5 tricky career change assumptions you need to test
Most of us make dozens of daily assumptions. They are the backward swimming fish that shape how we see our world and feel and act in it. Assumptions are a rich mix of our past experiences and our exposure to other's advice and commentary. Some are small and inconsequential, like a dedicated carnivore assuming gluten-free, vegan burgers have a 'yum' count of zero. While this one might limit a gastronomic adventure, there are heaps of loads of hefty untested assumptions with serious potential to hold us back.
Feelings drive assumptions, and chief amongst these is fear. Whenever we're facing change and uncertainty, assumptions pop up out of nowhere. They undercut our sense of ourselves as capable, confident people who can do things differently and well.
Career change is rich territory for making undermining assumptions. Also known as 'limiting beliefs,' they demonstrate our spectacular capacity to over or underestimate others, ourselves, and how the world works.
Review your limiting limits
Recognise your 'limiting beliefs' in this list of common career change assumptions?
1. Overestimating the glamour in your ideal job - being a pilot looks very cool if you discount the jet lag, the paperwork, and the responsibility for the lives of hundreds of airborne others
2. Underestimating almost everything else about a career path you're curious to pursue, including:
Your capacity to do the job, the value of your transferable skills and experience - research has found this is particularly true for women.
Seeing the recruitment process as a rigid, tick box exercise in having the approved qualifications rather than a chance to advocate for yourself as a talented, adaptable human
Dismissing your chances of finding a role in an industry that looks closed and competitive BUT probably isn't
Discounting the possibility of entering a new field at a level comparable to your current one – also known as falling prey to the 'bottom of the ladder' myth
3. Under or overestimating how much you'll earn in a different industry or role
4. Overestimating the talent, charm, good looks, and interview prowess of everyone else in line for your coveted position
5. Underestimating your capacity to muster the guts and determination to change your career and find something fulfilling and fun.
3 tips for toppling your assumptions
Assumptions have deep roots in the behaviours and values we learn in our families and our cultures. Shifting them is a two-part process. Do it kindly and over time.
Change your mind (set)
Start by strengthening your skills in managing 'the change in career change' and get to grips with your inner demons. As a career changer, it's natural to be scared and rattled. It's also natural to feel relieved and excited and curious.
Learn to spot and see thoughts of failure, financial ruin, and public humiliation for what they are, terrifying but untested assumptions. This is a crucial step towards a healthy perspective on the adventure you've embarked on for good reasons. It also prepares you for hopping off Google and talking to real people.
Do the 'talk test'
Get out into the real world and test your beliefs about your fitness for new roles, the likelihood of winning them, and whether they'd pay a living wage.
If you're questioning yourself, your strengths, and your suitability for a role you'd love, ask some trusted, honest others how they see you. Show your CV to someone in your target industry. Maybe they’ll help you understand where your talents fit and point you at helpful training.
If your scary assumptions are around how a role or a sector might meet your career 'must haves,' talk to people already there. Gather as much information and insight as you can to counter your misgivings about how well or badly you might fare in a potential career.
Gently does it
It takes courage to step outside the (dis)comfort zone your assumptions have helped create, so be kind and patient with yourself. Be open and direct with others who can help you see your career change prospects with fresher, clearer eyes.
As sci-fi and science writer Isaac Asimov noted, "your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in."
Ready to test your career change assumptions? – book a chat.
By Jo Green, Career Change Coach
I know that when you find what you love, heart and soul, your life changes. I work every day with people who are reshaping their current careers, starting new enterprises or searching for a new direction. Basically I help people who don’t like their job to figure out what to do instead!
As a Careershifters and Firework Advanced Certified Coach and experienced career changer myself, I can help you figure out what fulfilling work looks like for you.
Drop me a note to organise a free 20 minute consultation to chat about your career change and how coaching could help.
