The modern workforce has changed significantly since 2020. First it was COVID, then it was The Great Resignation, followed by Quit Quitting, and now layoffs resulting from a recession that hasn’t materialized. It now seems that besides death and taxes, there is another thing that doesn’t change; The need to reinvent one’s career.
Finding fulfillment in our careers has almost become an unrealistic dream. Some would call it a fantasy. And yet, with all the jobs that are disappearing, new ones are replacing them just as fast. I just read that a new job title in the future will be an “AI Prompt Engineer”. It remains to be seen whether said engineer will actually need an engineering degree, but in the end it doesn’t matter. There will be that job, and someone will be good at it. Even more important, some company will pay a ton of $ for that role.
So, what does one do if they want to be an AI Prompt Engineer, or a “Virtual Store Sherpa”, or “Nano-medic”What does one do if they simply want to stop doing the mind-numbing, values-misaligning, unfulfilling, burnout-inducing, stagnating job they are currently doing? Well, the answer is the same for both scenarios…it’s time for a career change.
*Cue panicked, fear-induced screaming*
Sure, I get it. Change is scary. And change with regards to what we do with 33% of our day and what constitutes 100% of our income is even more scary. But if you want to feel fulfilled at work, have a higher level of personal and professional satisfaction, a renewed sense of purpose, or even to work for a company that values you and in which both the company and your values align…well that means it’s time for a change.
I have had four career changes over the last 30 years of my working life. All of them necessary and all of them took time, dedication, focus, and work. But they all left me with a career that met my personal, professional, and psychological needs at the time. Here are the 8 steps that I followed to navigate each of those changes.
The first step towards a fulfilling career change is self-reflection. Take the time to identify your motivations and goals for the change. Assess your skills, strengths, and weaknesses to determine the areas where you excel and those that need improvement. Understanding your core values is crucial; they will serve as your compass in choosing a career path that aligns with your principles and passions.
🔍 Take a moment to reflect on your career journey so far and envision where you want to go next. 🚀 Identify your unique strengths and explore how they can be harnessed in your dream career. 🌟
Explore different industries, job roles, and potential employers. Conduct in-depth research to gather insights into your desired career path. Reach out to professionals in your target field for informational interviews to gain a better understanding of the industry's realities. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable advice.
🔍 Research, research, research! 📚 Dive into the industries and roles that pique your interest. Network with professionals to gain valuable insights.
Identify any skill gaps between your current expertise and the requirements of your desired career. Consider pursuing additional education, certifications, or online courses to gain the necessary skills. Leverage transferable skills from your current job to boost your value in the new field.
Seek guidance and support from mentors, career advisors, and others who have successfully made a career change. Join industry-specific groups or online communities to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement and valuable insights.
🤝 Build a support network of mentors and peers who understand your journey. Together, you'll conquer new heights!
Establish achievable milestones for your career transition. Create a timeline that outlines the steps you need to take to accomplish your objectives. Remember that a career change is a process, and progress might take time.
🎯 Set clear goals and work diligently towards them. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small!
Gain firsthand experience in your desired field by securing internships or volunteer opportunities. This hands-on experience will help you build a portfolio and demonstrate your commitment to the new career path. Consider creating a non-profit that does what you want to do.
💼 Experience matters! 🌟 Seek internships or volunteer roles to get hands-on experience in your dream job.
Expect challenges along the way and stay resilient. Learn from setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth. Cultivate a positive mindset to navigate through difficult times.
💪 Stay resilient and embrace challenges as stepping stones toward success!
Utilize your network to discover potential job opportunities. Request informational interviews with employers to showcase your passion and dedication. Networking can be a game-changer in landing your dream job.
🤝 Your network is your net worth! 🌐 Tap into your connections and show employers why you're the perfect fit for their team.
Making a career change is a transformative journey that requires courage and perseverance. By recognizing the signs that signal a need for change and following a well-thought-out plan, you can successfully navigate the path to a fulfilling career. Embrace change, stay true to your passions, and open yourself to new possibilities – a rewarding and satisfying professional future awaits! 🚀🌟
If you need more guidance, reach out to me and let’s discuss your goals and passions and put together a plan to make you the first “Augmented Reality Journey Builder” or “Highway Controller” or simply just the most fulfilling YOU that we can.
*and start changing your life TODAY.
