When looking to make a career switch, it is important to first tackle self-doubt and find the courage to take the leap, says an expert. Here are a few tips to pivot into a new career.
According to a survey, 86% of workers feel that their career has stalled during the pandemic. But while it’s enticing to imagine the job of your dreams, taking the jump to get there can seem scary. Kim Perell, author of Jump: Dare to Do What Scares You in Business and Life, knows a thing or two about overcoming fear.
Perell is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author and a mother of four. But her journey hasn’t been easy. Laid off from her first job out of college (an internet startup that went bankrupt), Perell started a business at her kitchen table with a $10,000 loan from her 80-year-old grandmother. Eventually, she grew the company to over $100 million in annual revenue. Today, Perell’s passion is helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success. Recently, I took time out to discuss her advice on how to successfully make a career jump.
Find the courage to take the leap
One of the first steps is to acknowledge the fear associated with making a career jump. The secret is to feel the fear and do it anyway. But before you dive in, it’s important to know what type of jump you’re taking and why. In her book, Perell describes three main reasons people take giant leaps:
1. The Survival Jump: Maybe you’ve been laid off or had a life-changing event. Regardless of the reason, change is the result of circumstances beyond your control.
2. The Opportunity Jump: You want to change because you have a vision. You feel destined for something greater and are ready to make your dream a reality.
3. The Stagnant Jump: You’re considering a change because you are feeling stuck and unfulfilled. You may feel comfortable but not challenged.
In the end, your reason for making a career jump doesn’t matter. The only thing that does is that you have the courage to take the plunge.
Conquer the self-doubt
It’s scary to make a change. Maybe you’ve been working at the same company for years, and it feels comfortable. For many, it seems safer to stay in a dead-end job than jump into a new job or career. But there’s no growth in the comfort zone. Perell suggests this strategy to conquer self-doubt,” Write down your strengths, skills and accomplishments and use that whenever self-doubt creeps in. Creating a “highlight reel” is such an easy way to remind yourself of what you can do and inspire you to take that next step.” Although your track record doesn’t necessarily predict your future success, it does highlight what you have achieved until now. Reminding yourself of your wins goes a long way in conquering self-doubt.
Practice getting rejected in small ways
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! And that also goes for rejection. To practice being told no or listening to negative feedback in low-risk situations is a great way to remind yourself that rejection is much scarier in your mind than it is in reality. So, before you ask for that promotion, request a customer discount at your favorite retailer. Before giving that big speech at work, give it to your friends and family. Intentionally put yourself in situations where you may get rejected. Because according to Perell, “It won’t kill you. And it just might make you stronger.”
Create a one-year success plan
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” A powerful success plan starts with the end goal in mind. Because after all, if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you get there? Start with a vision that is aspirational and attainable. Consider creating a vision board that shows what your life will be like at the end of twelve months after you’ve embraced change and made the career jump. Think big but keep the plan flexible and straightforward. Once you have a clear vision, Perell suggests you start working backward, building a framework of milestones you need to hit. Then attach due dates and deliverables. Finally, find an accountability partner and celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated.
Develop a solid backup plan
According to Perell, you need a solid backup plan. Because as she points out, “If you’re going to jump, you need to pack a parachute.” For example, if you need to find freelance work for a while, what skills can you fall back on? What is the minimum amount of money you need to bring in each month? Are there any expenses you can cut back on? For example, if you’re starting a business, you don’t have to jump in headfirst. Instead, you can create a side hustle and grow it in stages. If taking that career jump still seems scary, consider Perell’s advice, “Taking the leap may be scary, but regret is scarier. So, pack that parachute, take a deep breath, and jump.”
A career jump takes courage, planning and preparation. And you can do it at any age. Look at Perell’s father. At the young age of seventy-two, he is currently starting a new business building carbon-neutral housing and is still energized by building something new. Ultimately, it’s never too late to follow your dreams, and there’s no time like the present to start.
(Source: www.forbes.com)