LinkedIn Readers React: Your Own "Brutal Truths" When Changing Careers
Originally published by Betty Liu on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Readers React: Your Own "Brutal Truths" When Changing Careers
Just recently, I hit a milestone on LinkedIn. I published my 150th article!
Through the years writing, I've learned as much about my readers as I hope you've learned about me. That’s why lately I've been collecting your best reactions to my pieces. The latest piece that touched a nerve with all of you is when I wrote about the Three Brutal Truths You Need to Face Before Making a Big Career Change.
If you've worked longer than 10 years in your life, you know what I'm talking about. At some point, you arrive at the fork in the road: should you stay on your current path or try something new? In my case, I tried something new. However, I couldn't jump until I was completely and totally honest with myself. You shared similar stories too.
Some of the best comments had to do with knowing when to walk away from a stagnant career. Melissa Luppino shared:
For me it was [to] stop making excuses! Knowing and accepting you have 'outgrown' your job must follow with action if you expect anything is going to change. [An old] boss of mine told me years ago, "Your career success is your responsibility, not the employer's."
Kimberly Thompson pulled no punches with this tough-love reality check:
When the job has nothing new to offer and no new challenges, it is time to move on. You can't expect to keep doing that same thing with a different result. Yes, change can be scary and uncomfortable but you can't be afraid to make that next step. That step will take you places you never dreamed were possible.
In a similar vein, Fauzia Mussarat shared:
Sometimes you need to exit your comfort zone and challenge yourself to grow. Growth requires taking risks.
Murray Ansell went full caveman on us with his sage advice:
Never fear following your heart. It is coming from what is most loving for you. Fear comes from primal, survival-based ancestral memory. There is nothing to fear…
I loved the elegance of this truth shared by Sylvia Stitt Smith:
The complicated part is disengaging from all the noise in your life long enough to be reflective and find that place where passion and skill connect.
Other readers focused on what to do in the aftermath of that nail-bitingly hard decision. Penny Zhu shared:
[Take] the risks, and do or learn that area to show that you are a good fit for that job. I sometimes try to challenge myself with the quote from Sheryl Sandberg: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?"
Kristina Proctor spoke from experience:
You will have to start at the bottom sometimes but know that one step back allows you to take a big leap forward. Just like a bow and arrow. Get ready to learn...a lot and be willing to put the time and effort into that learning. I changed careers 12 years ago and have never looked back. It was tough but so worth the hard work, perseverance and getting out of my comfort zone.
Other readers focused on practical tips. Martin Patino shared:
I volunteer a lot of my time in community and networking events.
James Taber shared:
One additional point[:] with lots of education/experience your resume can be intimidating. Or at least I was told mine was intimidating.
As with any reader reaction, the comments were far from unanimous. Ann Alipio provided a much-needed counterpoint:
Love what you do and you'll be happy about it. Sometimes career change is not always the answer. Sometimes the problem is you. Reflect and see what blocks you from being happy at work.
But for every person who doubted the value of changing jobs, there was an inspiring story of a career revived by a well-timed switch. Jennifer Legittino shared:
After being in accounting for over 10 years I wanted more. I knew I could offer so much more to the business world. I was stuck, I did play the victim but decided to break free. By setting a plan for myself and learning any new skills I could at my job back then I was able to transfer those skills and many more to my new role...By just doing it I ended up with a 30% salary increase the first year. And I excelled in my new job as it was something I enjoyed. I encourage all to take the leap and try something new that you are passionate about as it will pay off in the end!
Jim Sawchak's career change story was proof positive of the power of sticking your neck out:
I turned down an offer at a local casino for the Executive Chef position for $60,000 plus bonus in 1999. Started to work as a merchandiser for The Scotts Miracle-Gro company for $12 an hour. I was in the right place at the right time as the company took over Roundup and Ortho and was promoted seven months later. Don't be afraid to take some chances, just make sure you can survive on a pay cut.
The takeaway? Changing careers can be difficult, both emotionally and financially. But if you play your cards right, it will pay off—literally and figuratively.
Sometimes, though, you're not the one who needs a career change—it's one of your direct reports who'd be better off someplace else. For tips on how to have that difficult conversation, check out this Radiate video, featuring Jack Welch, Jessica Herrin, Gary Garrabrant, and other business greats:
If you liked this article and want more content to help you transform into a better leader, join the Radiate community by clicking here.
