You will reach a point in your career when you ask yourself “What’s Next?” You have been in the workforce for many years yet have many more ahead of you. There has been progression moving from entry level to intermediate, perhaps even senior level. Maybe the advancement has been more significant where the rise in the company ranks has been made in a relatively short period of time. You are regarded as a subject matter expert, a leader, problem solver, innovator or any other descriptor that shows you are at the top of your field. In a strictly corporate sense, you are a manager or director of people.
This blog will present some ideas for you to consider when you want to take your career to the next level. These ideas represent varying degrees of challenges to take on to advance your career. Should any of these options appeal to you, contact Career Connexions to discuss!
Jump ship: A tongue and cheek way of saying try joining the competition. You have likely had discussions with colleagues that work for a competitor or a company within your industry. These discussions could include what you are looking for next in your career, what would get you to move, etc. It is these interactions that may be driving you to ask yourself that fundamental question of “What’s Next?”. So, if switching companies is a possibility for you – go for it! It will require clear and careful communication especially as you are making a bold move and will still have colleagues from your company in your network. The most important communication is the reason why you are leaving. The best answer to give to your current company is that they are unable to give you something that the other company can. It is best not to make this a money issue or other form of compensation. Your current company can always (try to) match whatever the new company offers. Other reasons specific to your company such as work culture are also best avoided. Some good reasons might be implementing new technology, building a new department, etc. In other words, something that is specific and unique to the new company.
Farm a different field: This may be the hardest challenge of all. It will be assumed that any such alteration is possible by way of having the time needed for the change along with the condition that anyone making the move is not a genius, polymath, etc. At the extreme, it would mean moving into an entirely different discipline. For illustration purposes, one example is a teacher becoming an IT network administrator. First, the teacher would need a degree or diploma in IT, followed by some entry level job, maybe an internship. At this point, core skills will be in place and the remaining challenge will be gaining experience. But not to worry! It is here where the teacher can draw from existing communication skills when applying and interviewing for jobs and networking as much as possible. An easier transfer might be within the STEM disciplines where an environmental biologist decides to become an environmental engineering technician. In this case, foundational studying and learning skills are present and are placed within the common environmental theme. The biologist will be challenged by needing to understand and apply new engineering concepts. In addition, s/he will require a certification/license to publicly demonstrate such capabilities. In the end, the transition is a doable challenge and undoubtedly a new job. In both examples, the need for a new challenge and better outcomes are essential in making a career advancement such as these a true success.
Start your own business: This is something many people do, but not always from a position of strength. Businesses start and fail largely due to the inexperience of the business owner of simply all that is involved in running a business. Challenges also present themselves as they will need to broaden their professional network with most of these connections needing to ultimately be paying customers. In other words, you may have more than enough experience, skill, and network bandwidth within your field of expertise, but will this generate (enough) revenue the moment you put up your “open for business” sign? For this reality, many people, maybe even yourself, are already doing business as a “side gig” as you continue to work full time in your current job. By testing the waters, you will better position yourself when the time arises for you to work for yourself only. And be sure to accept that once you go solo, you will be challenged as you will lose the support and insulation that comes with working for a company.
Take a break: This may be the easiest of all options, but it is often overlooked. In terms of advancing your career the length of time used as a break is an important consideration. You do not want to be out of work such that you cannot “pick up where you left off” or at least re-enter the workforce in a capacity that satisfies you. Therefore, it is critical to stay in touch with colleagues and your broader network. Taking a break does carry a certain level of risk. So, how can a “break” advance your career? In short, it allows you to do things you otherwise could not during full time work. You have the chance to do important things, feel accomplished, and become re-energized! Many people use this time to travel. Seeing the world often yields new perspectives and ideas. Often people can bring these back into their career for their own benefit or those they work with. Volunteering is a common experience people undertake either where they live or in another country. Both ways also enrich people’s lives and can have lasting impacts when returning to work and continuing along career paths. Sometimes the time away from work is more personal and can include spending more time with family and friends, completing projects, etc. In all cases, it is expected that one comes back to resume a career in a fresher state of mind, body, and spirit and maybe a few new tricks!
