Making a career transition isn't easy. You may strongly feel that you are ready or in desperate need, but it is certainly not a simple task to take on.
It's like an onion. It seems simple enough, but once you cut into it, there are multiple layers that need to be addressed.
Why do you want to make a change?
❓Are you bored?
❓Is the organization no longer aligned to your goals?
❓Is Management wearing you down?
❓Do you want a greater challenge? More money?
❓Are you looking for something bigger? Better? Different?
❓Do you want to pursue a passion?
It's so important to be honest with yourself on the WHY before you tackle the HOW.
And it's equally important to understand the timing of making a career change and what type of support you will need. This support comes from friends, family, colleagues and even coaches.
There are many people who claim to be hellbent on making a change. Their current position is affecting their mental, emotional and sometimes physical health. But, as so often happens, life gets in the way. The fear of change turns into procrastination.
🕰️ I'll do it after I'm done with this project
🕰️ I'll do it after the summer when the kids are back in school
🕰️ The new year will be a good time to make a change
🕰️ I'll just wait to see what happens
And we all know what happens.
Life continues to happen and you continue to put things off.
Meanwhile, you are mentally drained and dread going to work in the morning.
You are emotionally spent and it is affecting how you treat your family and friends.
You are spending so much time trying to make this job "work" that you are not prioritizing your own health.
It's a vicious cycle.
It's so important to set realistic goals, understand why you want them and how your life is going to change once you reach these goals.
Know what you want.
The big title might sound great, but with it comes more responsibility and skills that you may still need to hone, but the reality is that you really aren't interested in sharpening those skills.
Maybe you can capitalize on your existing knowledge and make more money in a similar role with a different company.
Perhaps you can capitalize your existing skillset and create a much-needed position in your current company.
What do you want? And what are you willing to do for it?
The onion is the big picture. The layers include the why, what, when, how. Inside each of those are more layers that hold deeper answers and realities around the gains and sacrifices of reaching your goals.
Here is a link to a Career Satisfaction Survey. Find out just how happy you are. And if you discover that you could be happier, reach out to me and let's discuss it.
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