In the past couple of years, the startup culture has gained a lot of popularity. During a discussion in my friend group, one of my friends, who is currently the only one employed in that group while the others have left their jobs to pursue their own businesses, expressed feeling like the only loser among all the successful people.
Personally, I believe that there is no right or wrong career option; it all comes down to personal preference. Both jobs and businesses have their unique characteristics, and the choice ultimately depends on your interests, values, and aspirations. However, if you find yourself feeling stuck in your current situation, there may be something missing that needs to be addressed.
It also depends on life priorities at a given point in time. When I completed my graduation, my top priority was getting a well-paying job. However, after gaining 17 years of experience in the corporate world, I started feeling that I could do much more than what I was currently doing. My priorities shifted based on my experience, capabilities, and skillset. As a result, I made the decision to leave my corporate job and start my own company.
I have supported over a hundred individuals in their career transitions, drawing insights from both their experiences and my own. I am excited to share these valuable insights with you, as they can be incredibly useful for those aspiring to make a career transition.
Why do you want this change?
The first question I ask my clients is, “Why do you want this change? What is the context?” In my experience, people who have an empowering context – those who are successful in their current profession and have created an inspiring possibility for themselves that they want to realise – are much more successful compared to those who are simply trying to do something else to avoid their current situation. So, when you aspire for a significant change in your career, ask yourself this question: “ Why do I want this change?” Does the answer inspire you?
Who you need to be?
Transitioning from one career to another can often be accompanied by feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt. The process of transition is not only about what you need to do, but also about who you need to be throughout this entire journey. Dealing with uncertainty and self-doubt can be challenging, but this is where a coach can play a crucial role in providing support. A coach helps you navigate through the uncertainty, balance your emotions, and gain clarity by addressing your fears and doubts. They empower you to make informed decisions that align with your aspirations.
How to start?
The biggest question in a career transition is often “How to start?” Many individuals aspiring for a career change struggle to take the first step because they are unsure of what that step should be. In such situations, I always recommend taking small yet firm steps to gradually make yourself comfortable in the journey. It’s important to prepare yourself by acquiring any necessary knowledge or specific skill sets for your desired future. Once you have a clear direction for your transition, the next step could be considering the assistance of a professional career transition coach. The coach will help you clarify your “why” and that intrinsically motivates you. They become your accountability partner on your journey, working alongside you with the understanding that your success is their success.
Are you heading in the right direction?
You might be wondering, what exactly is the right direction? Well, if the direction you have chosen aligns with your interests, strengths, and core values, then you can be confident that you are heading in the right direction. In my coaching sessions, I help my clients identify their interests, strengths, and core life values before taking action towards the transition. It is crucial to ensure that these aspects align with the path you are choosing. This alignment not only brings a sense of fulfilment but also the feeling that you are engaging in something valuable and progressing in the right direction.
In summary, when embarking on a career transition journey, enlisting the support of a coach can make all the difference. A coach can assist you in gaining clarity about what truly matters to you and how it translates into your professional life. They help identify required skills and explore potential opportunities that align with your interests. They provide valuable insights, help uncover hidden potentials within yourself, and guide you towards making choices that lead to long-term success and fulfilment in your new professional endeavour.