Career Transitions Do Not Need to Be Difficult

Are you sick and tired of your current job? Is the field you are working in just not doing it for you anymore?  If so, it might be time for a Career transition.  In the past I was:

1.  Music producer and DJ

2.  An operations manager for an environmental service company

3.  A security officer in an insane asylum

4.  A financial analyst

5.  A government professional

6.  Career Transition and Growth Coach

I have tried out many careers and I can honestly say that in order to transition without taking too many steps backwards you need to learn how to Rephrase & Redefine your past experiences, Network, and Give Value First to transition and succeed.  

Rephrase & Re-define (Career Transition)

During this phase you want to portray your past experiences and leverage them for the new career that you are looking to transition in to.  Dorie Clark, author of “Reinventing You” recommends creating a narrative leveraging your past experiences.  

Dorie also recommends identifying the underlying themes that connect them.  

Are you a thrash man or a sanitation engineer? 

This might be a stretch, but image is everything.  Image is everything!  When you explain your past experiences make them bright!  However, do not exaggerate or lie.  

That would be super duper lame and deceptive!  Reframe your past experiences to become a top hire.  

 During this stage you want to revamp your resume while leveraging past experiences.  

You also want to identify whether the new career you are looking to get into need “High Barrier to Entry Skills” or not. 

 These are skills that usually need specialized knowledge and training, such as computer programming.  

If you do not have these skills then find out how to get these skills ASAP. Start your path on the yellow brick road towards career success. 

Define High Barrier to Entry Skills (Career Transition)

At this stage you want to sort of brag about yourself. Highlight the skills that you already have that your new industry needs. 

You would do this while networking, but also highlighting it in the skills section of your resume. 

Networking

Attempt to meet professionals within your industry any chance you get.  If there are meetups related to the industry you would like to enter, go to them!  Make it your mission to join at least 2 meetup or networking events per week. 

This will help you learn more about the industry and gain reliable contacts. These contacts can help vouch for you when you need referrals or references when applying for your new position/s.

Tips on How to Give Value First (Career Transition)

1.     This is an example of what Gary Vanderchuck would call “Giving Without Expectation”.  Do not expect to get something for nothing. First give value selflessly and karma will be in your favor.

2.     Consult w/ former colleagues that went into your desired industry.

3.     Volunteering.  This is also another way to network and give value before expecting something in return.

4.     Temp Work.  

Motivation (Career Transition) 

“Your ability to use the principle of autosuggestion will depend, very largely, upon your capacity to concentrate upon a given desire until that desire becomes a burning obsession.”– Napolean Hill
To have real motivation it is important that your conscious and subconscious mind are aligned as one.  

You could rely on random chance, but only a fool does that.  Success derives from systems not luck.   

To make this happen you should apply Napolean Hill’s “Principle of Auto Suggestion”. 

This includes Affirmations, which is pretty much positive self-talk.  

Do this when you have the energy to do it; preferably in the morning.  Start with a simple affirmation targeted at your most important career or life goal.  Then add more!

Examples (Dr. Carmen Harra)

1.  I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today. 

2. (For those who are unemployed) I deserve to be employed and paid well for my time, efforts, and ideas. Each day, I am closer to finding the perfect job for me.

Examples (Daily Burn)

1.   I will not compare myself to strangers on the Internet. (@emilymcdowell_)

2.  I am going to make you so proud- Note to self (@badassbodydiet)

3.  I let go of all that no longer serves me (@iamdailyaffirmations)

I hope this has been helpful.  If you have any questions  or new incites please leave a comment.  

The post The 5 Essential Ingredients For Successful Career Transitions appeared first on Cubicle Boss.