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Top 5 Things to Consider when Deciding to Change Careers

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If you are unhappy in your current career and are thinking about making a change, you’re not alone. In fact, research has shown that the average American employee will change careers a whopping 3-7 times during their working years! The reasons for this are as diverse as we are. Some of us long for more fulfilling work, others yearn for a better work-life balance, while some might be forced into a career shift due to circumstances beyond their control.

Whatever is motivating you at this moment, a new career is a big change–and change can be scary. The key to navigating change is to make a plan–because by doing so, you take control of the change. (It’s much easier, and more peaceful, to navigate a life change when you are driving the change rather than the change driving you.) That being said, let’s look at five considerations that should become part of your game plan when transitioning careers.

1. Take Inventory of Your Skills and Passions

This step involves looking past your work experience to the talents and interests that you have–the things that make you good at what you do, as well as the things that cause you to enjoy certain types of work. The idea here is to get to your root motivations–your “why”–because you want to reimagine these talents and skills of yours in a new context. Simon Sinek’s books Start with Why and Find Your Why can be a great place to start.

Remember, your abilities extend beyond what you’ve learned in your current job. Perhaps you’re a great organizer or have a knack for persuasion. These ‘soft’ skills are highly sought after in many industries. Try using online assessment tools or career tests to discover your strengths and passions.

2. Research the Job Market

By this, I don’t necessarily mean look at the economy–in other words, don’t worry so much about how many jobs are available right this moment. Those dynamics change, sometimes month to month. Rather, I mean research the job market as far as discovering new industries and roles that align with the interests and passions you discovered in the previous step. Just as an example, if you are not enjoying your current job in accounting, but you’re passionate about the technology you’re using and have excellent problem-solving skills, you might consider exploring new roles within IT or software development. Focus on the parts of your job that you do like and brainstorm how those skills might serve you in a new role.

3. Evaluate Your Education and Training

Your passions should inform your new career, but you may also need some additional practical training to qualify for a new role. If you’re interested in becoming a counselor but you have a background in marketing, you’ll likely need further education. Look into part-time study options or online courses that could make this transition smoother. If no additional training is needed but you lask experience, explore the possibility of finding a mentor within your field of interest who can show you the ropes a bit and possibly open some doors for you.

4. Develop a Financial Plan

Changing careers often means adjusting to a new income level, at least temporarily. Make sure to consider your financial situation and how a potential salary change may impact your lifestyle. It’s wise to save enough money to cover living expenses for a few month months before making the switch. If necessary, talk to an accountant or a financial advisor to help you develop a strategy so finances don’t become an unwanted stressor.

5. Seek Support

Finally, it’s much easier to navigate a life change when you have a good support system versus going it alone. Reach out to family and friends you trust, let them know your intentions, and allow them to be a source of encouragement when needed. There may also be people within your network who can provide advice or insight (although you may need to practice discretion with this if your current job could be jeopardized by your intended career shift). Most importantly, a career coach can provide invaluable guidance and support during this transition. They can offer insights, help you set realistic goals, and keep you accountable as you navigate this important change.

Transitioning to a new career is not without its challenges. You’ll likely face resistance, discouragement, and setbacks along the way. However, remember that growth often comes from stepping outside our comfort zone. Embrace the uncertainty, stay resilient, and keep your ultimate goal in sight. Remember…change happens. Take control!

If you need additional guidance in transitioning to your new career, I’m here to help. To schedule a free initial consultation, just click here to access my calendar.

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New Year, New Career (Part 4: Leveraging Networking and Connections)

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Over the past few blog posts, we’ve been specifically discussing strategies and pathways for people who don’t just want to find a “new job,” but to switch careers entirely. If you’ve been tracking with me from the beginning, hopefully by now you’ve made your decision to pursue a new career; done a personal inventory (including identifying your talents, finding your “why,”) to reimagine how these might inform your career path; and begun taking steps toward filling in any educational gaps you may have. Now, it’s time to build on this groundwork you’ve been laying–and one of the most important ways to do that is by developing and utilizing a strong network.

I’m going to spend a bit of time on this topic because networking is one of the most powerful tools in your metaphorical toolbox to get your new career started–whether you’re finding clients for your own business or networking to find job openings. I emphasize networking highly when helping clients find new jobs in their chosen field–but it’s just as vital a tool when launching a brand-new caeer. Here’s why:

85 percent of all jobs are filled through networking. (Hubspot, 2019)

Let that sink in a moment because that’s a LOT of jobs. The vast majority of job positions are filled, not by answering job postings, cold calling, or blasting out one’s resume, but through connections. Not only that, but according to CNBC, 70 percent of job listings aren’t even publicly posted–so the only way to find them is through networking!

Convinced, yet?

So for this final post in the blog series, let’s talk about practical and creative ways for you to build and nurture a solid network of connections and utilize that to find opportunities to launch yourself on your new path.

Start with Your Existing Network

Before branching out and forming new relationships, take some time to assess your current network. This includes friends, family members, classmates, professors, coworkers, and acquaintances, both in-person and online. Identify individuals who may have valuable connections or insights into your target industry, and make it a priority to reconnect with them.

Attend Industry Events to Expand Your Network Strategically

Industry events, such as conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking mixers, are excellent opportunities to meet professionals in your chosen field. When attending these events, make sure to bring business cards, practice your elevator pitch, and most of all, engage in meaningful conversations. Don’t forget to follow up with new connections after the event to solidify your relationship. (More on that in a minute.)

Join Professional Associations

Professional associations offer a wealth of resources, including networking events, educational opportunities, and industry-specific job boards. By joining these organizations, you have the opportunity to surround yourself with industry experts while gaining access to valuable contacts and demonstrating your commitment to your chosen field.

Learn the Art of the Follow-Up

It’s not enough just to meet new people at networking and industry events. Without a second and third contact, most people simply won’t have the mental power to remember you. So after making a new connection, particularly one with career-building potential, be sure to follow up with them. Send a thank-you note, connect on social media, or schedule a coffee date to continue building the relationship. If you’ve connected with them on line, regularly engage with your connections by commenting on their posts, sharing interesting articles, or reaching out to them with questions or updates.

Leverage Social Media to Connect with Professionals Online

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of LinkedIn when it comes to making business connections–but these principles will work on any other social platforms you join. Follow industry influencers, join LinkedIn groups related to your field, engage in relevant conversations, and share content that showcases your expertise. Optimize your LinkedIn profile by adding a professional photo, crafting a compelling headline, and highlighting your skills and accomplishments.

Volunteer

If you’re looking to transition into a new field, consider volunteering or freelancing to gain valuable experience, demonstrate your skills, and build your portfolio. In addition to enhancing your resume, these opportunities can lead to new connections and possible job offers.

Request Informational Interviews with Industry Professionals

An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone in your target industry that helps you learn more about their career path, company, and industry trends. Identify some leaders in your field and reach out to request an informational interview. When you meet, come prepared with thoughtful questions. Be sure to send a thank-you note afterward to express your gratitude and maintain the relationship. Not only can this technique give you valuable insights into your new field, but in some cases you can find a helpful mentor. (Sometimes it only takes one influential person to open a whole range of doors for you.)

Give Back

Networking is a two-way street. As you work to build your connections, be prepared to offer value in return. Share job leads, provide introductions, or lend your expertise to others in your network. By being a supportive and valuable contact, you’ll strengthen your relationships and encourage others to reciprocate.

Nurture Your Connections: Build Long-Term Relationships

Networking is not just about making new connections; it’s also about nurturing existing relationships to build long-term relationships. Stay in touch with your contacts, congratulate them on their successes, and offer support when needed. By fostering genuine connections, you’ll create a network that can support your career growth for years to come.

This all may seem like a lot to remember, but as you get started, much of it becomes intuitive. After all, what you’re doing here is forming relationships, and once you get past the learning curve, relationships become a natural outflow of who you are. In this case, you’re forming relationships that can be helpful and even strategic for your career–but even when making strategic connections, those relationships can and should be genuine. Keep at it, and things should quickly become second-nature to you.

As always, if you want some one-on-one help in navigating your career change, not only can I help—I can relate. I know firsthand the excitement (and terror) of launching a new career, and I know how to help you find your way to other side of this life-changing transition. For a free, no-obligation consultation, just click here to access my calendar.

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New Year, New Career (Part 3: Filling in Educational Gaps)

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In previous posts (see here and here), we’ve been focusing on those who may be wanting to launch a whole new career in 2023, and the various ways to go about it. We’ve done the 10,000-foot view of the process, and we’ve talked about taking a personal inventory of your skills and passions to find your “why”, and how to let those things inform your new career path. Now, let’s assume you’ve settled on a new career path for yourself–you know what you want to do. It’s time to take some tangible steps toward that goal–beginning with revisiting your education and credentials, reviewing whether you have any gaps to fill, and figuring out how to fill those gaps.

Identifying Your Educational Gaps

The good news is, if you’ve followed the previous step of taking a personal inventory, there’s a good chance you’ve discovered you already have most of the skills and abilities necessary for your new career. That’s because most of us tend to move in the general direction of our passions throughout life, even if we don’t know that’s what we’re doing. It’s rare that someone would have to start over from the beginning with their education (although it does happen, and that’s okay, too). But most people aren’t starting from nothing, and that’s why we refer to it as an “education gap.” You most likely just have to fill in some spaces, update your credentials, get a little additional training, etc. Do some preliminary research, and ask yourself the following questions:

  • What additional credentials or certifications are required for your new career?
  • What additional credentials or certifications would be helpful for your new career?
  • What credentials are employers looking for in your new career path?

The idea here is to identify what additional training is required versus what training is simply optional–and then you can decide how to proceed.

Closing the Gaps

Once you’ve identified what educational gaps need to be filled, the next step is to determine how to fill them. Depending on your specific career choice and the requirements for that field, there may be a variety of options available to you. You may decide to pursue a degree from an accredited college or university, take online classes, complete certification programs (especially if they are offered in your area of specialty), join professional organizations and become certified, and/or attend conferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here; it’s all about what works best for you and the new career you’ve chosen to pursue.

Set Realistic Goals for How Much Time and Effort (and Money) You Can Invest

Let’s face it: Filling educational gaps takes time (and usually money). You need to be realistic about how much time and effort you are willing to put into attaining the necessary knowledge. Can you realistically set aside a few hours each week? Is there anything in your day-to-day life currently that needs adjustment or can be dropped entirely? When you’re starting out, you may feel motivated to jump in with both feet and immerse yourself in study–but if you are still at your current job (or need to work part-time to keep the bills paid), that’s probably not a realistic goal. Flames that burn hot tend to burn out more quickly–and you don’t want to burn out. Pace yourself and set goals that are manageable and attainable so you don’t get tired and discouraged. It’s better to start small and take a little more time to earn your credentials than to overload yourself and eventually quit.

As for the cost…if the cost of schooling in tuition is challenging for you, there may be financial aid options available If you’re training to start your own business, research to see if there are any available grants you might be eligible for (for example, many organizations actively seek to fund women and minorities who are starting businesses, and you can use at least some of that money for education purposes). Contact the financial aid department at schools where your credentials are offered to see what options they have for you. As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Seek Advice and Mentoring from Professionals in Your Field of Interest

Getting advice from someone who is already in the field you want to enter can help you develop a better and more realistic plan for filling your educational gaps. Talking with professionals in the industry can give you insight into what it’s really like to work in that career and what employers are looking for. They may even be able to offer suggestions on which schools offer the best programs, or which certifications will best set you up for success. Even more than that–finding a mentor in your field of interest can greatly accelerate your ramp-up time. And sometimes, simply having someone who understands what you’re going through can be a great source of encouragement.

Speaking of mentoring…even as you’re working through these steps, embarking on a career change alone can be quite daunting. As a career coach (who has also switched careers), I can provide even more insights and one-to-one guidance than you’ll find alone in this process. For a free, no-obligation consultation, just click here to access my calendar.

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You Don’t Really Want a Job. You Want a Purpose.

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“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” –Confucius

Here’s a little secret. If you’re transitioning between careers and all you’re doing is looking for a “job”—you’re not digging deep enough.

Jobs come and jobs go. If you’ve been recently laid off, you understand this as well as anyone. There really is no such thing as “job security.” What’s more, the whole idea of having a job is really about just having a paycheck. It helps you eat and pay the bills, but not much more than that—and if it’s not a job you really love, you’ll eventually come to resent it.

And sadly, if you’re like 85 percent of the population, you know what that feels like, too. Because that’s how many people in America hate their jobs.

What’s my point? You shouldn’t be looking for a job. You should be looking for a purpose.

Where Is Your Passion?

What do you really love to do? What sorts of things fill you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment? Once you understand the answers to these questions, then you can look for a job (or in some cases even create a job) that lets you pursue those passions. And that’s when you feel like you’re not working a day in your life. That’s when you feel energized about getting up and going to the office, studio or workspace every day. Make sense?

How Do You Turn a Purpose into a Career?

Let’s ponder another quote:

“Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.”—Katherine Whitehorn

To be clear, I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t have a job, per se. A career based on purpose rather than a paycheck can take many forms. It might be a position at a firm; it also might be a business you start for yourself, or even a nonprofit group. The idea here is to refine your job search by identifying the pathways that best serve your purpose. Yes, that means you might even have to say no to some opportunities that don’t fit within your purpose. However, that doesn’t mean you’re limiting your options. In fact, by thinking in these broader strokes, you’re actually opening up more possibilities, for yourself, not fewer. You open yourself up to ideas that might never have occurred to you if you were still just looking for a job.

No matter how long you’ve been between positions, I urge you if at all possible to avoid the snare of trying to get a job just to get a regular paycheck again. Think of this transition time, this time of change, as an opportunity to discover (or re-discover) your purpose—then let that purpose inform your direction as to a future job or career.

If you can do this…that’s when you’ll start to see that change itself can be the greatest gift you’ve ever been given.

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Retooling Your Skills for a New Career (part 2)

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In our previous post, we began talking about the fear that so many people deal with when going through a change in their professional life and career. Whether you leave a job by choice or by coercion, the uncertainty is real. However, as we mentioned earlier—you are still the same person, with the same talents and skills you had before you left that position. If you so desire, the same talents and skills that served you well in that job can serve you just as well in a different setting—perhaps even better. You just need to open your mind a bit and reimagine your talents and passions in a new way.

This process will look different for every person, of course, but here are a few options you might look at as starting points for retooling your skills for a new career.

Start Your Own Business in the Same Profession

One of the most common and effective solutions for rebooting a career is not to change professions, but just to stop working as an employee and start working for yourself. If you are a lawyer leaving an established firm, for example, you might have the option of starting your own practice. If you are a sales professional for a large company, find a new product you’re passionate about and set up a company to start selling that product. If you love what you do and want to keep doing exactly that thing, perhaps it’s time to take the helm of your own business. Doing so not only makes you the boss (virtually guaranteeing your job security!), but it may also take the limits off how much money you can make.

Work in a Related Profession

Sometimes retooling your skills simply means working in the same field but from a different angle. For instance, if you’ve had a desk job in publishing but always wanted to write your own novel, you’ve probably already got the connections you need in order to make that happen. Or, going back to the lawyer example, maybe you’re burned out with corporate law and a few classes are all you need to make the leap to criminal justice, personal injury or some other type of practice. Hitting the reset button may be as simple as making a small adjustment in how you approach your own profession.

Dig Deeper—Explore Your Core Talents

So maybe you want to take an entirely new direction with your professional life. That’s not uncommon, nor is it unattainable. In fact, chances are you’re already equipped for a wide range of careers you hadn’t even considered based on your personality type and what I call your “core talents.” A bit of self-exploration is helpful here—don’t just focus on what you’re trained to do, but on the deeper traits that make you good at what you do. For example, if being a “people person” made you a good marketing rep, it might make you an even better motivational speaker or public relations executive. If you were a great project manager based on your problem-solving skills, those skills might work quite well in event planning or consulting. (For me, I’m an encourager and a cheerleader of sorts; these skills that once served me in human resources now serve me as a life coach and career coach.)

The better you understand your core talents—the things you’re good at because of the type of person you are—the more career possibilities will open up to you, and the more far-sighted you’ll become. That’s the whole idea behind the Giraffes Theory. If I can help you reimagine your career, I’d love the opportunity. Give me a call at 646-320-1126.

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Retooling Your Skills for a New Career (Part 1)

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Sometimes we choose change; other times, change is thrust upon us. No one understands this truth better than people who have switched careers at some point in their lives. Whether you submit your resignation letter or get handed a pink slip, the idea of staring over in a new career can be just plain scary.

Interestingly enough, the fear factor doesn’t seem to be much different whether we choose to leave a comfortable position at a company, or whether the company terminates our position for some reason. In one case, we have the ability to anticipate the change; in the other, it feels more sudden. But the truth is, both prospects feel equally frightening. This fear can be enhanced even further when we’ve worked in a certain profession long enough that we have started to draw our identity from it. “I’ve been a ______ for my whole life; what do I do now??”

What You Do Is Not Who You Are

If any of this describes you, let’s start with some good news that may start alleviating some of that fear: Your identity does not hinge on your career. What you do is not who you are. You are exactly the same person the first day off the job as you were the last day on it. You have the same qualities, the same characteristics, the same nature that defines you as a person. All that’s changed is your circumstance.

Same Talents, New Setting

Here’s another bit of good news: Your talents and skills haven’t gone away, either. The things that made you good at your job are still very much in play. To discover a new career, you simply need to reimagine those talents in a new setting. This can happen in one of three ways:

  1. You can try to get a similar job with another company; or
  2. You can reimagine your skills for another kind of job; or
  3. You can completely change the setting and find new ways to exploit your talents—perhaps even go into business for yourself.

This is a situation with which I am personally familiar. If you know my story at all, you know that I worked for two decades as a human resources executive before a company merger made my job position redundant. Thankfully, I saw the writing on the wall and started planning for this before it happened; other people aren’t so fortunate to get the same kind of warning. But as I said, it was no less frightening. Perhaps with my experience I could have landed a new HR position at a new company, but another factor was my age. I was already in my 60s when this happened.

My solution? I discovered that becoming a life and career coach enlisted most of the same skills and talents I had used when working in human resources. In fact, my HR experience makes me very good at what I do! I simply had to open my mind and heart and see how my talents could be used in a new setting.

In the next post on this topic, I’ll offer a few more examples of what retooling your skills for a new career might look like, so you can begin to see your options are greater than you might have imagined. As always, I’m available to answer any immediate questions. Give me a call at 646-320-1126.