What challenges do you face when transitioning careers?

There exist two overarching approaches to discovering a novel trajectory: vertical and horizontal orientations. Within the vertical paradigm, you possess a familiarity with the forthcoming prospects, and with proper education and astute guidance, effecting a career transition becomes feasible. Conversely, the horizontal route presents the most formidable challenge. It entails a departure from your established professional path, necessitating the pursuit of endeavors substantially distinct from those engaged in over the course of years. Undertaking a horizontal shift mandates a resolute commitment and rigorous adherence to a regimen to attain the envisaged objectives.

Sometimes we have no idea what we want to do next. All we know is that we don’t want ‘this’. And whilst we are in the mire of ‘this’ our minds are frozen and our bodies are tight with knowing that ‘this’ isn’t’it’. It takes courage to acknowledge it to yourself and take the first step towards moving on. If you are able to financially, it will pay to take some time out. Get a different perspective. Sometimes it pays to get a coach to help you see differently and look at how your values are supporting or hindering you. The most important thing, however, is to recognise that you have choice. That’s the greatest power you have. Choice to choose differently. Choice to think differently. Choice to ask for help. Choice to take time to be.

Through my journey, discovering what I actually wanted/needed was a new direction, came from experience/time. At times it may be tempting to take a quick scape from a challenging situation, but unless your health is at stake (physical, psychological, or mental) I'd say power through the challenge at hand, marinate on it once excelled, and regroup. Looking back over the years, I'd say this was critical as it: - First and foremost helped me know me better (e.g. likes/dislikes, capabilities/gaps, areas of interest) - Provided me with a sense of achievement and built my confidence. - Built my emotional intelligence; one of the most powerful traits you can possess. - Built my ability to navigate complexity and solve problems.

Your depth of understanding of this 'new' career. Ensure you learn as much as possible both theoretically and through engaging with others in this field. The informational interview could form part of this research and preparation.

I recently changed my own career path from being a professional business style adviser and style consultant to coaching entrepreneurs as an experience coach. O'boy, my vast business network finds it hard to see my transformation and thus I look for completely new potential crowds. I have even refused to do presentations in 'old' networking events because people would only see a 'style consultant' talking. I tell you, it takes a lot of guts to take a new path if you well-known in another.

In addition to reflecting on values, strengths and your personal goals, another powerful element to think about is the people you enjoy working with. What kind of people make you thrive in your work? Are you currently working with them? In which sectors would you find your favourite people? This reflection element comes from the 'Parachute method' and I have noticed with my clients that thinking about 'the people factor' can lead to surprising insights, providing extra guidance for the direction they want to go, in the context of a career transition.

Working with a specially trained career coach who can partner with you to gain clarity on your personal and career values, skills, strengths and interests is essential. Your career coach will help you identify existing and emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing world of work. Recognising and overcoming any potential barriers is also important as part of the career coaching process.

Here's a process you can follow: 1. Find your why (think purpose/theme/impact) 2. Explore the what related to your why (identify a role/sector) 3. Consider the how (skills and knowledge you need and conduct an audit of what you have and need) 4. Identify who to talk to for help to increase your knowledge and understanding and to potentially create opportunities 5. Create a plan to achieve your goal (including skills)knowledge acquisition) 6. Review for possible barriers/issues. 6. Take action towards your goal once you are sure it is right for you. If this seems like a bit of a daunting list, working with a qualified and experienced career coach may well be your best bet so you can create a working life you love.

One step that is often overlooked in a transition is the conclusion of the previous chapter in your career. When you feel you want to transition careers, it is crucial that you create space for new ideas and options. To be able to do that, I recommend to take stock of the career you pursued so far, of the things you have accomplished, the tasks you loved and the ones you didn't enjoy too much. Especially when you have invested a lot in your career, the identification with your work is high. Your work, maybe also your title and status that comes with it, is a big part of your identity. So, before you start to find your new direction, take a moment to close the previous chapter - it will give you the space you need to open a new one.

Sometimes a career transition happens due to a change in your company and environment and due to having a strong sense of self and values, you simply cannot stay on and have to explore new opportunities and a new career journey. Keep your values close by and look inside yourself instead of outside of yourself, for a period of self-discovery instead of external validation. A coach can guide you to make that all important mindset change, that will make your journey ahead much clearer and you can continue finding a new direction, with purpose.

Overcoming self-doubt is pivotal in career transitions. It's natural to question your choices and capabilities. What helped me was reflecting on past successes and learning experiences. Embracing a growth mindset, I viewed challenges as opportunities to evolve. Regular self-affirmation and celebrating small wins boosted my confidence. Remember, doubt is a part of growth; overcoming it is key to unlocking your potential

I agree that tolerance to ambiguity is key, that means being able to nurture self efficacy, the feeling that one can respond mindfully and with positive focus rather than becoming derailed and distracted by the ever increasing pace of change and uncertainty

O artigo aborda um tema crucial e comum na transição de carreira: a insegurança. Lidar com dúvidas e o medo do fracasso é uma parte desafiadora desse processo. A sugestão de envolver um coach ou mentor é especialmente útil. Esses profissionais desempenham um papel essencial para fornecer suporte emocional e prático durante uma transição, ajudam a construir confiança e gerenciar o estresse, eles desempenham um papel fundamental na promoção de uma mentalidade positiva e resiliente. O artigo destaca a necessidade de uma abordagem proativa na gestão desses desafios, enfatizando que uma transição de carreira não é apenas uma mudança profissional, mas também uma jornada de autodescoberta e desenvolvimento contínuo.

Self-doubt, or sometimes what we call 'imposter syndrome', is very common, especially when transitioning into a new career. Questions we ask ourselves all the time, "Are we really as good as we think we are?", "Will this company retain me once they realize I am not as good as I proclaimed to be?" While at times we can't help thinking like this, we need to constantly assure ourselves that we are, in fact, good at our jobs, and while we may need constant refreshing and continuous education, it is important to have self-confidence not only for feeling good about ourselves but also to show ourselves in the right light to our potential employers. Here I believe coaches and mentors can play a big part.

I was reluctant to become an entrepreneur also a professional ICF coach. I thought I did not have it in my DNA to become an entrepreneur. But coaching helped me get the clarity of purpose, clear all cobwebs of doubts.

I think it depends how deep is the self doubt and where it comes from. In my approach I find necessary to tackle that first and after explore risk appetite because something new will always come with new challenge. Building trust and hope is something that I practice in my coaching with other people, but also with myself when I embark myself in something new. And from trust and hope, we can embark in overcoming self doubt.

I feel that in order to 'elegantly navigate ambiguity' in a new working environment, one has to have access to and a fairly firm grasp on one's personal 'cup fillers'. 'Cup fillers' being all those things in life that feed us body, mind and soul. These will prove to be areas of strength and resilience when the, almost certain, self doubt begins to creep in. For example, for a person of faith, a dedicated time of reflection with a greater power will set one on the right path. Another example is for a person who enjoys a run or walk, that time on the path or road in an ideal time to get the endorphins going, and set up the mind for a positive way of thinking.

Every change and career transition comes with doubts and fears. We are humans, and we don't like uncertainty - which means your negative feelings are totally normal. One thing I find very effective in my work is to allow these feelings and have a closer look at them. This is sometimes not so easy when you are used to be and act very rational and analytical. However, to see and feel your emotions is an important part of your process, and they support your search for your new direction. That's why I follow a holistic coaching approach, which does not only work with your mind, but also with your emotional and physical state.

I strongly feel everyone should do 3 things in 'midlife' 1. Take a sabbatical 2. Go back to campus 3. Change the career 180 degree It can give us a new clarity. Then learn/upskill and move in. Choose an area that is aligned with your larger purpose. A professional coach can help

Changing career doesn't mean starting from scratch with nothing. We bring a wealth of skills and experience when we change career. It also helps to look at it as an opportunity for further growth. Adding to our skills and mastery.

Learning a new skill is challenging and rewarding at the same time. As I've engaged on the path of a transition to new a career I learned how difficult it was not being the expert in the room any longer. At first, that was stressful, but I found having a mentor and coach in the new field helped me build some confidence and understand how to be effective in my new role, even as a beginner.

Acquiring new skills is a fundamental pursuit that fuels personal and professional growth. In an ever-evolving world, the importance of learning extends beyond its intrinsic value; it empowers individuals to adapt, innovate, and thrive in diverse environments. I have found that new skills open doors to fresh opportunities, enabling us to stay relevant in rapidly changing industries. As we master new abilities, we broaden our horizons, boost confidence, and enrich our lives with the satisfaction of continuous self-improvement.

Acquiring new skills is a big step. However before that is figuring out which one are those new skills and how the old skills can help cultivating new ones. One of the things that can help in that process and anyone can do (when time allows and you allow it yourself by giving time) is taking more time off or taking time off completely with a solo trip.

It would also be a great idea to develop transferrable skills for your next career while in your current career. That way, you wouldn't be starting off on a blank slate which can be very difficult in the current job market.

Learning is a lifelong journey, and a career transition is a great opportunity to broaden your skill set. It is easy, however, to hide behind the necessity to acquire new skills and open the door for your belief that you are not good enough for your new path - I see that a lot in my work with leaders in transition. The consequence is that you start one course after the other, thinking "Once I've done the next one, I'll be ready to start my new path!". This is why a clear roadmap is so important: which skills do you need for your new goal? Which do you already have? Maybe you don't have a certification, but acquired the skills during your career? Taking a step back and look at it with a coach or mentor, can help you move forward!

In my case it actually was kind of the other way around. Because I was learning I discovered the path forward. Out of curiosity I tend to be continuously learning about things that get my attention. This in return has always opened new perspectives, connected knowledge, and allowed me better clarify strengths, gaps, likes/dislikes. Overcome fear and try new things, and very importantly always keep a constant and sincere internal dialogue with yourself. Don't let titles, companies, or what other people are doing set the north of your compass. In my experience the truer you are to yourself, the most likely you'll be to find your passions; and simply build yourself to follow it along the way. It is not a race, do it at your own pace.

Acquiring skills particularly for entrepreneurs in business is important. You can also hire people to a) do things for you and b) educate you as you go along. It’s helpful to have an understanding of anything you outsource but also, specialist help can accelerate your progress. In my experience, choose the skills that will help you hone your craft as a priority.

One thing I've found helpful is to view all of your questions as "beginner" questions. It is easy to quickly spot our flaws, areas we don't have skills, and places we ask more questions than others. Instead, we should remind ourselves of the skills we have and how they can help us learn acquire new skills.

I am huge on 'networking'! 😊 I believe that building a network is a cornerstone of personal and professional success. The connections we foster open doors to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support. A robust network provides access to diverse perspectives, enabling us to learn from others' experiences and broaden our horizons. And it also helps our personal brand.

It takes an entire ecosystem to succeed. Individual players also succeed because of the ecosystem. "Network" is an important part of that ecosystem. Tap into the potential. "It is on the edge of your network, maximum opportunity lies!"

Taking oneself out there is the add-on feature, only if before the other steps were dedicated for clarity and direction. Sharing and talking with other people can be tiring for some people, that is why is important to find a customised way to network that can work for oneself. Not everyone is the same and not everyone can benefit from forcing themselves to network. With a coach, one can identify ways that can work for themselves and then the practice will be felt less tiring.

Whatever you do make sure your relationships are genuine. What I mean by this is sure, join professional chapters, go out and meet people; etc. but don't establish relationships based on what you are planning to get out of them, or to showcase the world how well connected you are. This will only add weight to your life. Alternatively, what I propose is always be respectful to everyone you meet and meet people across the spectrum, bring your true self, engage in meaningful discussions and try to add value to others through your engagements out of good heart (not to gain something out of it, but because maybe you can). In my experience, this have led me to have great relationships, and opportunities have effortlessly emerged from them.

Networking is essential! But the quality matters more than quantity. Think about the depth of relationships and connections not just the breadth. Don't just add connections, GROW connections!

It is important to start building and developing your network and community before your career transition, so that when you transition you have a supportive safety net, and close people in your inner circle and wider that you can count on. Also, start working with a coach as soon as you, don't wait for some major change in your life to happen before working with a coach - they value this relationship brings to your life, in good and bad times, is life changing.

Change tends to be challenging because we tend to fight it. In my experience however , the more you approach change as an opportunity, not only does it stop being a challenge but it actually becomes quite insightful and constructive. In this regard, my suggestion is enter with an open mind, even if things are being done in a way that you disapprove, bare in mind they may be like that for a reason (e.g., culture, systems, habit). Whatever it is, try and experience it first before judging it. This will allow you to better understand its context, and propose actionable solutions if in fact these are required. Also, you will certainly learn a thing or two. Focus on being helpful and adding value. It will allow you to fit in and gain a voice.

Instead of adapting, consider interviewing culture. Connect to your core values. Examine the MOST important ones you live by daily. Then find out the core values of the leaders you will be working with and their connection to the companies culture and values. Culture can be swanky cool stuff that investors love and executives espouse and end up being window dressing. Do they live it? Does it connect to you and your core? Reconcile their responses to your “must have” list. How many don’t align? You will be constantly frustrated and end up out of the frying pan…if you surrender your core values for a bigger paycheck or title.

I have been a researcher turned University Professor to an advisor at another university. The biggest challenge of transitioning from one to another career role is the 'inertia of the last role'. It takes time to understand the difference in expectations. It may entail having absolute autonomy to interdependence. Although the sector was the same the cultures differed immensely. One must learn the new work culture and communication style. Utilizing the first year to absorb and observe can help the change. 1.Patience is the key; 2. self-awareness; acknowledging priorities that led to career change can help.

Adapting to a new lifestyle and a new purpose are the unspoken struggles when adapting to a new culture. It takes a whole journey, therefore time to adjust. Patience is cultivated throughout the whole process.

Humility, open-mindness and a passion for learning will be some of the personality traits to cultivate which would set you up for success in the new role.

Culture has a huge impact on your work - and it has many different forms: geographical, social, political, in communication, hierarchical structures or traditions, just to name a few. Having lived in 4 culturally very different countries and worked and built up teams across 12 countries, I often wished I had support with navigating the differences, frequently nuances. It would have saved me time and a few faux pas, thus I highly recommend to find a coach or mentor who helps with that! When you start a new path, the support of someone, who has been in your new role or industry or profession - wherever you're moving to - will make it so much easier for you to settle in, which allows you to channel your energy and focus on your new tasks.

This is where good mentoring and coaching really counts! Paradigm shift. In career change, what do I carry in my mind-set that will prove invaluable? What will hold me back? I would argue we focus on the quantifiable at the expense of qualities at times. An adaptable mind set is gold dust, and a growth mindset is essential.

Adapting to a new culture will add more pressure to an already challenging and changing period. If it is at all possible, rather wait and be sure of the purpose, culture, values, vision and leadership styles of the new career opportunity you are entering. It is not always to assess this in interviews, so try and reach out to other employees to do your research. When you join a new team or company, go in with open and growth mindset, to learn about new and different ways of working. If there is a culture mismatch, identify it as quickly as possible and take real action.

One thing I found helpful with having a coach and mentor is being able to gain context to things in the culture that are different and perplexing on first pass. At times, I wondered why things were so different than what I was accustomed to. However, being able to gain insights into the rationale behind the culture, it has helped me build a broader understanding and appreciation for the unique culture.

Each change in the professional or private life, requires us to be a different person. We need to change too. We expect something different from ourselves, we movve into a different environment and interact woth people who see things from different perspectives than we were used to. Coaching can help navigate all this shifting expectations, perspective changes and new environment challenges. The coach create that safe place, where you can recognize: - How you feel, - Why you feel what you feel - How you want to feel instead - What you can do to feel like that. First - you are not alone with your fear, frustration and anger. Second - you can see behind the first emotions Third - you get the awareness of your power and cnnect to it.

Few aspects to consider: 1. To Or From Check whether you’re going towards a new career or if you’re going away from your current one 2. Values See if the new career is in sync with your long term ambitions and values 3. Following the herd See if you’re picking the new career because there’s market demand or because of your passion for it

Be pragmatic and run a skills gap analysis. The easiest transitions are the ones that have the biggest overlap of skillsets. If you haven't done a skills analysis before, it may surprise you the amount of hard and soft skills that are actually highly transferable to different functions. Start with putting together a list with your own skills, then a list of the required skills of your selected new career path and check for overlaps and missing areas. You can always gain the required new skills through training, project work or volunteering but chances are you already have more transferable skills in your toolbox than you think.

One key skill you need to build when transition new role, moving to different country, working on new function, it applies to every single change that you go through. Build resilience! We can all agree that transitioning career is not an easy job. It requires skills to handle multiple responsibilities, maintain the business image, and be accountable in both good and bad phases. In the entire process, there may be several critical challenges, downfalls, and conflicts. As a leader, you must develop resilience against the challenging side of running a business. You must be able to handle and overcome difficulties while maintaining the team’s motivation.

Career change is very personal and requires a personal foundation to help contextualize, customize, and energize practical strategies. Career Counselling can help a client reflect and identify their personal position. Here are 4 examples: 1. Why change, why now? 2. Review what work and career mean to the client at this stage in their lives. 3. Encourage reflection on the experiences the client has had. What have they learned about themselves, about the world? Are there recurring themes? 4. Have the client reflect on "how" they work. What innate skills, attitudes, values, and perspectives do they contribute to their roles and positions? How do they personally shape their roles and positions beyond the required skills and tasks?

Transitioning Careers also depends on Family & Health conditions. It is very important to Analyse all aspects and be adaptive to next steps which would impact based on the situations, Planning always helps to go in right direction.

Building new skills is important, but equally as important is recognizing and understanding how the skills you currently have transfer to other jobs, tasks, industries, etc - aka transferable skills. We often get wrapped up in our job title as our identity, not recognizing that so many of the skills we have follow us where ever we go AND may be called or labeled with other names. It’s critical to map out your skills, research how they can apply else, check synonyms, review requirements of other jobs and map it backwards to identify how your experience can map to what they are looking for.

Any significant change whether professional or personal will inherently transform your Identity. This aspect is often overlooked. Your new job will bring something different beyond the obvious on who you are to yourself and to others. Pondering a career shift from such perspective may allow to identify what's resisting or what's enabling and dealing with it as a facet of the issus not a problem to solve. In this new environment, what is pushing you away from your next best self? What's fostering your growth?

To build on Christina's idea that firstly you need to KNOW your skills: Two tools that helped me enormously in identifying my core strengths and skills with high confidence were: 1/ the Gallup Strenghtsfinder test and 2/ the VIA character assessment There are surely many more similar tools, but these have given me consistent results over the years, so I personally trust them a lot.

Career transitioning is a big opportunity. Choose wisely. Let 2nd career be your dream career. Take some calculated risks. Hire a professional coach.

Check in on whether the motivation is extrinsic or intrinsic to change, the first involves moving away or towards a "reward" the second taps into values and primary drivers so that the process becomes a motivation in itself