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Changing Work Or Career Direction

By Nick Williams

Many of us have grown up with fixed ideas of what a ‘proper’ job or career is. We’re told to study hard, get good grades, and then find a stable job that we’re supposed to ‘stick with’. But isn’t it natural that we should change and evolve as we mature throughout our career?

... when you think about it – it’s perfectly possible that what inspired you at age 30 could bore you to death at age 35!

But whilst some people are satisfied with scaling the career ladder - you may want to change direction - and you’re likely to discover that moving away from the conventional path can be scary as well as exciting.

It might be that your new challenge lies in an entirely different area, or perhaps you’re destined to be a self-employed entrepreneur - but either way - here are some tips to help you navigate your way to a new direction in your working life:

Ask yourself: “what would really inspire me next?” – Inspiration and passion are twin souls. By using your inspiration as a compass, you’re likely to be led in new and exciting directions. Your inspiration may lead you to revisit a neglected interest, a forgotten childhood passion, or an entirely new opportunity. Which options make you feel excited – or even a little scared?

Research new possibilities – We’re often forced to make big career decisions at very early ages – usually based on minimal information about ourselves and the world of work. Try ‘shadowing’ someone who’s business excites you - find out what it’s like first hand, what training you might need, what costs are involved and how much you’d be likely to earn. Make new contacts, invite them out to lunch, and use the opportunity to get all the information you need to make the best decision.

Try the “Regret Test” – Ask yourself, which of the following are you most likely to regret in the long-term: embarking on a new adventure and taking a few risks, or lacking the courage to even try? Often there’s far less at stake in ‘failure’ than we imagine. Don’t be reckless – but try using the ‘regret test’ to give you the motivation you need to be more dynamic and adventurous.

Remember: nothing you’ve done so far is wasted – One of the big obstacles many people have in their minds is “yes, but I don’t want to sacrifice everything I’ve achieved so far by changing direction now. I have invested my whole career to get where I am!” The remedy to that thought is this: nothing you have done, learned, experienced or discovered so far will be wasted. Whatever is next for you will build firmly on the shoulders of your previous achievements. Your experiences thus far have shaped you, and built your confidence. Even if you make a completely fresh start in a new area, you’ll bring your past experiences to bear on any new challenges you face. Ask yourself: is the answer to being in the wrong place really to stay put for even longer?

Do an inventory of your successes and strengths - Take stock of all the wisdom you’ve accumulated, the successes you’ve enjoyed, and all you’ve learned from your mistakes. Write down what skills and talents you have, the qualities you most value about yourself, and the talents you’re most frequently acknowledged for. Then look at your list and celebrate yourself! Look at how many skills and abilities you have, and all of the rich experiences you bring.

Read success stories of others who’ve changed direction – Actively seek inspiration and study the lives of other people who’ve successfully altered course. Meet them if you can, or read their biographies, study articles or listen to them on CD. Let them ignite a sense of new possibilities within you!