefits of a career change go beyond the confines of the workplace, influencing overall well-being, and contributing to a more enriching and meaningful life.
Cheering you on!
p.s.: Did you know that I’ve spent the past 23 years devoted to helping established professionals manage the challenges of working life?
My approach helps to boost confidence, reduce self-doubt, and clarify direction, so decisions feel easier and more seems possible.
I offer 1:1 coaching to professionals looking for longer term support as they navigate career or retirement transitions. Reach out to learn more.
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