Time to Stay or Time to Go? The Realities of Making a Career Transition
Share
Maxine had reached yet another pinnacle in her career. She’d risen to the top once again with her current employer and in all the departments she’d worked in, had received accolades and fine performance reviews consistently. She was reasonably compensated, had earned 4 weeks of vacation time and could have easily continued employment with this company. Something, though, was askew. After over 20 years in the workplace, and 15 years in the same industry, she dreaded Monday mornings and was bothered by the lack of meaning in her work. It would be so much easier to ride out the next few years in her comfort zone and save for retirement or finish those home projects she and her husband had plans for. However, this gnawing feeling wouldn’t go away and continued to remind her of an old dream of owning and operating a fun lucrative business where she and her employees flourished doing work they loved and making a real contribution to the community.

Sam had owned his own business for 12 years and was just tired – tired of all the rules and regulations, managing employees and all the paperwork that came along with it. In addition, higher taxes and insurance required that he work longer hours including weekends to make ends meet. He realized that his priorities had changed since starting this business. He was now married and had 3 kids who were growing up so quickly. At the rate he was going, he’d continue to miss more and more school and sports events, adding to the already strained personal relationships. Something had to change. He dreamed of working for a company with stable hours and a steady paycheck, somewhere that valued employees’ personal lives.

If either of these scenarios sound familiar, it’s not surprising. In Money Magazine and Salary.com’s recent report, 58% of those surveyed indicated they were planning to change careers or had already done so. Another study by The Conference Board in 2006 found that 50% of Americans are satisfied with their jobs, down from nearly 60% in 1995. Of those satisfied workers, only 14% said they’re “very” satisfied. Workplace changes and trends continue to show that people value quality of life over money and position these days.

If you are considering joining the increasing ranks of people pursuing more rewarding, fulfilling work, congratulations! You will have the opportunity to deliberately recreate your work and its meaning in your life. But let’s be honest. It’s not an easy road for everyone and like any major decision, time, patience, and planning are requirements for succeeding in this endeavor. Here are some things to consider before taking the leap:

  • What exactly is causing you to think about a career change?
  • Is it something that can be easily overcome in your current job with some extra attention?
  • What is the payoff for staying in your current job or career?
  • What is the payoff for leaving and pursuing something else?
  • Do you take 100% responsibility for yourself, your career and the outcomes of this transition?
  • Can you live with possible financial and emotional discomfort and that of others you support and live with?
  • Does your dream job make good business sense or is it more of a hobby?
  • Are you willing to network and talk to people in order to learn more?
  • Do you have the time and stamina to do some serious self assessing to determine the right move?
  • Are you committed and determined to make change happen for the betterment of your life?
It can be done. I see it happening all around me in my clients’ and students’ lives. I’ve even done it myself more than once! The key? Start taking action. Explore, ask, learn, talk, read, plan, test. Things change when you change. You’ll find more satisfying work when you get out of your comfort zone and start moving toward it.