3 career transition mistakes and how to course correct
- Making the career transition too soon
Leaving a job you are unhappy with too soon can be a mistake. Not having a career strategy in place before you leave can be costly, not only for your bank account but for your mental health and confidence too.
Course correction
If you feel burnt out by your current job, take a mini vacation and start to develop your career plan with a mentor or career coach. Look to strategic volunteering as one great way to focus your career transition. Strategic volunteering not only can help build valuable skills, but can also expand your professional network, leading you to your next job with purpose.
- Not uncovering your “why” prior to your search
Looking to work for a global nonprofit organization? Looking to become the next director of development of your local school? Not knowing your “why” of why you want to make the career transition can be a career blunder. Uncovering which organization is going to be the best match for you in your career transition can be tricky. You will need a better story to tell about why you want to make the career transition than “I didn’t get any satisfaction from my past job,” or “I want to make a bigger impact in my next job.”
Course correction
Start with the mission you are most drawn towards, one that will demonstrate your passion in the job interview. Be prepared to explain why you are focused on the company and their work (make sure to do your homework online and know their projects inside and out). Many of my clients did not chase the job but rather the mission. Once they were engaged with the mission, they were able show the value they would bring to the organization, making it much easier to make a successful career transition.
Related: 10 brainstorming questions to help find your purpose
- Thinking you can make the transition alone
Dozens of my clients who have made successful career transitions tried to make the leap on their own before seeking professional career coaching help. Most of them unfortunately wasted a lot of valuable time. Being accountable to yourself, while staying motivated, can be difficult when you feel like you are all alone in your job quest.
Course correction
Often a career transition will necessitate a new career network with fresh professional connections. It can be hard to know where to start making new connections, one place to start is Meetup.com as an example of an on-line portal that could help expand your current network. In addition, volunteering has been linked to a 27% higher odd of employment.
Related: Strategic Volunteering your guaranteed ROI
Learning new strategies and thinking outside the box are important during your career transition. Career coaches are a great resource as you are preparing and searching for new meaningful work. Propel your purpose with us on Twitter or Facebook.
