Is it time for a career change in 2011? Or just a venue change? Either way, you’ve probably got some reservations or downright fears about actually going through with it. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Change is scary but also exhilarating and good for you! Know that silly old saying ‘Change is as good as a holiday’? Turns out it’s true. Now, who woulda thunk it? Here are the 3 most common questions relating to career change.
How can I leave without hurting or offending my co-workers and boss?
This is a hard one. Thing is, humans are human. It’s normal for people to feel rejected and sad about you leaving or maybe even a teensy jealous that you’re moving on and possibly up. And yes, some bosses may even feel angry or disappointed at losing such a great asset to someone else and may voice this to you. Tread gently and don’t burn bridges. If you are unhappy and feel wronged, better to leave with your head held high and reputation intact than by giving knives as a parting gift and using your boss as a verbal punching bag. (Surely no one would do that, you say? It happened at my old workplace.) Word spreads and ultimately that kind of behaviour will catch up with you. Reassure your co-workers that you will keep in touch. (Unless you don’t intend to, which in that case do not lie!) And if you’re friends with these people, you will keep in touch. Thank your boss for their leadership and if you feel inclined maybe give them a small parting gift. No matter how you feel about them as a person, look at what they’ve done for you as a boss. And if you really just want to bust on out, wave goodbye and smile sweetly.
What if I don’t find something new straight away?
If you’ve decided to jump ship without linin something up beforehand then it’s normal to have reservations about what next? If you’re someone who needs structure then getting a job before moving on from your old one might just be the best bet. There’s no use in stressing yourself out silly about where your next pay check is coming from if you don’t need to. Tread carefully though in terms of interviews and references. Can you line up interviews out of work hours? Or maybe your boss is supportive. If you are using people who currently work with you as referees check that they are comfortable with referring you whilst you’re still employed somewhere. A person who works elsewhere might be a good bet if you can’t let on that you’re leaving!
If you have decided to leave your workplace without a waiting job, then take some time out to enjoy the ride. Maybe you want to travel for a while, take up some study or simply take your time to figure out what you actually want to do in life. Just make sure that you’ve prepared yourself financially for not working and also emotionally. The life of the unemployed, whilst seemingly appealing at times, can also be lonely and isolating. Keep in contact with others and keep busy. Use the time off to get some stuff done.
I want to do A but I need to do B! When training is required…
It’s important to be realistic about what a career change requires. If you’re planning on completely switching careers then it might be a good idea to actually look into what the job requires in terms of qualifications and experience. As much as you want to move into brain surgery, your 2 years working at the chicken shop might not suffice. If you do need to embark on some heavy duty study, don’t fear! There are lots of options, such as part time or external study allowing work at the same time as well as various payment options including the handy HELP (formally HECS) program. Being a mature age student isn’t as bad as it sounds, in fact mature age refers to 21 and over, hardly decrepit! I studied for my Masters in 2007 externally and found the whole experience fantastic. I paced my own study, avoided the pitfalls of my prior uni bar experiences and made some really lovely friends through the online community. Study doesn’t have to be painful, and it quite possibly might be the only way to get the career you desire!
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