Linda Ginac with the Ginac Group, Inc., joined us as guest speaker to discuss the "Right" way to make a career transition. The discussion hit home with practically everyone there!
Linda helped us look at various signs that mean it's time to leave a career and make a change, like the work environment doesn't feel good anymore, we feel undervalued and unappreciated, we don't have the support we need to get our job done, we've hit a ceiling, or we realize that the job just doesn't fit our personality. There are many reasons someone might feel the need for a change. Evaluate your own needs to determine what's best for you.
There are different types and/or levels of career change. If you want to stay in the same industry AND in the same career, then all you might need is a job change (doing similar tasks, but for a different company). If you feel the need for a bigger change, but with some familiarity, you might want to maintain similar job responsibilities, but change industries (like an accountant might move from the medical industry to the construction industry). Other times, a need to change job functions is needed, but you can stay in the same industry to do it through career development (like making a change from marketing to engineering within the high-tech industry). Then, there's the total "transformation" - when we just need a completely fresh start in a new job AND a new industry. This type of change can be the most challenging and can take the longest to achieve, but if it's the right thing for you to do, you won't regret it!
Before making a change, though, determine what level of risk you're willing to take. How much change are you willing to take on? Are you willing to go back to school? How long are you willing to wait to get where you want to go? These decisions are important in determining what type of change is right for you.
In order to determine your new direction, spend some time learning about yourself! What are your strengths, interests, talents, values? What knowledge do you already have that you can apply to a new career? What types of people do you enjoy working with? In what environment do you enjoy working? Remember that "people are hired for skill and fired for fit." So, do as much ground-work as you can to make sure that your new direction is a good fit for you.
Linda pointed out that having structure and a plan in career change is crucial ! Without them, a career change will likely NOT happen. It's also very important to track your progress. As individuals, we need to see that our efforts are getting us somewhere. The career development framework that Linda uses with her clients at the Ginac Group helps each person determine what they're looking for in a career and allows them to explore different options in making a change. She, and her team, helps the client narrow down the options to just one, then creates a plan on how to achieve the new goals. Lastly, the client is taught how to market themselves in their new career roles.
Other options for creating structure through your career transition include attending Career Transitions Group meetings monthly, set weekly or monthly goals for yourself, get a career change buddy who will hold you accountable to the goals you're setting and who will help you measure progress towards those goals, and keep a career change journal to write all your ideas, contacts, plans and goals in one place.
Just remember to take baby steps and don't expect too much too soon. Linda worked for one hour, every day, for 7 years toward a new business idea before it actually became reality. Not every change will take that long, but that's a good reason to start NOW and stick with it!
Linda says that career change happens with the five P's:
- Purpose
- Passion
- Patience
- Persistence
- Plan - Have one!
Don't be afraid of change. Just DO it!
till November....