QUESTION:  How to Position the Need for a Career Change? 

Dear Merry,

I am a group manager and have been for 5 years.  I took the job because I am able to manage people.  Truth be told, I'm tired and not very energized by the work anymore. What would be a good way to approach this with my division manager?

RESPONSE:  Develop Viable Solutions

Dear Executive,

Before you approach your division manager I d like you to do some homework that will:  a) help create a future career that you can be passionate about, and b) help you present solutions to your division manager, rather than a "problem":

Ask your self:

1)      What would you do if you could do anything? Make a big list. Don t let your mind interfere with what is possible and not possible. Go wild, be free and simply listen to your heart s desire.

2)      What parts of your job do you like?   What would you like to get rid of?  What gives you energy? What seems to drain your energy? Please make a list.

3)      Take Some Time Away: If possible, take some vacation or time away to do nothing but let these thoughts percolate.

Next....

1)      Can you see a position that currently exists in your company that interests you?

2)      Can you see a need that should be met in your company that you would be interested in filling - even if currently that position does not yet exist?  Consider putting together a case for this job.

3)      Are there parts of your job that still interest and excite you?  Could you shift the responsibilities that drain your energy to someone else more suited to that skill set and add new responsibilities to your job that are of interest to you?

Once you have had some time to yourself to explore these questions, then:

1)      List Your Accomplishments:  Write some brief bullets highlighting what you have produced - accomplishments tied to business imperatives.

2)      Discuss Your Plan with a Mentor:  Do you have any mentors in your company aside from your boss?  Discuss your accomplishments and your ideas about your future career with them to develop a plan to present to your boss

3)      Explore Your Plan/s with Your Boss:  Discuss your accomplishments and your vision of your next career step with your boss.  Share your plan, or better yet a few options, for exploration.  You do not want to meet with your boss and say, "Time for a change..." unless you have some suggested solutions. In the meeting:

a.      It is important that you let your boss know you have liked working for them.

b.      Tell them that its time for you to use your skills in new ways and you are requesting their support.

c.      Your boss may feel defensive so make sure she/he knows you will help with your replacement. 

d.      Ask your boss for support for your vision.

e.      Position yourself as a new hire would.

If your boss is not onboard with your vision, whom else could you discuss your career and retention with?  Perhaps the Human Resources department or other leaders in the company will support you?  If you do your homework to develop a solution, you are more likely to create the ideal position for yourself.

As always I also recommend that you have a current, accomplishment-based resume on hand.  Updating your resume will ensure that you can clearly and concisely re-cap your achievements and will give you optimal career flexibility.

Good luck as you envision a new career for yourself!

Dare to Deliver!

Merry

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