Is now the right time for a career change? This is a theme which has popped up a lately in my Coaching work.

When something big and lifechanging happens, like the coronavirus, it makes us stop and reassess everything. Are we with the people we want to be with? Are we doing the work we love? Is there a better balance out there for me?

Everything is unsettled and it’s not unusual to take a close look at your career options and consider making a change. You’re already out of your comfort zone so why not go all the way, right?

Before you make any decisions, let’s take stock of where you are.

Understand why you’re thinking this way.

When something unexpected and earthshaking like the pandemic, we start to question everything. We realise how short life can be and it makes us reassess our values and priorities. There’s a ton of emotion behind your thinking and it has a big influence on your actions – and it could work for you or against you.

Is this really the right time? Your emotions are pushing you and colouring your perceptions. Are you prepared to hunt out your ideal job and sell yourself at interview? Do you have the courage and confidence to follow through? While now seems to be the right time to make the leap, to be successful you’ll need to call on the logical side of your brain to guide you.

What do you want to be doing? What do you like about your current role? What makes you happy? Are there jobs in that field?

What about your skills? What skills do you want to keep using? What skills gaps do you need to fill? You don’t have to wait for the right job to come along before you start acquiring new skills and knowledge. Start now. This will also help you decide if it’s really what you want to be doing.

Can you afford to take a pay cut or a change in job conditions to get the job you want? There is no guarantee the you will start a new role at the top or even at a similar level to your current role. This is even less likely if you are thinking of changing careers. Are you in a sound financial position – one which will support you for perhaps a year? Also ask yourself what you’re prepared to give up as you change careers. Think about the perks you have in your current role and the employment conditions you enjoy. You might need to make some sacrifices to get to where you want to be.

Do you really have a choice?

If your job has gone, now is the time for action. My best advice to you is to seek advice from career experts who will support you during this stressful time.

Get some advice.

Deciding to change careers can be an exciting and liberating choice but it’s not something to do lightly. Unless the perfect career role falls into your lap, your best course of action is to start planning your way forward. The current situation might be the trigger for your decision to change careers but don’t let it be the sole driver.

Get some clarity to help you with your career decisions. My Career Clarity Coaching Program can be done online from wherever you are. It will help you understand and identify your unique strengths and values and see what’s truly important to you in a role and in life.

“SURPRISE! I got the job AND a pay rise! And that is in no small part thanks to you. After completing the Career Clarity Plus program, I was a completely different person in the interviews. I was actually my authentic self! And I couldn’t have done that without your guidance but just as importantly, your belief in me. It meant so much to know that someone as great as you believed in me, which gave me the confidence to know I am right for the job. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” J. Hoare

Let me share the tools and strategies you need to make a decision and create your dream career by design.

Thinking about a career change? Don’t just leap – strategise!