Beyond the obvious, what else matters to sidetrack professional blunders?
Even if you are becoming a full-time entrepreneur or switching to liberating, creative space from technical work, you should consider both side of the spectrum.
Back to Square One: While switching careers, you, to put it in the words of Lewis Carroll, “begin at the beginning” which might be a major let-down initially. The pressure to outperform every day could be mentally tiresome. During this phase, the Sisyphean task of scaling the ladder to prove professional worth can bog you down. But if you are absolutely certain about the decision, you should also be willing to adjust with pay cuts, truncated benefits and, sometimes, a depleted savings account.
Review Growth Opportunity: Assess if the new job domain will allow you growth and skill development. Even if you are willing to compromise with the money, make sure the designation will help you learn and utilise your skills. As you decide to transition, gauge what the different industries will offer you and how they can broaden your knowledge. In fact, this should be a valid reason why you are taking the plunge in the first place.
Scope for Transferable Skills: Switching to a radically new workspace scenario is intimidating for many people. However, this should not be an obstacle in your way of exploring newer horizons. Review if you can integrate you old skills into the newer set of skills you will be learning on the job. In this way, you will be better compatible in performing your duties.
Job Satisfaction: The allure of money could be tempting enough to shift, however, you may stumble in the long run. Navigate if you can achieve your goals with the new designation. The new set of responsibilities should be sync with what you envision for your career, personal fulfilment and utilisation of personal resources. Let somebody walk you through the pitfalls to mitigate probable damages.
Have A Plan B: If the new job fails to meet your expectations, re-think instead of sitting idle or sticking to the job unwillingly. It is always wise to plan and visualise the plausible alternatives—education, business, research or side gigs.
Clear Vision: Your long-term goal should be well-communicated in your CV and professional profiles. Employers will be more invested in learning how you are have panned out professional growth in concurrent withprofessional contribution, commitment and steadfastness. You should be confident about what you are capable of achieving. Merely criticising previous employers or the organisation/work might not add to your credibility.
