To switch or not to switch? The most important issues of career change in a nutshell
Füzes Nóra | psychologist, junior consultant
Füzes Nóra | psychologist, junior consultant
When I decided in the mid-twenties to change my career by giving up my life, most of them didn’t really understand the – seemingly – sudden decision. In my own field, I was supposed to be successful, I had a predictable salary, all the prestige (at least I felt that way at the time) and if I didn’t do some blatant stupidity, I probably could have stayed for a long time.
However, behind our sometimes unexpected and incomprehensible decisions lies much more than mere recklessness, as important internal changes often take place in complete silence. Let’s look at what a career change entails, what are the costs and benefits of a decision that can have a significant impact not only on our own lives but also on the lives of our environment in the long run.
Career change as a loss experience
The terms loss and mourning in most of our thoughts are tied to death and the finality of life. From a psychological point of view, however, the situation is a little different.
An experience of loss can be any life event that drastically affects our lives, and with it our image of ourselves and the world, as well as our relationships and emotions.
Although surprising, a loss experience can be a fundamentally positive event, such as the birth of a child, a wedding, or a move. What we have in common in these experiences is that life so far is completely upset, so it’s no surprise when we encounter feelings like anxiety, fear, paralysis, or helplessness.
Doubts, decisions, steps
Until we get from a doubt to a decision, then to a concrete step, we have to roller ourselves through very different emotional states and decision situations. Here are the most common considerations that most people consider when it comes to career change:
- adaptability – how quickly and efficiently we can create change and how different it is from our previous lives, so how much resource it requires from us.
- future desires and their stability – how much the intention stems from conviction and how much from a sudden impulse
- the sufficiency of our own perceived or real abilities
- perceived or real barriers and costs (emotional, physical, relationship, material, etc.)
- potential benefits (emotional, physical, relationship, material, etc.)
It is almost necessary to be anxious in such a complex decision-making situation, so it is fortunate that the goal is not to avoid anxiety but to deal with it adaptively.
Step by step
The need for a career change is usually not a coincidence, but the sum of our many conscious and unconscious experiences. The feeling of urgency is natural at this time, but you should be careful with the rush. If we want to “jump too much” at the same time, on the one hand, it can be daunting and daunting, on the other hand, it is not conducive to overcoming the difficulty of switching. In this case, it is worth following the step-by-step principle, which includes an assessment of the current situation and resources, planning the next steps, taking into account the expected bottlenecks, etc.
Self-image and career
The intention to change careers or change careers basically stems from two motivations (external and internal motivation) and a combination of these. External motivations may include the attractiveness of another profession, a change in lifestyle or living space, or any external coercive force. Internal motivation very often starts with the issue of professional identity.
As human beings, we are an important driving force to feel valued.
Dealing with something that we ourselves find useful and full of values has repercussions on the one hand, as it enhances our positive attitude towards ourselves. As a result, we are able to make even more effort without getting particularly tired. On the other hand, we also have an impact on our environment, as we do not want to work with a motivated colleague who is satisfied with themselves and their work. In this way, we are also responsible for the people around us, so it doesn’t matter how and how we spend that 8 hours of work a day.
If we can identify less or not at all with the values we experience (our corporate vision, values, product, working hours, pay, etc.), then our natural need for change very often appears. It is important that what we consider important, both socially and personally, can change as a result of both external and internal experiences.
Loss of prestige?
Perhaps this is one of the most pressing issues, especially if we want to start something completely new. Whether or not it is really a loss of prestige is not for me to judge. Is the question more about prestige or a fuller life?
The recipe remains the same: we don’t want to avoid anxiety, but look for the right way to deal with it.
And what can help with that?
Let’s have a plan! – Boldness is not courage. As I emphasized above, a career change can affect all areas of our lives, including our relationships, so it’s important not to dive into the unknown without a plan.
Let’s talk! – A lot, with many and in many ways. When we explore our innermost dilemmas, we are sometimes surprised to see how many can relate to us.
Let’s ask for help! – An army of professionals is at our disposal if we get stuck, because the fear of change can steer a whole life in a different direction.
Let’s look for positive examples! “So people who’ve gone through the same thing.”
Let’s have a plan in case we get shaken! “Uncertainty is natural, but if we have a rescue plan, it’s easier to deal with.” It’s worth thinking about: who can we ask for help in this case, what is my long-term plan for a career change, what will I benefit from it, how will my life change in a positive direction.
