5 Characteristics of Successful Career Changers

5 Characteristics of Successful Career Changers

New Year Resolutions. Some people like to make them, others feel that they should make them and force themselves to do so. But one thing is for sure. It's a time when people reflect and look forward, regardless of whether they set new goals or not.

So as you reflect on your career direction, what thoughts cross your mind. Not everybody who feels unfulfilled in their work does anything about it and even if they do, they often don't see things through to a positive end. So why can some people do it successfully and others can't? Well in my experience, here are 5 characteristics that separate those that go through a successful transition and those who don't....

1. They believe they have a valuable contribution to make - even if they don't know what that looks like, there is something deep down which tells them that there is so much more they can offer the world. Yes there will always be limiting beliefs that can hinder their progress but they won't allow these beliefs to gain a stranglehold.

2. They are prepared to make sacrifices - seamless career transitions are rare. A successful one will often involve further study, cancelling the gym membership, late nights, rejection (from potential employers or even friends and family) or a salary drop. But the sacrifice pales into insignificance compared to the motivator of job satisfaction and purpose.

3. They are prepared to try something new - even if they are not 100% sure it is going to work. A successful career transition does not mean you have to be irresponsible with your time and finances, but in my experience, through careful planning and research, successful career changers take calculated risks. There are very few things in life that we commit to and have a guarantee of success, be it marriage, starting a business or buying property. Even if they don't work out as planned, the fact is we still go for it. Successful career changers get this point.

4. They are well supported - it is very difficult to go through a successful career transition without the support of people who matter to you. If you're constantly getting comments like 'why waste all your training?', 'better the devil you know' or 'are you stark raving bonkers?' it can be difficult to keep going, especially when (not if) you come across barriers. When your partner or parents say they just want you to be happy and to 'go for it', that can make a world of difference.

5. They take action - it's one thing reflecting, talking and navel gazing. It's another thing taking positive action. And that doesn't mean simply looking at online job vacancies. It means connecting with people who can help you get to where you want to be. It means getting expert advice. It means making the most of social media contacts. It means recognizing that if something isn't working, they refer to point 3 above.

What Next?

If you would like to make 2016 a year of positive action click here to find out more about how we can support you or here if you wish to arrange a free 15 minute consultation.

Search this blog


Archives

Categories

Tags

What Next?

If you'd like to discuss your current career situation, you can have a FREE 15 minute discussion with Mark. This is also your opportunity to find out if Mark is the right person to help you move forward. To book your session, please click here and complete the contact form. Mark will then be in touch to schedule your session.

What Our Clients Say...

Last night, we had the opportunity to have a good chat about things, and he was (I felt for the first time in a long time), upbeat about what he needs to think about and get done.

He showed me the test results which I think has given him a real confidence boost, as well as having consolidated a lot of things for him in his own mind.

And your post call summary has also had an effect, as he seems to be much more ‘in the zone’, giving him the impetus with a plan on how he gets things done.

Heartfelt thanks from me, his mum, as it has felt like quite a difficult time for all of us!

Debbie
Mark is passionate about his work and very sensitive to the needs of his clients. I was lucky to work with Mark in the international surrounding where he shared knowledge and skills regarding career counselling with the group of youth workers coming from 8 European countries.

Through his work he challenged many limiting beliefs and helped me and others to realize our potentials in a better light and get ideas for helping others do the same.

I strongly recommend Mark for any challenging task since he proved to be flexible, process oriented but also having results in mind, and the most important of all, very positive and inspiring co-worker.
Jelena
My daughter Lucie and I both gained a lot from your talk and found your approach to finding what the right path may be, very positive.

Thank you!
Cathy
Before I contacted Mark, I didn't believe that I could pursue the career I really wanted but after a few sessions it began to feel that my dreams weren't so unrealistic after all.

By the end of the course, I had the confidence to make steps towards getting the job I always wanted.
Leah Mooney
Mark was our trainer in a 7 day International Training Course on topics of youth career guidance for youth workers from 8 countries. His work is amazing - aside from providing skills for our work, he helped us to think over our lives and things we want to do. This training course and his energy gave me a new wave of enthusiasm for both - working with youth and developing myself. I hope I will have the opportunity to work with him again.
Ana
I came to Mark to gain focus and direction as I was awash with ideas and not knowing which to follow. Mark guided me through exercises which systematically drew out my interests, skills and preferences. I am now in a position to drive forward on key ideas with clear goals on what I want to achieve and how I'll know when I have. Thanks Mark!
Jim Allen
I had no clear idea of where I wanted my career to go, except that I didn’t want to carry on with what I was doing. Working with Mark has been instrumental in giving me the right questions, and gaining a good understanding of myself so that I could change direction. His sessions were well structured whilst giving sufficient freedom for different lines of enquiry. And it’s a long time since I enjoyed homework, but I really did relish the work he suggested between meetings. I would thoroughly recommend having Mark coach you through your career conundrums.
Yvette Powell
I worked with Mark during a time of huge personal transition. He gave me invaluable insight into myself, which has had a direct impact on the course of the last 6 months of my life. The coaching sessions I had with him prompted me to take action in the direction of the career and life I really want, rather than doing what I think I 'should' be doing to please other people or fit in. He also got me thinking very differently about the options available to me, which opened doors both in my mind and externally in the world. Mark has outstanding interpersonal skills, which really helped me be at ease and take risks to be completely honest in our sessions. I highly recommend him and his service.
Elloa Atkinson

Send us a message

Required

Required

Required

Required

Required