Curveballs or unexpected events have a way of making us re-evaluate and reprioritize what is important. As an Executive Resume Writer, I’m seeing a huge rise in folks worried their industry or role is at risk for layoffs — who are evaluating their best next move.
Several considerations go into a successful pivot. Ignore these 6 and risk jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
#1 Running Away v. Running Toward
Before going forward with your leap, it’s critical to be clear on why you are leaving and where you want to head next. Some questions to gain clarity:
- Are you unhappy more than not? Have you had a lousy week or an even worse month, but things were decent before, then your next steps might look different than a person who has been miserable for a long time.
- Upon reflection, is it your boss, your role or your industry (or all of the above) that makes you miserable?
- What talents and skills would you like to tap into for your next role?
- What type of people and workplace environments bring out the best in you?
- What types of challenges make me eager to jump in?
- What are non-negotiables or dealbreakers?
These answers should inform your next move and help you ensure your next step is toward something that gives you satisfaction, not just away from that which makes you miserable.
#2 Making it All About the Money
Is money important? No doubt. But is it the end-all to be all? Being financially strategic is important, but it doesn’t need to be the sole basis for your decision-making.
While a well-paying role or industry may match with your skills, it might not match with your values or goals – which might mean you will trade one type of unhappiness for another.
Therefore, if more pay is reason #1, 2, 3 and 4 for making a career 180, you may regret your choice down the road.
#3 Skipping the Homework Phase
It’s always wise to spend a large chunk of time in the research phase to identify industries and roles that align with your skills AND goals. Otherwise, it’s the equivalent of throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks.
In my role as an Executive Resume Writer, this is the phase I see so many skip to their detriment.
A key part of the homework means speaking with those in your network and getting introduced by them to new people that work in your field of interest (and who will then make up your expanded network), to learn exactly what this new role might look like day in and day out.
It’s important to understand – through research and meaningful conversations:
- where is the industry going?
- what professional associations support that industry?
- what tasks are required of the role to see if any skills gap might need to be closed?
#4 Enrolling in School Without Knowing its ROI
While some fields (medicine or law, for instance) have clear educational requirements, many don’t, which means an advanced degree may not always pay off the way you’d hoped.
It is important that as part of the homework phase, you research the likelihood a new degree will help you attain your goal. Your bank account will be grateful!
#5 Quitting Before Landing
While there are absolutely toxic workplace situations where staying in a miserable role may compromise your mental health, studies reveal evidence of historical hiring bias against the unemployed.
While as a resume and LinkedIn writer, I employ techniques to help those who feel they have no choice but to leave, rightly or wrongly, it is often easier to get a job offer when you have one currently. If possible, consider sticking with your job but doing what you can to make the day-to-day more pleasant.
Consider taking on a new project of interest within your organization, or volunteering outside your company in a way that lets you test out your new role pro bono.
#6 Jumping without a Transition Plan
Career changes are rarely smooth or seamless, and they usually don’t happen overnight. They often require more time, money and effort than a traditional job hunt.
Pivots are often tough both mentally and fiscally – so make sure you have a plan in place that includes either a source of income (or a way to live with less) and a support system that can help you see the forest through the trees and lift you up when you feel down.
The Bottom Line (the 2 Cents of an Executive Resume Writer)
Don’t assume a different career will be the magic bullet to your happiness without going through the above five steps to evaluate if what you think might be the case is reality. While the challenges of a career pivot are no doubt difficult, they are not insurmountable. Jumping without knowing may mean trading one set of woes for another. It’s worth it to go through the steps and get it right.
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