Navigating Career Transitions Successfully

Over a twenty year career, I am currently on my third employer. I stayed with my first employer for fifteen years and changed roles close to seven times within that organization that I didn’t even notice the time I had spent there. When I left, I was more than ready to continue my career elsewhere, to spread my wings, and leave the nest to explore what else was out there. With my second employer, things were slightly different. Three years in, I knew I wanted to leave. I just got very restless and wanted something different.

Have you ever looked around and thought, “This isn’t where I imagined I’d be?” Maybe it’s a nagging thought that keeps popping up in your mind. Or perhaps you’ve ticked off all the boxes you once dreamed of and now wonder, “What’s next?” Or maybe you realize you made a wrong move but feel like you should stay put because that’s what people expect? Let’s talk about career changes and how to manage this successfully.

Recognizing When It’s Time for Change
Sometimes, career dissatisfaction doesn’t come from a bad job or a difficult boss. It can be subtle, like an itch that won’t go away or a persistent daydream about what could be. It’s okay to feel that way. We’re meant to grow, and as we evolve, our professional goals should, too.

So, how do you know it’s time to move on? Sometimes, it starts with that inner sense of feeling stuck or unfulfilled. You might find yourself craving new challenges or questioning whether your work still aligns with your values and ambitions. These are signs that it’s time to pause, reflect, and consider other possibilities. It’s important not to make rushed decisions and thoroughly think through your next steps.

This was actually me at the beginning of this year. I just couldn’t shake the persistent feeling that I needed a new and different challenge. My first thought wasn’t actually to leave my then employer. I reached out to two senior leaders I trusted. I shared with them my career goals and my need for something different. They connected me with their network within the company to ensure my name could be at the top for internal opportunities that were aligned to my ambitions. In addition to that, I spruced up my LinkedIn profile and started actively looking for opportunities outside as well. I was ready for something different and was ready to look for it even if that search meant a new organization.

Strategies for a Smooth Transition
You should not leap into the unknown without a plan. A thoughtful approach to change can make the journey more exciting and less intimidating. Here are the practical steps that I suggest:

Assess Your Skills and Interests:
Start by evaluating where you are now. What are your strongest skills? What do you love most about your current job? What would you change? List what energizes you and what drains you. Then, think about how those elements could play into a new role or industry. This exercise helps you pinpoint areas you’re already great at and where you might want to explore something new. Having said this, every role will always have the not so fun elements that you might not enjoy but are a part of the role anyway. Don’t let the twenty percent that you don’t like make you throw away the eighty percent that you love and enjoy.
Map Out Your Next Steps:
Once you have clarity on your strengths and interests, research potential career paths that align with them. Consider whether you want to stay with your current employer, within your industry, or try something new. Research potential organizations that you might want to work for. Find out from any connections you might have working for the companies you are interested in.
Network Like a Pro:
Your network is your secret weapon. Start conversations, seek advice, and attend industry events or webinars. Share your career aspirations with trusted contacts, mentors, or former colleagues. People are often willing to help if you just ask. A casual coffee chat can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. I honestly believe networking is simpler than what it’s made out to be. There are already enough people that you just need to genuinely connect or reconnect with. Your former schoolmates, your church mates’ parents at the school your children go to, are just a few examples. Be genuine about connecting for mutual benefit and not just for what you can get out of people.
Take Inventory of Your Strengths and Weaknesses. One of the most important steps in navigating a career change is understanding what you bring to the table. Ask yourself these important questions, What am i really good at? Where do I need to grow? Take stock of your strengths, whether it’s your knack for problem-solving, leadership skills, or technical expertise. Then, look at your weaknesses, not as flaws but as areas for development.
Overcoming Fear of the Unknown
When it comes to career change, one of the things that hold people back is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of the unknown. Then, there’s a false sense of comfort in the familiar. It’s not about getting everything right from the onset. It’s about exploring new possibilities. Instead of asking, “What if I fail, it’s better to ask, “What if I succeed beyond my wildest expectations?”

Navigating the Transition With Confidence

It is important to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and can offer guidance along the way. Be prepared to handle questions like, “Why are you leaving a great job?” or “Are you sure this is what you want?” There is nothing wrong in these questions. You just need to set boundaries with naysayers and remind yourself of why the career change is important for you.

Conclusion
Changing careers is normal, and countless other people do it every day. It’s a choice to design the life you want. It’s a reminder that you are allowed to evolve, change directions, and chase after something new. We all deserve careers that excite us, challenge us, pay well, and make us proud. So, if you’re feeling that itch like i was early this year, don’t ignore it. A new chapter is calling. Why settle when you can turn the page and discover what’s next?

Changing careers is a declaration that you’re in control of your own story. And the best chapters are yet to be written.

Gratitude: it’s November, and even though Thanksgiving is not a holiday in my part of the world, I believe this is a very meaningful holiday. This week, I am grateful for the year 2024. It has been a mix of the good, the great, and some not great moments. But this is what makes life exciting and keeps me connected to my Creator.

Gratefully

Tendai AKA Mum In Stilettos

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