Whether you’ve chosen to make a career change or whether that decision has been taken for you, the process can often take longer than you expect. Knowing it may take at least 6 months- often quite a bit longer- may help you when preparing to make the change. Career change is a process, not an event. There is a lot to process- and a lot to the process of changing careers.
Here are some reasons why, along with suggestions for making your transition a little quicker and easier.
1. You didn’t see the change coming
Perhaps you were blindsided when you discovered your role was no longer on the new Org Chart and hadn’t imagined you’d find yourself in this position. It’s all to easy, when you’ve become comfortable in a job role, to imagine you’re immune to organisational cuts. It can be a huge shock that takes time to process psychologically. You’ll probably experience a range of emotions, from disbelief to anger, denial and depression. It’s important to accept what’s happened in order to move on. If you’re applying for jobs while still feeling resentful, this will ‘leak’ in interviews and may sabotage your chances of a job offer.
If you’ve been content in your role, you make not have contemplated a Plan B, so may have no idea what else you could do.
2. You hadn’t prepared financially
While you may have some financial contingency, will you have enough put by if it takes a year rather than 6 months before you find a new job? Lack of funds puts the pressure on to secure a job- any job- and there’s a risk that you might regret a decision taken in haste, even if it will remove the short term financial pressure.
3. You’re not happy in your job, but haven’t yet figured out what you’d rather do
The process of career change is an opportunity to explore your skills, strengths, aspirations and purpose. Allowing time to reflect on these is time well-spent. You may find over time that your priorities have changed and that what was once important is now less so. Once you understand what matters most, you’ll find it easier to explore possible ideas.
Many people want to skip this step and are impatient to start applying for jobs straight away. However, this is a bit like jumping into a car and driving off without knowing where you’re heading. You’ll find it harder to apply for jobs if you don’t know your intended destination. Your applications will lack conviction and you’re likely to experience a high number of rejections.
4. Researching possible career options
Once you’re clearer about your general sense of career direction, you’ll need to investigate the options that sound the most promising.
This may be straightforward if the change is a slight adjustment to what you’ve been doing. However, if you’re exploring a major career change, research your options by reaching out to people who are doing the kinds of work you’re interested in. This will involve setting up short meetings once you’ve identified your contacts. These conversations are hugely helpful in providing a reality check. Is the role you’re contemplating as you’d imagined? Are there any specific skills or experiences you need to develop to boost your credibility as an applicant? Sometimes a short online course may be all that’s required.
Your second degree contacts- those just outside your network- are likely to prove the most fruitful. These people don’t know you and won’t have a professional opinion or particular expectations about you and your capabilities. You’re not contacting them to ask for a job. You’re asking them for 20 minutes so you can find out more about their role/sector to fill any gaps you have. Most people are happy to help if they can.
5. Testing our your ideas
Once you’ve narrowed down possible options, it’s a good idea to gain some experience. A short project, side hustle or volunteering opportunity might provide this. It will add credibility and convey your motivation when applying for job roles.
6. Your professional profile
Your LinkedIn profile and CV should reflect the direction you want to be heading in, not simply list your achievements. Your LinkedIn heading and ‘About’ sections, should illustrate the kinds of problems you’re uniquely placed to resolve and for whom. Your CV should be tailored for each separate job application. These tasks take time to do well.
7. Reality check
You’ll face certain practical constraints when exploring alternative career opportunities. These may be financial, geographical, family/caring-related, so you’ll need to factor these into your plans.
8. Others’ expectations
It’s important to acknowledge that you can be limited by your own and others’ expectations. Status, earnings and certain types of career that may be deemed ‘acceptable’ can be unhelpful and limit options you might otherwise consider. Times are tough at the moment and your choices may be constrained.
9. How you’re feeling will impact the career change process
In her book ‘Dancing with Fear and Confidence‘, Specialist Consultant and Business Psychologist Laura Walker explains that during career change, fear and confidence interact. She says: “Confidence can increase your chances of success. Fear of becoming outdated can propel you to try something new and trying something new can make you feel fear. They can both impact pace. Fear is an emotion and confidence is highly influenced by emotions.”
How you feel throughout the process will fluctuate, with good and bad days. It’s therefore important to surround yourself with supportive family and friends.
10. Taking action is key
When in doubt, taking action will move you forward. Small steps each day will ensure you’re continuing to learn about yourself, about the opportunities that are most appealing and get you closer to making the shift into a new career.
A fellow career coach uses the metaphor of winter gardening. The effort you put into preparing the garden by mulching and sowing during colder seasons won’t become visible for several months. Like a garden, your career requires the investment of time and effort to reap the benefits.
For support through the process, why not consider a career change coach? I work with Higher Education staff who are looking to change career. Contact me if you’d like to know more.
annewilson@thecareercatalyst.co.uk.