How To Inch Your Way To The Job You Really Want
SHIFT (verb)
– “to move or cause to move from one place to another.”
Movement is life.
You know you’re going distances when you see the scenery shift from the window of a vehicle. Animals that have stopped moving are considered dead (unless they’re hibernating). Bodies of water that remain stagnant are not considered sources of life, but rather, of disease.
The same is true for careers. Gone is the era when you stay at a job for 50 years to get a gold watch. Nowadays, more and more employers understand the need of the millennial generation to switch gears. In fact, this has given rise to new jobs that didn’t exist before. Careers that meet lifestyle. Occupations that spell freedom.
Feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Currently unhappy with your job? Daydreaming about a different scenery?
Perhaps it’s time for a career shift.
There are plenty of reasons why people do it, at any stage and from every industry. Some do it for bigger pay and opportunities, while others want a change of pace. Then there are those who look at a career shift as a chance to do what they’ve always wanted. To chase after dreams they thought have long been gone.
But how can you know it’s what you really want? What if you make a mistake? How or where do you even start?
Whatever your reason — or age — a career shift can be the riskiest, yet most rewarding thing you can do for yourself.
It’s normal to feel scared, confused, and alone during this time. If you’re worried about creating big waves, try gradual changes that will ultimately bring you closer to the job you really want.
Here are six steps to help you out.
1) Go on retreat.
Not sure about quitting your job? Afraid of diving into the vague job market once again?
Sometimes, simply thinking about them before going to bed is not enough. So why not take a break? Go on a personal retreat and simply reflect on the questions that have long bothered you.
You don’t need to hand in your resignation letter for this one. There are several types of personal retreats to help you analyze the direction of your career. You can hike during the weekends, or make use of that two-week vacation credit. Saved up for a sabbatical? Ask HR if you can take advantage of it now.
There are also organizations and local companies that offer retreats in quiet, picturesque locations. Use Retreat Finder to find the best one for you.
A career shift is a HUGE and scary thing. A retreat is meant to clear your head and lift the fog somehow. More than simply going on holiday, it’s a chance to take a hard, close look at yourself. Make this chance count.
2) Make a list.
No, not a To-Do list. During (or after) your break, you should have more or less an idea of where you want to go. This is the time to write down what you want — and don’t want — in your future job.
What are your negotiable and non-negotiables? Do you prefer to work alone or in groups? What tasks fire you up? Which benefits are most important for you? What skills and value can you impart to your future employer and coworkers? What activities would you enjoy doing even after 10, 20, or 30 years from now?
Jot them down. Be as specific as you can. This will help put things in perspective. After all, you won’t know how to negotiate with your future boss if you don’t even know what you expect from yourself.
3) Do your homework.
During the course of all that reflection and writing, you will come to a point when you believe you’re quite ready to wade in the pond (but not yet dive into the sea). This is when you’ll explore your options.
Don’t be afraid of dreaming or wishing. The job you really want may look unfeasible, but press on. In today’s highly connected world, it’s experience, enthusiasm, and creativity that are sought after. In fact, shifting between industries is nothing new.
Dedicate at least an hour or so a day researching about possibilities.
Do you like to make beaded jewelry? Read up on independent sellers and look at online platforms to possibly sell your craft from. Have you always dreamed about writing the next bestseller? Go to a publishing or writing forum and start making friends. Interested in a particular company? Check out their projects, achievements, and history online.
There are lots of success stories from real people who followed their dreams and succeeded in a career shift. There are tales from solicitors turned entrepreneurs, ad agents to artists, and technologists turned blogger.
4) Generate opportunities.
That’s right: generate opportunities — NOT merely search for them. Why? Because you may find that opportunities for the job you really want may be scarce. In this case, you need to create a demand for your skills or experience.
There are several ways to do this, but you need to think ‘out-of-the-box’.
If you want to work at the library for instance, but they don’t have openings yet, why not hang out there for a couple of days a week? Befriend the librarians and help visitors find the books they need. Want to work at a specific company where you already have contacts in? Inquire about internships.
The important thing is that you get to meet PEOPLE. They will play a crucial role not only in enlarging your circle of contacts, but also in giving you insider information in the field you want to shift to.
5) Get your feet wet before an actual career shift.
Once you have a list of jobs or ideas that you really want to get into, it’s time to try them out. Yes, go out there and actually DO the job.
Looking into becoming a full-time blogger or brand ambassador? Write at night or on the weekends. Expand your social media network and get in touch with Influencers. Want to try your hand at event organizing? Go with a friend who works at the same field and help out for the day. Dreaming of working at a local museum or zoo? Take advantage of their volunteer opportunities.
Trying out ideas BEFORE actually committing to them is a wise move because it does two vital things. First, you will know immediately how an everyday scenario would be before you sign a contract. Second, potential employers will get a chance to know your personality and work ethics. They’ll see whether you fit the company culture or not.
It’s a win-win strategy.
6) Ask for help.
For some, they might still feel like they’re galaxies away from the jobs they want even after following these tips. It could be due to:
· Anxiety over the actual interview or job offer
· Financial fears or the loss of security
· Personal feelings of ill-fitted choices in the job market
· Fear of making mistakes or significant changes
These are normal. After all, a career shift is NO joke. For a lot of people, it completely changed their life. Some went on to embrace their dream jobs, while others were surprised to find that they wanted something else.
But that’s why you’re most important asset during this time is PEOPLE. Asking for help from your network, mentors, family members, and friends, is crucial before, during, and even after a career shift.
If you’re clueless on where to start, talk to trusted loved ones about it. Need to break into a totally different field? Ask a friend who’s already in there. Unsure how to revamp your resume and cover letter? Turn to your coach, mentor, or a recruitment consultant.
Don’t push away folks who care about you and who truly just want to help. Sure, spend some ‘alone-time’ to figure things out on your own, but understand that a career shift affects not only you, but those around you. You’ll be more successful if you include the people you love in your plan.
Movement is life. Whatever direction you choose, going from one place to another is inevitable.
You’ll probably do it several times during your lifetime, too. But what truly matters is how this movement will make you feel.
