Career change: What are your options?

When you think career change, what comes to mind? If you're like most people, you think of a big, dramatic, sever-all-ties-with-your-professional-past, overnight change.

That kind of change works for some, but for many it's not feasible. So what are your options if you can't simply jump ship and do something new?

1) Look for ways to change the work you're doing. Even small adjustments can make a difference. Do the self-exploration to develop your Passion Core and use the insights to help you bring more of what lights you up into your current work. Share your Passion Core with your boss so he/she can help you move in that direction.

2) Identify where you want to go. This article will give you a good overview of using your Passion Core and The Occupational Adventure Guide model to figure that out (better yet, you could work with me directly).

3) Adjust your time frame and plan accordingly. Just because something can't be done today doesn't mean it can't ever be done. Resist the urge to paint the future with today's reality.

Look at the things getting in your way - responsibilities, finances, experience, etc. - and ask, "If I can't now, when could I? How?" What is impossible, unlikely, or just too scary today might be completely within the realm of possibility five years from now if you begin taking action today. Plan ahead and start making decisions with your end goal in mind.

4) Take a dual track. While you continue on your current path, identify parallel steps you can take that will move you in the direction you want to go. For example, that could be networking and building the relationships you need, developing an expertise, taking classes, etc.

5) Create a framework to help keep you on track. The challenge will be keeping your focus on the goal and consistently taking action for the long term. Figure out what helps you stay on track and incorporate that into your approach. Create a schedule. Bring friends and colleagues into your process to help keep you motivated and accountable. Hire a coach. Map out a plan with steps to take and milestones.

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Curt Rosengren

Passion Catalyst  ^SM

Career passion e-books

Comments

[Eric Sohn]

One caveat: make sure that whatever steps you do take don't jeopardize what you have. Some companies do, for example, require approval of outside interests, whether it's business or personal. My last employer required me to get 4 different people to sign off on my coaching business.

And then, I had to leave the company premises if I wanted to answer or make calls or check email (or do almost anything else) related to the business.

[Curt Rosengren]

Excellent point Eric. Thanks.