Thinking of making a career shift? Before making the leap, get your ducks in a row to ensure your success. Arm yourself with the right strategies, tools and resources needed to launch your career change.
First, get clear about what you want
Career testing can help you get started. Also, consider what type of work holds your interest? What skills do you enjoy using? What contribution do you want to make in this next chapter of your career? And what values are important to you and should be supported in your new career and workplace? The Strong Interests Indicator and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Career Report are great career tests I use in my career coaching practice to help clients explore career options aligned to their skills, personality and interests. For clients focused on exploring new business careers, I use Career Leader, an invaluable career test developed through Harvard Business School.
Prepare yourself for the journey
Notice I say journey versus weekend road trip. Career change takes time – it doesn’t happen overnight or without financial investment. Ensure your finances are in place to support you, particularly if you are tempted to jump ship and quit your job before clarifying what you want to do next.
Don’t jump too soon
All too often we jump from the fire to the frying pan thinking any new job would be better than the job we currently have. In The 5 Biggest Mistakes Career Changers Make Forbes contributor Kathy Caprino states: “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water”. Instead ask yourself, can I make a career shift where I am by making minor changes to my job or by shifting to a new employer? She also advises “Running away will not solve your problems – they’ll just be repeated in the next career.”
Take time to reflect and plan
Devise a well thought out, fully researched career transition plan that will support you as you explore new options, determine best fit new careers, and identify options that align with your values, including how much money you need to make. All this will help ensure your leap is a successful one.
Reach out today for a complimentary telephone consultation. We’ll discuss your current career situation and frustrations, and strategize the steps you need to take to shift your future.
I look forward to helping you!
Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
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