Steering in Career Turnarounds: When to Accept Change

Like life itself, our careers are journeys. There are moments when the route we’re on no longer fits our goals or situation. However, when is the ideal time to shift careers?

Let’s examine the ideal times in a person’s life to think about changing careers.

There are undoubtedly instances in life that can act as catalysts for transformation, whether you’re thinking about making a change because of personal development, circumstances outside of your control, or a desire for fulfillment. Thus, there are critical times when switching occupations becomes essential rather than merely a choice.

Self-Assessing and Development

Reflecting on the past, no matter how long it has passed, is not just a ritual but also an effective tool for both professional and personal development. In our hectic lives, reflection enables us to take a step back and evaluate our encounters, choices, and deeds.

It enables us to see our areas of improvement, enjoy our accomplishments, and draw lessons from our errors. By taking a close look at the past, we can learn important lessons that enable us to look toward the future with greater knowledge and purpose.

The Quest We Start in Midlife

We frequently reevaluate our priorities when we get to our 40s or 50s. The search for fulfillment and meaning assumes a central role. You’re neither youthful nor elderly when you’re in your middle age, whether at home or work. Your parents are getting older and your children, if any, are growing up and leaving the “nest”. At work, responsibilities and complexity are increasing but receiving little acknowledgment.

You frequently feel overly exhausted and nothing fascinating appears to be happening. You come to the realization that most of life consists of a fixed schedule full of routine tasks that don’t really change from day to day. Everybody expects you to perform a thankless job with a grin on your face.

Everything seems uninteresting. You’re no longer youthful, ambitious, full of life, and dreamy-eyed. You come to terms with reality. You cease to view the world through rose-colored glasses. It’s possible that you don’t feel motivated or feel trapped. Your family may believe that you’re resentful or angry and that you’re not fun at all. You’re also perplexed and unable to identify what it is that you desire that will bring you joy or that will make you feel alive.

Yes, middle life is an interesting stage. It’s also a chance. Think about making a professional move that’s consistent with your changing passions and ideals.

Yes, middle life is an interesting stage. It’s also a chance. Think about making a professional move that’s consistent with your changing passions and ideals.

Obsolescence of Skills

Technology is changing quickly. If your abilities are aging, it’s time to change course. What can a person do if technological advancements render outdated the technical abilities they learned early in their profession?

Even if you perform your job successfully and obtain the greatest MBA from one of the most prestigious universities in your nation, you still feel as though you don’t know anything. It isn’t that your qualifications or expertise are insufficient; rather, the reason is that your technological abilities are outdated.

Given that you think of yourself as a dinosaur that’s about to become extinct, you should notice that you’ll become outmoded in a year or two if you don’t refresh your knowledge of technology in your area of specialization or current employment. Although it’s unsettling to acknowledge, this is a crucial notion to consider.

Do technical abilities matter if you don’t work in a job that requires them?

It makes no difference if you work in technology or not. Technology is present everywhere, whether it be in the form of that amazing mobile app you use for managing things (Amazon, Netflix, Walmart, etc.), a mobile-friendly website you visit for fulfilling pastime (any of the best new betting sites in 2024 at Bookmaker Expert) or the software you use on a daily basis at work (SAP, Zapier, etc.). Newer and more sophisticated software and technologies are developed annually to replace the older ones. Additionally, you’ll quickly become outdated if you fail to keep up with the quick advances in technology in your field of expertise or place of employment. Because of this, you should assess your own technical skills every two to three years to see if they are still current and applicable to your line of work or area of expertise.

Accept lifelong learning and dive into new areas that pique your interest.

Outer Factors

The events and causes outside of your control that affect the course of your career are known as outer factors. They can be constructive or destructive, depending on how well they fit your values and goals for your job.

A collapsing industry or a global economic downturn, for instance, can be an adverse trend that limits your alternatives and security, but a growing demand for a given skill or occupation can be an upside that provides more job openings and greater earnings. The extent and length of external forces can also differ, ranging from short-term and localized to long-term and worldwide.

However, one sticks out.

Layoff or Redundancy

Losing a job can be very distressing. Every part of your life may be impacted by losing your job. Numerous factors influence how you manage it, such as:

• How you become aware of it: Perhaps you were aware of the rumors and knew what to anticipate. Rumor had it that you were prepared for your job loss at the time of it. However, it may still trigger the start of negative feelings like wrath and fear. It’s also possible that the rumors encouraged you to begin your job search. However, if losing your job was unexpected, you might have experienced denial, panic, or fury. Feelings such as these are typical.
• How you were treated by your employer: You’ll likely have an easier experience if your employer treated you with respect and decency and made it apparent that your performance or personal problems had nothing to do with the termination of your employment. It can take you longer to get used to it if it came as a surprise or if you had no assistance.
• Your own contexts, including your resources, abilities, social circle, and mindset: How you handle being unemployed can vary greatly depending on your specific circumstances.
• Your financial situation: In comparison to someone with a lot of debt and no severance money, you might be less concerned if you receive a severance payout and have few liabilities. Are you the family’s main provider of income? If so, being unemployed might cause a great deal of worry. In the weeks immediately after your last day, set aside some time to prepare your finances.
• Your experience and age: Nobody finds losing their work to be easy. Being youthful could make you believe that it will be difficult for you to compete with more seasoned personnel. You might feel out of touch with the job market if you’re older or have held the same position for a long time with the same employer. You could be concerned that younger employees with more modern training will be able to outcompete you.
• Your qualifications, training, and education: You might have to make some difficult choices if the industry in which you work requires highly specialized skillsets from its employees. Moving to a place where your abilities are still in demand might be necessary for you. Alternatively, you might need to go over your skill set and decide which ones you need to improve and which ones you can currently use in different industries or jobs.

While losing a job can be extremely painful, it can also present an opportunity. Take this opportunity to reimagine yourself and investigate other options, such as the network. Discovering a job requires knowing people as much as knowledge. Participate in industry gatherings, strengthen your online presence on sites like LinkedIn, and make use of the resources provided by specialized recruiting firms. Customized cover letters and resumes are essential because every application is a one-of-a-kind sales pitch for your career.

A lack of work shouldn’t imply a lack of direction or organization. A sense of direction and momentum can be maintained by establishing a routine, integrating physical activity, and striking a balance between skill development and job hunting.

Examine community-based programs and government-led efforts to assist the unemployed. These tools, which range from business start-up programs to job centers and skill development courses, are essential lifelines on this trip. Keep your composure and keep in mind that every opportunity lost and rejection you receive brings you one step closer to the ideal one. Keep an optimistic outlook and be receptive to new opportunities.

Industry Upheaval

Market changes, automation, or international calamities (like the pandemic) cause industries to change. Flexibility is essential. To better position yourself for the future, think about changing careers by rethinking the following:

• Visualize your ideal self in the future. Consider your goals for the next five to 10 years. Jot down whatever ideas you have—it’s acceptable to have lofty goals! In the professional scenarios you have written down, what themes do you begin to notice?
• Determine your professional identity. This encompasses your interests, personality type, values, and strengths. What background and degree do you possess? You can gain essential insight into these topics by having a conversation with a close friend, mentor, or professional coach. Now consider the objectives or adjustments you would need to make in order to fulfill those career situations. Can you begin gaining more knowledge or training right away to better position yourself for the future? Do you have any particular skill set that needs rework?
• Right now, where are you heading? Will the career paths you’re currently on take you to the destinations you have set for yourself? Just picture the perfect workday in the future. Is it reasonable to think that the way you’re going will assist you reach that ideal? Over time, you can discover that certain changes are necessary to help you achieve your ideal, including switching jobs or employers.

We also advise you to be frank when asking yourself these questions:

• In the next one to five years, what crucial positions are you going to require, and are they filled at your current company?
• Do your professional ambitions align with the current organization?
• Who can hold you accountable and offer support?
• Are there any obstacles standing in your way?

A third of your life, or about 90,000 hours, will be spent at work so, for your profession, both now and in the future, you can and ought to discover deeper meaning and purpose.

Individual Satisfaction

What’s work-related personal fulfillment?

We feel fulfilled when we have a strong sense of purpose in life and meaningful connections with other people. What then makes workers feel unfulfilled? Three main causes are insufficient challenge, low self-esteem, and insufficient sense of responsibility. If any one of these is absent, employees won’t feel satisfied in their jobs.

Making a career shift gives you the chance to explore new hobbies and interests, which promotes personal development and a sense of fulfillment. It provides you with the chance to live a more purposeful life and match your employment with your ideals.

Electrifying Passion

Many people occasionally have to choose between leaving their current career and pursuing their passion. Pay attention to your heart when it longs for something different.

Even while it could be alluring to jump right into a new endeavor, you should give this choice some thought. It’s important to give your situation some thought and pose a number of important questions to yourself before deciding to switch roles. You can get clarity and decide if a career move is good for you by honestly assessing your goals and reasons. Here are some things to think about asking:

• What makes you want to change?
• Do you wish to make adjustments in the profession you have now or switch careers?
• What sort of employment are you looking for?
• What abilities and skills do you possess?
• Would you rather start again or apply your current abilities and skills?
• What piques your curiosity?
• Which values do you uphold?
• Are you ready to start over from scratch or retrain?
• What’s the required amount of money you want to earn?
• Will you come to regret not taking action?

These inquiries function as a springboard for introspection and decision-making. The bottom line is that you should follow your passions, whether they be writing, coding, or launching your own company.

Mental Health and Burnout

Burnout and ongoing stress are signs that something needs to change. Burnout has become a common problem for many workers in today’s high-pressure workplace, leading to alienation from work, physical and mental tiredness, and a reduction in performance. Burnout is often seen as a transient problem, but it can also mean that you need to make a bigger adjustment, like quitting your work.

Recall that burnout is an indication that you need to prioritize your health and make changes rather than a sign of failure. You may make the shift to a more purposeful and joyful work by identifying the warning signals, acting, and getting help. Take command of your work life and bring about the change you deserve to avoid letting burnout prevent you from realizing your full potential.

Put your health first. Your excitement can be reignited by a new career. It’s your right to employment that enhances and elevates you rather than detracts from who you are.

Transitions in Life

Even while there are exciting life transitions and times when we get to choose, the uncertainty of change can nevertheless lead to tension, anxiety, and unhappiness. Furthermore, major life changes that involve loss or sadness can be very difficult for us to handle. Major life transitions might mean different things to different people.

Definitely, a smart place to start is with…

Being a Parent

Having children causes priorities to change. Some people want careers with more flexibility.

Being a parent is a significant, life-altering choice. The possibility for mothers to return to work after having a child? Large and transformative as well. The idea that parents, especially mothers, should desire to spend all of their time with their children is deeply rooted in many cultures. And, in some ways, they do. But they were women before they were mothers; those with aspirations, hopes, and dreams who are self-assured, bright, and intellectual. When they have a child, none of that changes, but their goals for their life could.

The birth of a child can provide some moms with a sense of clarity that may lead to a new career or the guts to seek the promotion they have consistently been denied. It’s your responsibility as a parent to make sure that your kids witness you succeeding because you’ll be an inspiration to them in terms of tenacity, self-assurance, and achievement. Being a mother might occasionally serve as the impetus for a professional makeover. These are items you may want to think about.

According to statistics, males also frequently look to shift careers at this time. It makes sense actually, given you’re probably going to be reevaluating your priorities at this point in your life. It’s possible that you’re eager to find something new as well; ideally, it would be something a little more flexible that would let you spend more time with your child. You’re starting to feel the effects of your present job’s excessive hours and overall bad work-life balance, even if you’re not exactly sure what else you can do. So, look at options that support balancing work and life.

Empty Nest Syndrome

Parents frequently reevaluate their own lives when their children go out into the world.

One chapter ends and a new one begins when the children leave the nest. In fact, 22.5 million Americans are “empty nesters”, according to the US Census for 2020. While “empty nest syndrome” affects many single parents, for some parents having their children move out gives them a new purpose.

The everyday burden of taking care of your kids is no longer there. You should be prepared to venture out and take on new tasks, like so many empty-nester parents, but it can seem like there’s a lot to learn, and the new technology can be scary.

Many parents experience the complex emotional journey known as empty nest syndrome. Empty-nester decision-making can have an impact on their jobs, even if it’s usually linked to the emotional toll this change has on people and their personal lives.

For instance, the empty nest syndrome causes some global CEOs to reevaluate their job choices. They may decide to leave their jobs or even pursue other career paths that provide a better work-life balance if they can anticipate having more time for their families and personal interests. This affects the new family dynamics in addition to altering their perspective.

Take this time after your children leave to revisit passions you’ve put on hold!

Final Thoughts

The optimum time to switch occupations is when your inner guidance system points you in the direction of happiness, growth, and meaning. Follow your gut, look for direction, and set out on a path that’s consistent with who you really are.