Avoid Career Change Mistakes!
“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”
Marie Curie
Don’t be mistaken, making any career change is a big deal. The reason I work with people going through this process is because I appreciate how encompassing a career is, as it affects all aspects of your life. When you are in a career that is suited to you and you are happy with your work, you are a better parent, partner, friend, community member and child. You will be more productive at home because your energies will not be wiped out suffering through the workday.
However, if you do not enjoy your work and find it draining, the last thing you need to do is use your valuable energies in needless ways. I’ve put together a list of a few things things to take seriously when making that career transition, so you will be able to move forward successfully.
#1 – Making Hasty Decisions
Sometimes, especially on a bad day, the temptation to just quit and make a quick change is there. This is the worst step you could take. Making a transition of such magnitude without a plan, is a sure way to set yourself up for failure. Try writing down all the things you hate about your current job and look at your list for ways which you may be able to turn the situation around, or at the very least, mitigate the issues to make it more tolerable. Then begin to create a career change plan that will allow you to transition with less stress and worry.
#2 – Ignoring Finances
This ties in closely with making hasty decisions. Regardless of your reasons for pursuing another career, there is a reality which cannot be ignored: bills must be paid. Get very clear about where you stand right now with all your finances. Be honest about spending and start making your plan for savings. If you need to rely on lesser income while getting your dream job into place, understanding exactly how much you need to keep your household functioning will ease your stress and allow you to make intelligent decisions.
#3 – Failing to Make Decisions
Chances are, you were afforded many different opportunities and had to make choices during your life, that have lead you to where you are now. As you stand in the position of looking toward your future, you may find that you will become overwhelmed with all the ideas and possibilities which will open. When we become overwhelmed, the typical reaction is to shut down. My first advice to clients is to capture all this information and their ideas on paper. All major decisions should be looked at on paper. Running ideas through your head, without being able to clearly analyze them objectively, will make everything seem larger and more complex. The reason for this is that when we keep our thoughts in our head, we have a tendency to think the same thoughts over and over, making it appear that there is more there than there really is. After capturing your choices on paper, make note of whether each choice will move you in the direction of your dream position, will it start down a new path, or will it hold you back. You may now decide which way to proceed that will be best for your situation.
#4 – Giving Up Too Soon
Developing a new career course takes time, energy and perseverance. At times, it will be painful to go through the steps and, after the initial excitement of starting out begins to fade, it’s easy to find excuses for not continuing. It has taken your lifetime to be at your present level of experience, education and development. Allow yourself the time and space necessary to determine your course of action and align all the pieces to get there.
With a clear understanding of where you are, solid knowledge of your resources and a strong desire to continue, your career transition will truly be a life transformation.
Lesley V. Ingves
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