Switching careers is always tough, and extra challenging when the world is shifting, and work from home is for many the norm.
Changing careers (not jobs, careers) is a big step and it’s natural to have jitters. These feelings tend to be a lot more pronounced under COVID-19. Things you once took for granted — making connections, researching meaningful looking roles, even interviewing — are now done differently and at a safe distance.
In addition, many companies are in a cycle of reinvention. Job openings may be on hold or disappear altogether as companies navigate the post-pandemic economy and adjust to new requirements. Even if a new career looks great today, there’s no guarantee it will look the same at the end of the year.
All that said, you should still actively work on your next career. Here are some tips to help make the transition smoother.
1. Make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons
The top reasons given for making a career switch today are being laid off, feeling like their job is meaningless or even pointless, or that there’s no room for growth in their field. If these reasons resonate, then changing careers may well be worthwhile.
However, there are also situations when leaving your current role is not the best course of action. I know this because as a career and leadership coach, I meet a lot of talented people who think their work problems will be solved by changing fields. That’s possible, but not always true; you take your baggage with you wherever you land.Make sure your reasons for leaving are healthy and you’ve explored other less-extreme options first. How you make a career change requires time to reflect. Not months of navel gazing but structured time to look back, take stock and uncover what matters most.
If you’re employed, can you mold your job to make it more palatable?
The stressors you’re going through may be short term, and it would be unwise to give up a job because the world is in a state of flux. Do you know what the root cause of your stress really is? Think carefully before making a move grounded in emotion.
Read more: Do You Want a Change Career…Or Are You Just Off Rhythm in the New Normal?
2. Be strategic with your research
You can tell a lot about a company from the way its leadership has dealt with COVID. What are employees saying on social media? Has the company improved engagement in a time of remote work? How are transitions — WFH, not WFH — supported? What are the company’s plans for life after COVID? Is leadership managing the situation creatively?
Set up alerts to research a specific company or sector, that is so easy nowadays. But remember there is a lot of exaggeration on line, so try the 5/5/5 test to separate fact from fiction:
-Will this issue matter 5 weeks from now?
-5 months from now?
-5 years from now? Your answers can give perspective to both the company and the employees.
For example, you read that a company you’ve followed was tone-deaf to the challenges of parents who were trying to balance work and childcare while schools were remote. Is that a 5 week or 5 year issue?
Read the full article on Medium.
