As the doom and gloom merchants roll out their wares of a credit crunch it can be very off-putting if you have been thinking about changing career. As I wrote in a recent article, Redundancy is an Opportunity, redundancy can come calling at this time and it is possible to see it as an opportunity to move into something that you really enjoy doing.
But what if that isn't the case for you? What if you have been thinking about moving into a new career and then this financial maelstrom has come along at just the wrong time? For many the idea of changing career in this time of uncertainty is too risky.
Each individual needs to think about the level of risk they are comfortable with, but there is nothing stopping you starting the process of a career change. If you have a job that supports you right now you are in the luxurious position of being able to prepare for the career change you wish for.
Depending on where you are in the process, start using this time wisely to put in place whatever you need to make the change.
If you do not yet know what you wish to do then there are a few different steps that can help you gain clarity. Take a look at the section Exploring Your Options - here are a few articles to start you off: Exploring Your Options http://www.careershifters.org/node/140 Trying on Ideas http://www.careershifters.org/node/441 How to choose Your New Career Confidently http://www.careershifters.org/node/323 Values: the internal compass that points to fulfilment http://www.careershifters.org/node/109
Once you have identified the area to which you would like to move, you can use your time to research the possibilities within that area.
What new skills might you need to learn, what trainings would give you the best chance of landing that dream job? Is there somewhere you can volunteer to gain the extra experience to give you the edge over the competition? One of our questions on the shift surgeries recently was from someone who had prepared for their career change over a 3-year period, getting absolutely ready for that perfect job. How long it takes you is up to you, but start by making an action plan. Ask yourself the following questions:
Intention:
What is the new career I would like? What role do I wish to play in what kind of business? Be very clear - the more details you have here the better your plan.
Method:
What steps do I need to take to realise this intention? List them in order
Needs:
What resources do I need? e.g. help, advice, training, information, finance, experience, support, premises (if going for own business) - all the things that you can think of. You may add to this list as and when things come up.
Once you have identified all your needs you can then think about how you may fulfil them. Are there people that you know that you can talk to? What research do you need to do? Training courses to be enrolled in? Identify the sources of the information you need and list the steps to get that information. If you don't know how to get certain pieces of information reach out through your friends and contacts. Ask - "do you know of anyone who works in this field or who may know of someone who does that I can talk to?" It is amazing how the six degrees of separation works. We really are all very closely connected. I was recently coaching a creative thinking session course and four completely unrelated people had so many useful contacts for each other. Never be afraid to ask and never censor who you ask either. Begin to build up a picture of what your project of getting yourself in the best position to land that dream job will entail.
Timeline:
Once you've built that picture decide when you would like to see yourself in a position to be applying for a new job. Taking that date work backwards through all the action points you have just highlighted above. Does it all fit in? Are your timelines realistic? If not adjust them until they seem right for you. Decide on certain dates to check your progress. Diary them.
You can approach this as a project like any other. By having a plan you can ensure that you will be doing the maximum possible to make the best career move for you. Who knows, maybe once you have used this time to prepare you will be ready and confident to make the move - whatever the economic climate.
Jessica offers a free introductory session to discuss how she can help you identify and make the move you want; if you would like to arrange a time for her to call you please email her at jessica@jessicamcgregorjohnson.comhttp://www.jessicamcgregorjohnson.com/ or call 0203 239 6155. For more information visit
She works internationally as a Life Coach enabling people to follow their dream and gain fulfilment in every area of life. Using not only the traditional coaching tools of conversation, exploration and creating accountability she also adds in powerful processes of Christopher Howard Results Technologies® and Neurological Re-patterningTM that enables change to take place both internally and externally. She has worked with many career shifters and particularly enjoys using her own life experience, including her time in the corporate world, to support those making whatever move they choose.
