Coping with a change in career

Now as a fresh graduate, we’ve all faced the anxiety. Most of the times because we’re entering a new industry altogether. But even if you’re one of the lucky few who do have some theoretical knowledge about the job that you are going to do, are you experienced enough to deal with the jitters at a job you’re doing for the first time?

Fast forward 15 years into the future; you’re 35 years old and halfway to your retirement. This means that whatever you’ve accomplished till now is the max that you can do given your time, resources and experience you gain over the years; but you’re not happy, given that the line you chose has just lost its spark. Your decision favours a career change, because toiling away for hours with no end on a computer at a job you give absolutely no damn about, doesn’t seem right.

But hey, at least there’s stability, you tell yourself. Six cups of coffee in the first half of the day and insomnia pay your bills.

About 66% of the employees after ten years of work in the industry become discontent and disinterested in their work. (forbes, 2011) but they chose to stay because it is the only thing that they know or have experience in.
Everyone experiences stage fright when they’re thrown out into the world, all new and shiny; and when an old but precious ornament like you is standing on the podium, it is more than understandable if you’re close to fainting.
How do you deal with stage fright?

Step one: The world’s growing younger by the day

By this time you’ve probably reached a respectable post in your job. Even if you haven’t, you’ve probably reached a respectable stage. You’re so used to dealing with problems as old as time as you’ve known it, working with people of your age or above, that you tend to become a little outdated. The first step to counter stress is to accept the fact that the world has grown twenty years since you first joined. The newer industry that you probably have interest in is run, or at the least, dominated by new age technology and people. To put it in simple words, there’s an entirely new generation of people who’s ideas, and demands are ruling the market. They are now your next customers, employees (in case you start a business) or even bosses. Nobody’s asking you to think like them. But accept their existence and their presence.

Step two: Start from the bottom

Now that you’ve entered a new industry it is but obvious that everything has changed. Marketing becomes digital, and digital becomes 3d. When was the last time you could touch a picture you saw on the computer?
Maybe you’re from the IT industry. Even better. How great are you with financial analysis?
As an employee who has catered and seen the corporate life for so many years, you know the importance of basics. You, for a fact know that to conquer any post, you need to start with the small tasks, and ensure you do them with perfection before you can even apply for a promotion. This isn’t school; you don’t need a minimum percentage to pass. You need to be the best; you need to hone yourself to be the best.

Step three: Don’t be afraid to learn

Coursera and HeadHonchos are two of the most popular websites that offer online courses. You don’t have the time to go through college again, and you need to join as soon as possible so that you can take yourself to the mid or senior level by the time you retire. It is only wise that you register for sites like these, so that you can pursue multiple courses at once, while keeping up with your old job and/or your new job hunt. Multitasking is one of the most needed qualities nowadays, and it’s for the best that you start practicing as soon as possible, incorporating it into your daily life. No more will your son listening to music while texting and doing math bother you anymore.

Step four: You are important

Let’s be frank, it an ego issue, stepping down from a job where you are respected and loved to one where people don’t even know you. You are a fresher, no matter what your designation might’ve been. You’re told the secrets of the company; new people open up to you. Be confident, they need you, as much as you need them. This is why they hired you, and this is why you applied. This is why they’re paying you. You are an employee whose functioning affects them, and under no circumstance are they going to consider a charity case. They’re willing to work on you, and you should be too.
A job by the end is a two way street; the company develops you, as you develop them. Realize that even though you are moving out of your old job, it doesn’t mean that your new one might not be worth it. It’s always an experience. And you’re never too old to learn.