Managing Career Transitions

Extracted from “The Star – 18 May 2013”

Job transitions are normal. An average person changes employment between five and 15 times in their entire career journey, not only from one company to another, but also within the same functional role. This is expected and the reasons for changing jobs vary, but the top two reasons are usually for a  better prospect and work environment.

   Career transitions on the other hand are rare for most people, for example a finance executive moving into a sales role, an engineer moving on to start a restaurant or someone leaving his or her steady job to become a full-time politician.

   The reason career transitions are rare is simply because it is difficult thing to do. The person is required to step out of his or her comfort zone into an unknown career environment. The challenges include a lack of expertise, financial considerations and fear.

   Making a career transition decision is challenging. So, how does one decide if it’s the right decision to make and how does one transition into a new career when the decision is made? Here are seven simple yet powerful considerations:

CHECK YOUR MOTIVES

Why are you considering a career transition? If it is merely to make more money or to escape the “boss from hell”, then think again.

   People who truly find significance in their work have a greater end in mind. They are happier because their work draws out their full potential and at the same time, others benefit from what they do.

   Don’t worry about the money. If you do the right thing with the passion and talent you have, in most cases, the money will come.

USE YOUR TALENTS

According to Marcus Buckingham, author of Now, discover your strengths, you are more likely to succeed and excel in anything that you do if you utilise your key strengths.

   By playing to your talents, you are unlocking your full potential. This makes perfect sense. Why stay glued to your desk-bound, number crunching job if you have a knack for connecting, influencing and building rapport with people? You may be better off perhaps in a job related to sales, business development or customer service.

   The chances are you will excel in these other roles and find fulfilment in the long run.

IDENTIFY YOUR PASSION

One of the worst things for working people is to be stuck in a job they dislike. I’m not talking about not liking the company you work for or the environment you are in.

   You simply find no pleasure in your current job function and you know it’s not going to help even if you were to leave to go to another company for a similar job function.

   So, ask yourself, what do you really like? What kind of job roles or industry resonates with your heart right now? What is it that you would look forward to waking up to do every morning?

CONDUCT YOUR RESEARCH

Once you have identified your areas of passion and talent, do some research to identify possible job roles or industries that will align to your ideals.

   For example, if your area of passion and talent is related to children, you may want to look out for possible opportunities like working for a company that provides goods or services to children – anything from milk powders, toys to private schools.

   Or perhaps, you may want to consider starting your own business like a kindergarten, learning centre for children with special needs or a tuition centre. It takes some degree of research that includes talking to the right people.

PUNCH YOUR CALCULATOR

One of the more serious challenges in career transitions is in the area of finances. In many cases, because you are embarking on something new that may not be related to your previous work experience, you may be required to take a pay cut. Ouch!

   For example, an accountant that is on his job for 10 years may not likely be able to command the same level of pay if he decides to go into customer service role in another organisation simply because he does not have the necessary experience.

   The same applies if one decides to start a new business. The financial considerations are major. This is more so for those in mid-career and above because many financial commitments such as instalments for cars, homes and finances for children education are already locked in.

   Ask yourself, what kind of financial adjustments are you willing to make temporarily in order to realise your dream of a career transition.

 

FORMULATE A GAME PLAN

Once decided, you need to intentionally work towards your career transition. You need a clear roadmap to get there. Figure out what steps you need to take in order for you to transit successfully.

   Your plan should include your research period, people you need to talk to, financial savings needed in order to buffer a possible lower pay or even a new resume.

TALK TO TRUSTED PEOPLE

A famous proverb says, “in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety”. I agree.

   We don’t know it all. we need others to “proof-test” our aspirations. Others need to be given the opportunity to challenge and verify our assumptions.

    For example, if you think you are a good cook and want to start a small eating outlet, ask your trusted friends if you can really cook well. Invite them to your home, cook for them your specialty and ask for their opinion. This way, we will not base a decision to a misconception.

   If possible, identify a trusted mentor, preferably someone older who has more experience and allow the person access into your heart to speak the truth and help you see your circumstances clearly.

   Career transitions are not about small steps. It requires a leap of faith. A leap requires a substantial step. In other words, it’s time to jump!

   After you have made necessary preparations, counted the cost and considered your risk, it’s time for action.

   Just do it. Don’t give in to fear. Fear robs us from realising our full potential. Once you make the first jump, the second one is easier (but not necessarily less painful). In due time, you will reap the fruit of your courage if you do not give up.