How Best To Deal With Career Change

how to deal with career change

Are you dissatisfied with your current career? Do you feel stuck in a job you don’t love? Are you looking to switch careers but don’t know where to begin?

Any change is physically and emotionally taxing. A career change is no different. Whether it is due to job redundancy, no work-life balance, a toxic work environment or unpleasant co-workers; career change and job transitions can be stressful. If it weren’t, everyone would be doing it with ease. So, what makes it difficult? There can be multiple reasons – you may feel a sense of loss at leaving a job if you have been with an organisation for a while. Or, you may feel scared to leave a stable and well-paying job to explore career options that can make you feel more fulfilled and happier.

This article lists some helpful tips on how best you can cope with the uncertainty and anxiety brought about from career change that can grip you at such a crucial juncture in your life.

1. Evaluate your existing job satisfaction

A career change may not always be necessary. To analyse this, reflect on your daily job situation and try to identify patterns, if any, which are causing a feeling of dissatisfaction. Is it due to frequent overtime at work, an unhealthy work environment or an uncooperative boss? The answers can help you determine if they are work challenges or a major career crisis. If it’s a challenge, think of it as an opportunity to develop persistence and courage to exceed. But, if it is a crisis, then it is time to acknowledge it and start working towards building a more fulfilling career life.

2. Do your research

One of the best ways to ease the career/job transition is through detailed research about the new industry you are interested in. Start by educating yourself about the kind of jobs available and the qualification/s required. Study LinkedIn profiles of people who hold top positions at the companies you are interested in. If you have someone in your circle who works in the fields you are interested in, reach out to them and ask questions that can help you make well informed choices. Gathering information and doing your groundwork can help you gain a foothold and be in control of the situation.

3. Assess yourself

Sadly, many of us spend years trying to work a job that we don’t enjoy or love. More so, if the job is a result of hard-earned money spent on years of education. But you don’t have to suffer. In the long-run, it is beneficial to understand yourself and your priorities. Evaluate your past successful roles, preferred activities or volunteer projects that you really enjoyed. Assess what your skills, values, your non-negotiables, your standards of integrity and your ideals are. If a job can successfully tick this the boxes in terms of what you value, chances are you will experience increased job satisfaction.

4. Go easy on yourself

It is common to feel a sense of guilt while contemplating a career switch. There are a lot of emotions and thoughts going on all the time, which can make the entire process more overwhelming. At times, you may even feel overly concerned about other people’s opinion – will they think of me as a failure? It’s best not to spend your energy in worrying about these concerns and channel all the positive energy into pursuing your passion. It is completely okay to get off the hamster wheel, take a step back to introspect and carve a solid career strategy for yourself.

5. Consider taking professional help

Since career or job transitions affect your family members too, it may prove wise to include them in your decisions as it can bring a fresh perspective. Find support in your friends and colleagues who can help you focus on choosing a new career path. You may also consider hiring professional and trained career counsellors who can bring their years of expertise to help you. They can brainstorm alternative career ideas with you based on your interests, skills and values and develop an action plan that can result in a rewarding career.

Takeaway

We at Sydney Career Coaching have a proficient team of career consultants and professional career counsellors who can assist you with your career planning. Whether you are looking to switch careers or wish to discover your interests to find more exciting job opportunities, we can help you. If you are a school or university leaver, we can work with you to decide which direction to take and which career path can suit you best. You don’t have to struggle alone. Allow us to be your trusted career coaches who can encourage you to achieve your career goals.

Complimentary career coaching introduction

Take advantage of our complimentary career coaching session to determine whether coaching is for you.  We provide career coaching advice throughout Australia remotely, over the telephone and in person at Neutral Bay on Sydney’s North Shore.

CONTACT US

sydney career coaching

Tina Monk, Executive Coach Sydney

Sydney executive coach and career advisor, Tina Monk’s education and professional development has focused mostly on how to understand people and bring out the best in them. Tina has been offering executive coaching services for 20 years and continues to develop as a career advisor. Her approach is said to be caring with a bit of  ‘tough love’ thrown in!  Call or text Tina directly at 0413 000 010.

During these challenging times, we don’t need more fear, we need more hope and support.  If you are afraid of losing your job or have lost it, Tina can help you to future proof your career or help with your job search.  She can work with you remotely and is offering discounts on her fees during this time.