Interested in a new career path? Want to switch directions and head towards something more meaningful, exciting or interesting to you? Intrigued by the idea of a new work future? Career exploration is full of possibilities.
Even when people suspect they need a change at work, some neglect to explore different career options. Changing careers is hard because people identify themselves with their career. This practice goes back a long way. When surnames first came into popular use in 12th-century Europe, many people came to be identified by what they did for a living. A blacksmith named John became John Smith. A man who made his living grinding flour from grain took the name Miller (Powell, 2017). Although different, the practice continues today. “It’s automatic for strangers at any American social setting — right after “nice to meet you” and within the first two minutes of conversation to ask, “What do you do?”. The job defines the person. You are what you do” (Robinson, 2012).
Due to this connection between career and identity, career-changers often face a common set of challenges. As they transition between careers, they may experience feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt and question their ability to make the change. Recognizing and confronting these feelings can be the key to opening the door to a new career path.
How do you successfully change careers? Choosing a new career path is a process that should take into account a number of things. First, inventory your strengths, values, and interests (using these tools or others).
Next, consider what career options interest you. Where could you see yourself thriving? Where will your strengths be utilized, and your values met? Try on the idea of a new role by imagining your future self in this new career. In fact, when you are thinking of changing careers you are trying on a new identity. Focus on who you want to be not what you want to do (Plimmer and Schmidt, 2007). A former stay at home mother shared with me that the vision of herself as a “working mother” sustained her drive to reenter the workforce in a new career role. Another individual shared that when changing careers, the vision of himself as a professional with work-life balance, working in an organization with a mission that matched his values helped him in the career change process. He focused on who he wanted to be and how he wanted to feel.
Next, prioritize and select the first career option you will explore. Compare your values and strengths to the potential career area to shed light on alignment for the career and highlight the skill areas that may benefit from further development. Skill development could include a combination of technical skills, business skills and career field specific requirements such as certifications. The development should build on your strengths and align with your values and interests. (Learn about skills and experience needed in the career by checking LinkedIn for people that work in the career and job-search websites for postings in that career path.)
Now test your career idea. What’s the best way to know if you will enjoy the new career and be successful in it? Gain experience, and increase confidence, for the transition by trying out a new career in an experimental way. Small experiments will help you determine if the type of career is a fit for your strengths and values, and it will shed light on things that may not be a fit for you. “New information only appears as we start moving and exploring” (Ibarra, 2003). This type of hands-on experimental approach could include any/all of the following:
Talk with people in your network that work in this career
Interview leaders in the career path to learn what makes people successful
Shadow someone that works in the career
Volunteer to gain similar experience
Secure a part time role or freelance opportunity
Take a position with a step back in level
Participate in related courses
If the first career exploration does not resonate with you, try another one! Expect that the process will take time. When you are sure of your desired new career, build and maintain your confidence by reflecting on your strengths, focusing on your values and alignment for the career, continuing to learn through experimentation, developing your skills, and making and sticking to a plan for the job search.
References for this Post:
Ibarra, H. Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career. Harvard Business School Press, USA: 2003.
Powell, K. (2017, March 17) 10 Popular Surnames That Derived from Occupations. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/popular-surnames-that-derived-from-occupations
Robinson, J. (2012, February 07). American Identity Crisis: Are You Your Job? Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/joe-robinson/self-identity_b_1128731.html