Career Transitions: When is it time to change direction?
Over the course of a 40+ year career, professionals will hold an average of 12 jobs and experience five to seven career changes. Choosing to make a career change can be driven by personal evolution, aspirations, compensation, shifts in the marketplace, or changes in the company you work for. Ultimately, it’s not uncommon to find yourself asking at some point: Is it time to change direction?
A career transition can provide increased job satisfaction and well-being, learning opportunities, and even higher income. It may also result in personal growth, an expanded professional network, and a change in work-life balance. Potential exists that there are careers out there that may be more aligned and rewarding for you.
What exactly is a career transition?
A career transition usually entails making a significant shift in your professional direction, which may require new skills, knowledge, and experience. Sometimes these transitions are voluntary, but big changes in your industry or organization can also be the motivation for choosing a new career path.
A career transition is different from a basic job change, which is seeking another position in the same field at a different organization - maybe for higher pay or positional advancement. A transition is usually about pursuing a new path, industry or profession. For example, your current career might be in technology, but you want to move into finance.
Why make a career transition?
As a career coach, I’ve worked with clients through career transitions, all motivated by different things. One thing I can say for sure: Whatever the motivator is, it’s important you are clear on it before making a big change.
These days, AI is changing some traditional paths and industries so you may desire a move to a career that has greater long-term potential. Maybe you sense your earning potential or lifestyle would improve if you were in a different industry. Or you might feel that you’ve achieved most or all of your goals in your current sector and crave a change that will challenge you. Perhaps the culture and values in your current sector are unappealing, and your own values don’t align there anymore. And of course, you could simply be unhappy or feel unappreciated.
Everyone’s Career Transition is Unique
There are many types of career transitions. For example, you might be:
● accepting an internal promotion that takes you from an individual on a team to a leader of a team;
● looking to change job function, industry, and even location;
● considering a return to the workforce after a break as a caregiver;
● deciding to go out on your own as a freelancer; or (and this is a big one)
● starting your journey to retirement or partial retirement after a long and fruitful career.
A Special Note About Senior-Level and Retirement Transitions
Later-stage career moves and retirement strategy come with unique challenges but also opportunities. I’ve helped a number of GenX and Boomer clients to navigate through both career transitions - including a retirement strategy which may actually be the most significant of ALL career transitions.
So, how do you make a successful transition?
This Indeed article on “What is a Career Transition?” includes many practical tips for pursuing a successful transition. In addition to these tips, here is my own advice based on a career filled with coaching and developing professionals:
Really dive into some self-assessment exercises so you’re clear on your “why” before you take action (not sure how to self-assess? I have tools and ideas I share with my clients.)
Focus on your RELEVANT existing, transferable skills and accomplishments when updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, speaking during interviews, and meeting new contacts at networking events.
Network. Network. Network!!!
Get some support from individuals and groups you trust. Transitions are easier with guidance (also a big part of the work I do with clients considering career transitions.)
Realistic and consistent actions are what lead to success. Have a strategy, have a plan (p.s., I can help with that!) Break tasks down to small, doable steps to move forward.
Pay attention to your self-talk during any time of big change. There’s always a learning curve with something new, so expect it and put your best foot forward.
Be open to revisiting your strategy. Take any challenges as learning opportunities and be open to unexpected opportunities – after all, they can show up when least expected.
Harsh Reality: There is a factual strategy to make a career transition, and there are also the inevitable feelings and emotions that come up with this type of change. They can often keep you stuck, hesitant to move forward, even though you really feel that is what you want.
Transitions are a natural and healthy part of having a successful career. But doing it alone can be stressful. As a certified career management coach, I work with my clients to get clear on their motivations for change, decide what that change looks like, draft a narrative that connects their past experience to their future goals, and provide support on an executable strategy to achieve their next chapter.
I’d love to chat with you about your career transition goals and discuss the best strategy for you. Schedule a complimentary call with me here. Meanwhile, I’m sending you all the best wishes with your intentional career exploration efforts!