The Secret to Being Successful at: Making a Career Pivot

By February 23, 2018For Talent

Have you found your motivation in work slipping lately? No desire to move up in your role? Think it’s time for a change?

Most employees in senior positions believe their alternative job options are limited, that they’re confined to their current industry.

However, no matter what your age or career status, radical change is possible (and recommended) if you’re no longer happy in your role.

The time it takes to change direction is minimal compared to the years you can waste slugging away in an unsatisfying job!

The jump might seem scary, and often it’s a risk. But at Jobbio, we know the secrets to success. Listen up as we look into our crystal career ball and predict the pointers you’ll need to pivot.

Decide what industry would suit best

What are you passionate about? Maybe you’ve forgotten somewhere along the way while waiting for the clock to strike 6pm. It’s time to analyse where your strengths lie and what you do best. This will take time and patience and research, perhaps a sabbatical might give you the necessary decision making time. You’ll be able to think about it on your couch rather than slyly at your desk.

Once you’ve made up your mind, you can determine which of your skills would suit the role best. No matter how big the jump is, there’ll be something you can offer that no one else can. Nowadays, employers seek soft skills more than ever, meaning it has never been easier to change fields.

Make sure you’re changing for the right reasons

Are you sure you don’t just need a bit of a holiday? Imagine you quit only to discover your new path doesn’t suit either! At the end of the day, you’ll have to take a risk but make sure it’s an educated one. Do as much research as possible; speak to people in similar roles, attend industry events and join relevant groups. Analyse yourself, not just your peers and their paychecks. If you’re getting into self employment, check that you’re financially stable enough for the chance. Think twice before hopping on a bandwagon though, growth industries are most likely to provide only temporary fortunes!

Organise how you’ll leave your job

You’re probably not going to tell your boss you’re looking for a new job, let’s be honest, who actually does that? This could really delay the leaving process. Set a date by which you’ll have definitely left the company, and will feel prepared for the next chapter. It’s important to finish all current projects before departing, therefore giving your employer time to find a replacement and conducting a thorough handover.

Find your bearings in the new industry

In your previous job, you probably made a lot of connections. These can come in handy in your new job too. Utilise them to expand your network, and get introduced to people who’ve made a similar change. It’s also time to expand your brand. Your social media presence should be altered with views of assimilating into your new work culture. Share relevant articles on LinkedIn, make a new Twitter page and follow interesting channels, promote the new professional you in every way you can!

Continue professional development

Once new job novelty wears off, the enormous task of attaining success might hit home hard. Your peers will have had a considerable head start, which could potentially make you feel incompetent.However, it’s important to remember that collaboration is more valuable than competition. But for your own esteem, you might find it beneficial to train up! Learn as many skills as you possibly can. Whenever you get some free time, use it productively. There’s plenty of online classes and qualifications to help you catch up on lost time, prove yourself to your new employer.

Acknowledge your lowered status

You might have been a big shot in your old office, but now you’re a humble newbie! This could be frustrating, and you might miss your old status, but it’s important to embrace it with open arms. Welcome all constructive criticism thrown your way, try to grow and learn from it- no matter how it annoying it might be! Don’t be dismissive of critique regardless of the seniority of the person who offers it.


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Author Jack Maguire

Jack Maguire is a recent English Studies graduate, content writer for the Jobbio blog, freelance journalist and podcast creator.

More posts by Jack Maguire

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