How to make great career change decisions
Photo by Liza Summer on Pexel
Making clear, confident career change decisions and being OK with the uncertainty that any decision unleashes is one of this blog's best-loved topics.
So, if you're looking to refresh your decision-making skills and are a fan of finding all the essential stuff in one handy spot, read on.
5 Decision-making moves for key stages of your career change process
1.When should I change careers?
Sometimes, we don't get to pick the moment to embark on our career change adventure. Someone else decides for us, or the pressure to quit is simply too strong.
If you have control over when to begin and you're preoccupied with one or more of these common career change kickstart dilemmas:
Feeling 'ready, not ready'
In the midst or on the margins of another life-changing event
Wondering if you should stay put when the world is so wonky?
Here are 4 ways to fine-tune your timing.
2.Should I take a career break?
There are loads of creative ways to launch yourself into exploring new careers. Breaks come in all shapes and sizes. A weekend away can work wonders. Sabbaticals can be taken. Hours can be flexed or cut.
However you decide on the right break for you, here are, 6 things to give your career change break direction and momentum.
3.Who needs to know I'm considering a career change?
Telling your close humans that you're changing careers can be complex and delicate. You want everyone in your corner, cheering like mad. Heads up that may not happen, at least not straight away.
Wondering how to:
Broach the subject - when to tell what to whom
Handle responses you may not like with grace.
Here are 8 Cool ways to tell family and friends you're changing careers and 7 ways support can help you.
4.Can I really do this?
Decide to change careers and watch for some untested but unnerving assumptions about your capabilities and chances of succeeding. Knowing that these scary thoughts flow from our natural fear of facing the unknown and failing won't stop them from arriving, but it can help you put them in perspective.
These pesky underminers include:
Underestimating the depth and transferability of your skills and experience
Overestimating the glamour and underestimating the graft in that dream job you're coveting
Believing that entering a new field means going back to basics, earning less, or completing loads of study.
If you're looking to escape the dark and gloomy land of limiting beliefs, here are 5 Career change assumptions you need to test.
And a myth-busting heads up on the hidden job market.
5.How do I choose between two great jobs or career ideas?
Nice problem to have, I hear you say.
True. But the stakes can seem very high, and the pressure to make the 'right choice' can be huge.
If you're facing a 'best of the best' decision, here are 3 Top tips for making close calls.
How do I make the right decision?
Photo by CocaKolaLips on Pexel
If you're up for taking a fresh, fun angle on your decision, or you're keen to test the strength of your gut feel, try one of these less conventional tools.
The Coin Toss: A venerable method dating back to the Romans. I make 'heads' the sensible option and 'tails' the wildcard one. Pay attention to your gut reaction before the coin lands. What is 'instinctual you' hoping for? Are you relieved or disappointed by the result?
The 10/10/10 Rule: Invented by business writer Suzy Welch.
Imagine how you might feel about your decision in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. Putting your decision in context over time, taps into your values and helps you consider short-term impacts and long-term planning.
The Pillow Method: Sleep on your decision – literally. Last thing before you sleep, write the decision or problem on a slip of paper and place it under your pillow. The idea is to let your subconscious work through it while you sleep so you wake up with a sharper perspective or new insight.
The Five Hats Method: A simplified version of Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats. Give your decision five feelings' hats' (e.g. intuitive, logical, cautious, sceptical and optimistic). Approach the decision wearing each hat.
The Storytelling Approach: Imagine telling a friend the story behind your decision. Or write the story in your journal. How would you describe it? Storytelling adds colour and momentum. This can help you notice things that might not show up on a list of pros and cons.
Playing with these techniques can be a creative way to get insight into your decision-making process.
Need help navigating career changes many and varied decisions? 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.
