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?
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