5 tips for career changes
Whether your motivation for change is a burning platform, burning ambition, or somewhere in-between, there are 5 key considerations that will help you make a great decision about what next in your career…
Tip 1 - Align with your values and beliefs
When your career choice aligns with your values and beliefs, it’s proven to have a positive impact on your wellbeing, job satisfaction and performance! So, what do I mean when I say values and beliefs? Put simply, it’s those things that get you out of bed in the morning! They can be divided into three buckets: intrinsic values, extrinsic values, and lifestyle values.
- Intrinsic values: Do you crave variety? Is it important to feel valued by others or to give back to society? These are all examples of intrinsic values.
- Extrinsic values: Is a high salary a key motivator for you? Is flexible working important? Is on-site childcare valuable? Put simply, tangible rewards that accompany a role.
- Lifestyle values - Is it important to be able to work at home, or to be able to cycle to work in the morning? Do you love the vibrancy of working in a city or do you prefer the tranquillity of a more remote setting?
Tip 2 - Conditions to thrive
What’s your natural work style? Do you prefer autonomy, or do you enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a team? Is your biggest reward developing other people?
Tip 3 - Play to your strengths/core skills
It may seem obvious, but it’s important to consider what are your transferable skills, not just what your core specialism is. For example, just because you’ve been a marketer, it isn’t your only option. Marketing is based on a deep understanding of human emotions and behaviour, so what other avenues could this open up? What do you do outside work, are there opportunities here? Ask trusted friends, family, and colleagues, you may be surprised to hear strengths you had taken for granted or overlooked!
Tip 4 - Share your journey!
How do you succinctly and positively describe your career when you’re changing or pivoting it? Being vocal has many benefits:
- You’ll have your cheerleading committee when you score a win!
- People on hand who can provide the moral support or advice when you need it most
- Just by telling someone what you’re going to do, can help provide the push you need to follow through on actions. Hold yourself accountable. Plus, you never know when that 6 degrees of separation contact might turn out to be your first sale or client.
Tip 5 - And in the song title of an ABBA classic….MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
………or more importantly, budgeting! How much money do you need to live your best life? Or to set up your business if that’s your plan? How long are you comfortable with no income or a reduced income? I love a spreadsheet, so always recommend recording your expenditure for a reasonable period. You’ll be surprised and shocked in equal measure when you see it is my guess. My ‘go to’ source of financial inspiration is Ramit Sethi, who has a great tool to help you work out what you need:
https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/c-conscious-spending-plan/
So, there you go, my handy hints and tips for career changes. If you’d like to understand how I can help you on your journey, please get in touch. Whether you’re at an early stage of simply feeling unfulfilled or stressed in your current role, or something is holding you back from making the change, executive coaching may provide what you need. Contact me at:
www.shine55.com/contact
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