Is now the right time to change careers?
I spent a solid chunk of last week getting triggered.
First, I heard about a tweet insisting that we all walk out of isolation with a new skill or hobby.
Then I saw a viral response to that tweet claiming we're all too traumatized to do ANYTHING.
The one thing this virus can't vanquish is screaming at each other on the internet.
There's a lot of daylight between those dramatic and polarizing opinions. But one thing they share is the ability to prey upon our fear, feelings of not enoughness, and guilt.
The message: if you feel good, you should feel bad. If you feel bad, you should feel worse.
Btw, does getting triggered count as my new hobby? If so, success!!
Even pre-global pandemic, people always ask if it's the "right" time to advance their career, change careers, start a business, take a sabbatical, get promoted, ask for a raise, [insert career goal here.]
The internet is saturated with black and white proclamations about what you should or shouldn't be doing. Why you're working too hard or not hard enough.
I swear, if I read one more article on how to build resilience in the face of adversity or hear another rendition of "Imagine"...
I just want us to continue pursuing the original goals and dreams we set out for this year (and also see more "Don't Rush Challenge" makeovers.)
So...Is it the right time to go after the career you want?
Here's the best answer I know how to give now and always: OF COURSE it's the right time--if that's what you want.
If you had your sights set this year on advancing your career, changing careers, starting your business, growing your business, leaning into creativity--or whatever vision you have for making your life count--now is a great time.
If you love your job or business as-is, I'm not here to make you feel bad about it. I'm talking to the folks that want a change but are questioning whether maybe they should just wait 6 months, 18 months, 4 more years...
The headlines and viral tweets are going to focus on the doom and gloom--companies not hiring, businesses shuttering, layoffs--because they want you to click.
The bad news exists. And yes, it's sad and infuriating and bewildering. But it's not the whole picture. And you get to choose what part of the picture you focus on.
This is why I love the 80/20 rule. It's a solid theory for life's inefficiencies.
For our purposes today, I'm using it to describe the split between the 80% of content that's going to make you want to hunker down and stick your head in the sand versus the 20% that focuses on the opportunities for innovation, creativity, and yes, designing the career and life you want.
Let's talk about the opportunities:
Companies continuing to hire or even ramp up,
Organizations pivoting to support their customers,
Education moving from traditional methods to online (hello virtual learning, goodbye Snow Days),
Consumers spending their money on ART in all its forms--interior design, performances, web sites, fine art, DIY everything.
Here are real examples happening RIGHT NOW:
Client A was offered a high-visibility secondment (temporary role) that will give her the opportunity to test out one of her desired potential career paths (and possibly better position her for promotion).
Client B was sick of being on the sidelines instead of making policy that impacts people's lives. He landed a career-making role and just told me every minute of every day is impacting people through work he's doing related to COVID and beyond. By the way, his offer and acceptance came on either side of the isolation orders and economy figures, so yes organizations are absolutely continuing to hire.
Former Client C's self-advocated move to France has been put on hold. But his former boss left and recommended my client take on an expanded role. He took the opportunity to ask for a raise AND is still networking up a storm (remotely, of course) to look for an even better position.
Before you write off these examples with "Yeah, but..." the thing that separates them from you is that they've learned to see the 20% opportunity.
Their success isn't a result of their circumstances; it's because they're choosing to look for the opportunity despite their circumstances.
The same is true for you. When you focus on the 20%, there's opportunity everywhere. You just have to learn how to SEE it.
If you want to move forward with your career goals this year, there IS a way forward.
If you're concerned about job safety, NOW is the time to put a plan in place before that paycheck stops coming.
If your job is safe but you have even more time to think about how unfulfilled you are, NOW is the time to put a plan in place without the time pressure to jump.
It's a great time to network (I would argue better than ever), take the Strengthsfinder assessment, get your financial house in order, ask for what you want, write your memoirs, lean into creativity, diversify your income streams, focus on automation--just to name a few things.
You can focus on roadblocks, or you can look for how to get around them. There's always opportunity.
Ready for a career that matches who you are?
Grab the free guide: 4 Steps to Take Back Your Life and Design a Career with Purpose
Learn how to work through the right options for you and find opportunities you didn't even know were possible.
Author Bio:
Before becoming a coach, Caroline worked in management consulting and financial services. She's made it her mission to help people grow, contribute, and get wherever they want to go.
She’s also a tennis fanatic, aspiring Minimalist, FIRE (Financial Independence and Retire Early) enthusiast, and Aloha Spirit seeker 🤙. She loves to share stories from her unconventional life and career focused on freedom, creativity, fun, health, family, and community. If she can do it, you can, too.
The life and career you want is possible once you have the roadmap. Take the first step by downloading your free guide: 4 Steps To Take Back Your Life and Design a Career With Purpose.