Written by: Gayle Terzis, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Are you dissatisfied with your current job situation? Do you feel misaligned with your values and want to find a new job that will leave you feeling more fulfilled? Do you want to change your current position but are afraid to take the first step, in these uncertain times? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then read on!
I am sharing with you the 5 tips that have helped me make a transition from a career in banking and finance to being a career coach, a career that I simply love!
These tips, that I wish I knew sooner, will help you make a smooth transition and will help you find a new job that you love, even in these uncertain times.
1. Have a plan, always:
If I have one piece of advice to start with, it’s this: do not quit your current job just yet. Or if you already did, it is time to develop an action plan to help you navigate the uncertain situation you are in. Start by evaluating your current position. Enumerate what you like versus what you do not like, then write down everything you are looking for in your new job. Maybe it’s new responsibilities, a higher salary, or a better work-life balance. Whatever they are, it is important to keep them in mind when applying for new positions. Remember though, that sometimes, you won’t be able to find everything you are looking for and should therefore compromise. Highlight the values and the things that are most important to you and without which you will not consider the switch; it will simplify your job search by giving you a clear idea of what you want, but most importantly what you don't want. Then develop an action plan with performance metrics and stick to it; maybe you have decided to send out 10 new resumes each week. Or you want to dedicate 5 hours per week to your new job search. Whatever your plan is, it is important to be consistent.
2. Reinvent yourself, and don’t forget to update your CV:
The current job market is hot. Companies worldwide are opening up their frontiers to international candidates. In the US alone, companies have opened up 4.6 million new job positions. Research what skills are in demand and find ways to reinvent yourself by signing up for new courses or by creating an online portfolio to showcase your skills and talents. Whatever you decide to do, do not forget to update your CV smartly! Research what are the latest trends in resume writing these days; what is valid for this year is different from what worked a couple of years ago.
3. Keep track of your progress:
It is important to keep track of all the positions you have applied for. You can create a spreadsheet and a folder on your computer, where you save all the new job positions you have applied for, along with the date, and all necessary information. That way, when you hear back from one of the companies, you can simply go to your sheet and extract all the needed information. If you are not organized, the job search can become overwhelming. It will be hard to keep track of all information, therefore having a spreadsheet where everything is written will save you a ton of trouble. It will also help you see if you are sticking to the job search goals you have initially set for yourself, keep track of your progress, and notice if there are any areas you need to work on.
4. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there:
Networking is a great way to put yourself out there in the real world, test the waters, and find new opportunities that you will not hear of otherwise. If you are doubting yourself, or hate networking, I have good news for you! You don’t have to do it in person, and can rather strike up online conversations with the right people from the comfort of your home. This sounds like a great solution for the introverts amongst you, and a good alternative to in-person networking. That way, you will be reeking all the benefits, without experiencing any of the inconveniences. You will be connecting with like-minded people while helping yourself grow by collecting the latest information from your new circle.
5. Seek help:
Whether it is from a trusted friend, a loving family member, or a professional, such as a career coach, it is important to seek outside help. Other people tend to look at us more objectively than how we look at ourselves. This might help us see ourselves in a more positive light and give ourselves more credit than we usually do. It will also help us assess our weaknesses and the areas we need to work on, as well as assess our strengths. A professional career coach can help us develop road maps to navigate the difficult world of job search by acting simultaneously as a guide and as support, greatly increasing our chances of succeeding.
In conclusion,
Whatever you decide to do, whether you want to work with a career coach, a friend, or on your own, it is important to know yourself first and understand what you are looking for.
You need to understand the reasons that are pushing you to make a career switch; whether it is finding something aligned with your values, or finding a new job that will help you lead a better life, you need to do everything in your power to succeed.
After all, life is too short to get stuck in a job that you hate!
Gayle Terzis, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Gayle Terzis is an Executive & Career Coach and the Founder of Boost Up.
With a background in banking, Gayle spent over ten years in the corporate world working on diverse missions, including the development of the first program dedicated to the financial empowerment of women in the Middle East. However, she started feeling that her job was lacking meaning and purpose, and she was automatically less happy at work. She found coaching to be her calling. She quit her job and got certified by the ICF Executive & Leadership Coaching program.
Today, Gayle helps ambitious career-focused people connect with their better selves in order to reach their full potential and achieve meaningful goals faster; while having a balanced, healthy, happy, and productive life.
