How to change Career when you have no Idea what else to do
Sometimes walking away has nothing to do with weakness and everything to do with strengths...
Have you ever had the feeling that there is more to your career, to your life than what you have now?
But then there was the nagging feeling and voice in your head saying
'You have worked so hard for what you have and where you are. You can't just let that go ... '
I certainly have had this voice not once but gazzillion times - not just when I was exiting an industry I was in for 10 years but also when considering to change jobs within the industry.
Letting go of something (or someone) means disruption and a loss of a part of you.
Whilst many say they want to change - anything and everything, from losing some weight to separating from a (business or private) partner, to changing careers and living situation - not many follow through with it.
Because it's hard and requires a new way of thinking which is never taken into consideration in the first place.
BELIEVES >> THOUGHTS >> ACTIONS >> RESULTS
Disrupt or be disrupted.
Fact is, everything is changing and it's changing fast. Whatever worked yesterday, may not work tomorrow and that's a good thing.
Over the past few months I have been working with High Achievers who are in very comfortable situations - their remuneration is way above average, their team is performing, the industry is going well, their role is 'safe' ...
On the surface, there is no reason to change or to do anything different.
You have to innovate and do the marketing when you don't need it.
Decisions are made based on either:
Fear
Strengths
I see too many people waiting for something to happen before they change rather them taking control over the change and how it will happen.
Making decisions based on fear
(I have to pay my bills so I have to take this job, work with this client, cut back the salary ...)
is what gets people anxious and stressed because they don't see any other option than the most obvious one.
However, making decisions from a position of strengths and confidence is where the magic lies because when you are more optimistic, it is easier for the brain to see more opportunities and it is statistically proven that more opportunistic and optimistic people are earning more money.
Coincidence?
I don't think so!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
It's you that wants to make a change, but it's also you that's your biggest obstacle
Feeling embarrassed about your job
Scared about what your friends and family might say
Being anxious about taking a pay cut
Feeling numb about the daily grind
Not being inspired and motivated to get your boss's role
Losing the status you have worked so hard for
...
but clueless at the same time what else you could be doing?
These are all internal obstacles and have nothing to do with the outside world
It is a lack of knowledge and an abundance of fears that was most holding you back.
WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT
1. Do it with others, not alone
You can't be what you can't see
It is often the inspiration you get through others
- may it be through simply seeing what they do or by getting feedback on what you do and what you could be doing -
that can make already a massive difference.
2. Act it out, don't figure it out
Analysis Paralysis - a very common result of over-thinking and under-doing.
You can only pivot when you move and simply thinking about it won't move you anywhere.
Will it be perfect and spot on the first time?
Probably not.
But experiencing it first hand is what gives you the clarity what is and what isn't right for you.
3. Look out for people, not jobs.
People always focus on the tactics and the most obvious things - apply for other roles, improve your CV, get active on LinkedIn ...
All good things to do, don't get me wrong.
However, it still doesn't change the situation you are in because it is you who boxes you into something that you know, not necessarily what you want.
So instead, focus on connecting with people.
The power of being in front of people is that you can present the whole you – something a CV or résumé simply can't do. May it be through networking events, social media conversations or speaking engagements yourself.
The more senior you are in your career, the less you get jobs and opportunities through formal applications.
You get it through relationships with people and most often than not, it's an even better opportunity that you could have ever imagined .. which is going back to Point 1:
You can't be what you can't see.
If you are ready to make a change but not sure where to start, don't worry! We've got you covered! Join our BRAND NEW impaCCCt Academy (Online Course + Coaching) or get in touch for a free 30-min 1:1 consultation to gain new perspectives.
Petra Zink is a Coach, Speaker and Educator on all things Career & Personal Development, High Performance and Innovation.
She works with Companies and their Leaders to bring Entrepreneurship in-house and build intrapreneurial High Performance Cultures.
Petra helps Companies to initiate Change, innovate and make an impact - on their Terms.
Petra also works with Senior Professionals in a 1:1 Coaching Program to accelerate their Personal Brand Development. Click here for more information
