Leap of faith

AT SOME point in our lives, we all contemplate a career change and while some of us find the courage to make it, others prefer to stick it out till the end.

Amongst those who are brave enough to make the move, few are lucky to find that their new career fits them perfectly while others after making the leap find themselves a total misfit in their new careers, as they were earlier.

Making a career change means a leap of faith that comes with its own set of inherent risks and dangers. Many professionals do make this transition and the most common career-change strategy they adopt is to take a battery of tests to find out about their skills and interests and then choose a career that matches their interests before going on a job-hunt.

But this might not always work out right and can sometimes put one's career in jeopardy.

Career counsellors advise on certain strategies one can adopt to successfully re-invent one's career:

Look outside rather than inside: As a first step try not to analyse and do an introspection of what career will be suitable. Rather, one can check out different careers by either talking to professionals in those fields to get the real picture, or else try to gain practical experience by volunteering to do that job or undergoing a training stint.

Based on the experience one can analyse one's thoughts and feelings and take that as feedback. This will help one to arrive at a decision on which career would be suitable. This is different from the conventional methods that advocate self-assessment and introspection.

Reflection: Before deciding to make a career change, a lot of reflection is needed on whether we really want to make that change. One can do this by taking a break or a holiday from everyday life to think on the how's and why's of the transition.

This will help you visualise about what you want to do in the future and how true to your self it will be. In the process you can also learn something about yourself.

The transition period: The period preceding a career transition is usually rid with confusion, turmoil and difficulties. The most stressful part is not succumbing to pressure and giving up on the idea of transition. One reaction is to put an end to the pressure by giving up the attempt or to try and get into the first available job, which can be so wrong.

Such hasty decisions can often botch up the transition process that is usually long. And such actions can only make them longer.

One step at a time: During the transition period one is often tempted to take a decision that can change everything in one go. Such decisions can create more disturbances than one would expect. It is always better to take one step at a time and that too small ones so that there are incremental gains that would lead to the final big change.

There is no point in wasting one's time, energy and efforts to find that one big answer that will lead to a dramatic change. Change usually does not happen in the first try itself it needs sustained efforts.

Testing the waters: Before plunging headlong into a new career, first test the waters by taking up temporary projects and assignments related to the new field. Get a feel of it.

This can help you judge your values and preferences and also save you from making a hasty commitment. It is better to pursue as many options as possible so that comparisons can be made and you can narrow your options.

Networking: The transition process can become a lot easier if you expand your network to include people who can be your role models. They can be living examples of what you might become in the future. People who are in the career you aspire to be in can give you valuable insights and help you to arrive at a decision.

Seize opportunities: Though it is wise to take one step at a time especially when it is a career transition, it is also equally important not to be over-cautious and let go of any opportunities that come in one's way which would help in the change process. Taking risks can sometimes be worth it.

These are some of the things to keep in mind while contemplating a career change. Adopting such strategies can help in making a smooth career transition.

HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN

Courtesy : The Hindu Opportunities