How to make a successful landing from a career jump

The right mindset, motivation and commitment are essential for making a career change

You have realised you’re in the wrong career. Do you stay where you are, being unhappy, or do you look for something else? 

Changing careers is scary, but plenty of people have done it and survived. So how did they do it? What is it that successful career jumpers do?

They have their WHY worked out

Successful career jumpers know why they want to change career. So, don’t just work out what you want to change, but get clear on why you want to change it. Your ‘why’ is going to be the fuel for your journey. 

They understand themselves

Radical career change requires taking an honest look at the kind of person you are. There are many self-discovery tools you can try which will reveal to you weaknesses and blind spots as well as your strengths.

They have a vision of the person they want to be

We often consider what we want to do next, but do  not consider who we will be next. When you have a sense of who you want to be, you can develop and grow into a role that fits you, rather than squeeze yourself into something that doesn’t.

Working with a coach can help you create that vision which will energise you to set off on your career change journey.

They adopt the right mindset

How much do you believe that a career change is possible for you? 

If your response to that question is negative, then you must work on your limiting beliefs. It’s important to understand where your beliefs have come from and how they are preventing you from going forward.

What is the negative voice saying to you? Do you really believe it?

Tip: Remind yourself of what you stand to lose if you don’t make a career change.

They do thorough research

Successful career jumpers want to know everything about their destination before they get there. Speak to people within the industry or company you want to join. Interview people at trade fairs like Sue Fisher did. Volunteer for projects in your spare time, like June Jackson did.

The try-before-you buy approach is the safest way to ensure you’re on the right track. You may even end up being offered a job this way. 

They take consistent action towards their goal

You don’t need to leave your job before you make a career change, in fact you shouldn’t. Changing career is a journey that can sometimes take a few years if it involves retraining and getting qualifications. You can easily get weary and be put off by problems that come up. 

Fuelled by their vision and their ‘why’, successful career jumpers find a way to work around obstacles and continue to take action, week after week.

This is also where a career coach can really help. They re-energise you and keep you on track and moving forward.

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity

Amelia Earhart

They have people rooting for them

Friends or family members who are positive and supportive of your career change will be really important to your success. This is also where a career transformation coach can help. They can be your cheerleader throughout your journey or just at those crucial moments when you need a boost.

You can do it too

A career change might feel overwhelming or even scary to you right now.  But it doesn’t have to be a leap into the unknown. With the right approach, mindset and guidance you can do what others have done before you and make that jump to a successful landing.

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