Five Check-ins Before Queuing Your Next Move

In a professional journey, one of the most pivotal moments comes when you feel an instinctual nudge signaling it’s time for a change. You may be ready to shift to a new role, seek a promotion, or even change industries. Recognizing a need for change and growth is crucial, but knowing how to respond to this drive is even more essential. High-level coaches often emphasize that a successful transition involves more than just a desire for change; it requires introspection, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of one’s career aspirations and emotional state. Let’s explore how to check in with yourself before making a career shift or job change.

1. Get Radically Honest with Yourself

Begin by clearly defining your current situation and why you want to change it. Take time to reflect on your career goals, values, strengths, and areas for improvement. Consider what you want in your next role and what you’re willing to compromise on.

Ask yourself these three questions-

• Are you learning?Continuous learning and growth are essential for job satisfaction. It might be time for a change if you’re not learning new things.
• Are you adding value?Feeling valued for your contributions is crucial. If you don’t feel appreciated, it can be a sign to consider other options.
• Are you having fun?Enjoying your work and finding fulfillment is essential. If not, explore other opportunities.

2. Create a Clear Vision for Your Future

Are you looking for a better opportunity to progress on your current path, or are you looking to make a transition that entails a lifestyle redesign?

Before launching Amazon, Jeff Bezos relied on what he termed a “regret minimization framework” in his decision to leave his corporate career. He looked forward to being 80 years old and asked what he would regret most. Ways to facilitate this endeavor include doing a “future self” meditation and having a conversation with this older vision of yourself or writing your own autobiography from the end-of-life point of view.

Once you have a clear end goal, you can evaluate whether your current path leads you toward that goal.

3. Assess Your Risk and Rewards

A transition can be more complicated than you think and take longer than anticipated. If the risk seems too large, consider a strategy that can break your journey into steps or milestones. For example, you might change your function or role before switching to a new industry. Or you could move geographically and settle in before taking a new career path.

You’ll want to list your skills and talents, especially those you might transfer into a new opportunity. For example, are you good at communication, problem-solving, and leadership? Or are you flexible and can adapt quickly and see new possibilities? When making change, expect to sell yourself and your ideas, and face hurdles and rejection.

Consider contacting a trusted mentor or professional career coach who can offer unbiased advice and help you weigh your options. Professionals can provide insights based on their experiences and observations, allowing you to see angles or opportunities you might have missed. They can also assist in evaluating the risks and rewards of a career move.

4. Build a Bridge

Especially if you’re considering a big transition, think about a plan that allows you some breathing room and the ability to adjust. Many people use a side hustle to test and see if monetizing their passion is worth changing their careers for. For example, if you’re getting into coaching, you might set a goal of building a community base of 1,000 subscribers or a goal for monthly revenue from your services.

Your bridge can also include a temporary or part-time job, especially if it connects you to a new community you’d like to join or experience you’d like to gain.

5. Optimize Your Timing

As with having a child, there may be no perfect time for change, but there can be a time when you are more prepared. It’s wise to look before you leap and consider personal circumstances, including financial stability and family commitments. Remember that market conditions within an industry and the economy can make a difference between a rocky road and a smooth journey.

Teeing Yourself Up for Success

Making a role or career change is about more than escaping stagnation. You can approach the decision strategically by thinking through your vision and assessing your skills, talents, and possible next steps.