When you get that urge to sell everything, move across the world and start over

Have you ever felt the compelling urge to slam the brakes on your current career, step out of the car, and board a high-speed train bound for an entirely new direction?

You could try out a new industry, country, function, or type of organization.
And, as long as you are opening the hood, why not overhaul everything?

Then you only need to go through the change curve one time, right?

I’ve heard the siren song of a completely new and different life.

I have fantasized about selling my belongings and starting fresh on the other side of the world. I’ve even tried it at least once.

While exciting and energizing — these career overhauls can be very disruptive and challenging to execute.

Instead of tossing all your cards into the air and waiting to see where they fall, a more seamless transition might involve retaining one or two core elements while altering the rest:

• Switch from big company to a startup doing a similar function.
• Stay with your current employer but take a new type of position overseas.
• Keep industry constant while tinkering with the what and the where.

The reason it can be easier to make these types of changes is that you have some foundation to build from.

The credibility you built in previous roles will extend to adjacent opportunities.

You likely have people in your network who can give you a hand as you head off in a new direction.

Starting from scratch requires just that — finding the opportunities and people who can help you from the ground up. Not impossible, but more challenging.

The Generalist sweet spot is adjusting 2 or 3 big career factors at a time. That way, you get the novelty and energy that comes from something new, while not facing the burden of a complete revamp.

If you’re feeling pulled toward the career overhaul — check out the full article with Generalist World: How to unlock new opportunities without changing everything.

Or, if you are looking for some novelty and like your current gig, we have 10 tips for how to develop new skills while keeping the job you already have!