Are You Ready For A Career Change?

A few ideas to help ease the transition

Statistics show that the average employee will change jobs at least 11 times in their working life and, for most people, moving into a new role is a fairly manageable transition. But what happens you want to change course completely and launch a brand-new career? What steps do you take once you decide it’s time to move onto a new career? Is it really time for a career change or is there actually an opportunity to stay in your current job, by transforming and evolving your role there?

 

These questions can be difficult to answer and determining whether you should stay in your current job or start a different career and navigate a change, can be overwhelming and stressful. Here are some ideas to help ease the transition and ensure your career change (or role-within-your-current-company change) is a smooth and successful one.

If you are in a big company, a key resource to tap into is the human resources department.
Start by asking for an interview with the Human Resources Director to take stock of your situation. Then, consider what you would like to do. Do you want to leave? Or do you actually enjoy the work environment you’re currently in, but are ready for a different, new role? Clarify your ideas as quickly as possible. Whatever your choice is, this department can certainly help you.
 
Before this interview, prepare your file by gathering key documents: your career in the company, the various positions held, promotions obtained, your CV, and, clearly identify all your skills. You could also prepare a list with the experience and knowledge gained. Explain your wishes for evolution clearly by supporting them with examples showing that you are the ideal person for the job you want. Also, think about the concessions you are ready to make to get what you want; move, earn less, have different work schedules, etc.
 
If you plan to evolve within the company, be aware that an HR team member has a broad vision of needs in different teams. They will be able to point you to the services that recruit and those who, on the contrary, do not need anyone, or even, are in surplus. They can test your motivation for change as well and guide you in terms of where you may fit in another aspect of the company.
 
We often think enough about the Human Resources team as one that manages jobs and skills and drives the company's recruitment strategy. But it also manages the staff with support for hiring as well as for job transfers and promotions, or even dismissals. It can also provide valuable information about employee profiles within the company. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this resource and information-gather from the HR team.

A crucial question to ask to yourself is: "Am I mobile?” Is traveling across the country or abroad a problem? Depending on your family situation, adjustments may be necessary. This question often arises early in your career, right out of school. I often say this to young people I meet: “mobility is a very important key to getting a job, as is speaking at least one other language fluently. If you choose to stay in your city and neighborhood, you may miss many opportunities and find yourself doing something that does not satisfy you.” Of course, these are generalizations. But, what if preparing for a change of location allowed you to get the job of your dreams? So, if you have the means to do so, always be prepared and open to being mobile and flexible.

Does your company allow you to spend a few days working in another team to see if the position you would like to reach is suitable for you, in order not to be disappointed once there? It is a wonderful opportunity that can save you from investing yourself unnecessarily in a new job. In addition, it does not cost too much for the company to allow this kind of test. And it can encourage internal movements that will benefit everyone. Here too, the Human Resources team can help you in your approach. It can also help you determine once for all whether a switch to another role within the company is fulfilling for you, or if it’s time to leave and pursue a completely new career.

What if your newfound desire is to start a new business? Instead, first see if what you want to offer as a service could be useful to your current company. There is a new movement that consists of bringing innovative ideas to the company that employs you. You become an employee-entrepreneur during the project realization. “Intrapreneurship” is the idea of making the company and the employee prosper. It is a win-win innovative approach. The employee develops entrepreneurial skills to carry out his project, with limited risk. The company, for its part, can innovate at a lower cost, offer new services and test their impact, without having to hire external service providers.
 
Considering the above can help you see what motivates you and what you want to do. HR will be a very effective support network throughout your process. Do not hesitate to ask for their advice and call on their expertise. Figure out what you’d be willing to do in order to succeed within your current company or a new career. Are you willing to move for that new “dream” career? Would spending a few days learning to inner workings of another team within your company, help you determine if an internal role change is what you need? Or, is intrapreneurship more your style?
 
Leave no stone unturned when it comes to your career. Small or big, change is inevitable and can be difficult to navigate, but can often lead you to joy, fulfillment and success. So, are you ready for a change and are you willing to look deeper and tap into your resources to get what you desire out of your career?
 

Laurence Favier is a Joy of Business facilitator and highly experienced corporate executive. After more than 30 years in senior IT roles, particularly in project management and operations, Laurence made a conscious decision to adopt a more fulfilling and nurturing approach to work and impending retirement. After discovering Access Consciousness™, Laurence began to integrate these quick and effective tools into her own life, and to teach them to others. She has swiftly become an Access Consciousness™ certified facilitator, a Being You facilitator and a Joy of Business facilitator. Her knowledge of the corporate world is an asset to her clients – Laurence offers relevant and effective training for businesses and business leaders, as well as valuable insights for the wellbeing of employees. She provides trainings, conferences, workshops and one-on-one sessions. Visit accessjoyofbusiness.com Follow @FavierLaurence