The never-ending pandemic has made people reconsider their work lives. Over the last year and a half, almost everyone I’ve spoken with, both personally and professionally, have told me that they’ve been reevaluating their jobs and careers. They question if they can stay in the same type of role for the next five, 10 or 20 years.
There is an overwhelming yearning to try something new. I’ve noticed a trend of people seeking out roles that offer a deeper meaning and serve a larger purpose. Some dream about it, while others have started making plans. This entails reinventing themselves, starting all over again or pivoting to other professions.
My unscientific anecdotal experiences are backed up by a recent FlexJobs survey of more than 4,600 workers. The survey asked the participants about their careers and what they want from a job. The results showed that nearly 70% of the respondents “would consider changing careers.” The top reason for making a move is “to be in a job or field with a better work-life balance (56%).” Interestingly, this response was greater than “looking for a higher salary (50%),” which indicates that having a better quality of life is viewed as more important than earning more money.
The other top reasons for switching jobs and careers include “wanting a more meaningful or fulfilling career (49%),” improving and growing their “professional skill set (43%)” and feeling the need to move due to a “lack of advancement or growth opportunities in their current career (27%).”
The participants in the survey felt confident in their abilities to make a switch. They replied that it would be “pretty easy, my skills are transferable (28%).” Some acknowledged that it would be difficult, but “manageable” (53%). Around 20% recognized the inherent challenges and said that changing careers could be “very hard, and I’m not sure it’s going to work (19%).”
It’s easy to reply to a survey stating that you want—and will—make a change. Putting this into action is another story. Making a big change in your life and/or career is a big step. It’s not something to take lightly. You need to put a lot of thought into the move. You don’t want to jump into the deep end of the pool right away. Feel out the waters first.
Thoughtfully consider what you really want to do next. Be realistic and honest with yourself. Take a self-assessment to find out if you have the mental and emotional strength and endurance to start all over again. It’s important that you understand that it may not be easy. There will be stress and uncertainty accompanying the journey.
Making a switch could require you to leave behind a nice, safe job and career. Your identity is most likely tied up in your position and you’ll lose the social status associated with it. Family, friends and colleagues will look at you differently and wonder what’s wrong with you. Since they’re afraid to try something new and exciting, they’ll assume that you’re running away.
Figure out how long it will take to transition to a new career, job or profession. It would be helpful if you could maintain your current position while starting your new business, venture or job. Ensure that you have sufficient funds saved to bridge the gap between your current job and the new field you’re trying to break into—since you may initially earn a lesser income.
Conduct due diligence into the job, profession or business that you desire to pursue. Make sure that it will pay enough to warrant the change and that there is solid growth potential.
Find people who are currently engaged in the profession that you want to go into. Seek out a mentor who can offer advice and guidance. For instance, if you wish to stop being an attorney and become a teacher, speak with as many educators as possible. If you can’t find one, read as much as possible about the area you’re entering. You want to find out the real deal before you make the leap.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Allow a reasonable amount of time to achieve your goal. If the pivot requires going back to school, it could take a number of years. Once you move into the new space, you probably won’t earn as much as you previously did.
As time passes, your financial situation will vastly improve. You will gain more experience and grow into your new career. Since you are highly motivated for the change, you will probably work harder. You’ll be happy, excited and motivated in this new endeavor. People will notice this and you will quickly move forward.
If you find out that this new job or profession is not what you thought it would be, you can always return to your past profession or try something else. Once you have a taste for taking chances, it becomes easier to do it again. As long as you have confidence in yourself, you can keep trying until you find the right fit that makes you happy, fulfilled and looking forward to waking up every morning.
Source: Forbes
