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The Layman’s Guide to Changing Job Roles

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Written by Seun Oyediran

Changing Job R

There was a time when people start a job and stay in it until retirement. This is no longer a reality.

Is it a good thing? YES! Whether you are tired of working from 9 to 5, unable to get the desired level of financial stability, or your company is downsizing/restructuring, changing job roles is an accepted thing in the world of work.

Are you also thinking about changing your job role? But not sure whether you really need it or it’s just a regular feeling of boredom?

In this article, we will answer these and many other important questions related to changing job roles.

When should you consider changing job roles? 

Here are the five most common signs that tell it’s time to change job role:

a. You dread going to work – We aren’t talking about the usual Monday morning blues. You are sad every day. The thought of going to work makes you sleep more. You wait for the weekend and count the number of days left before it’s Saturday again.

b. You hate what you do at work – No work tasks excite you anymore. We all have some tasks that we dislike, but there is always something on our to-do list that we look forward to doing. Is there nothing that makes you proud?

c. You don’t find meaning in your work – Does it feel you are performing on autopilot mode? It’s the same tasks day in and day out. There are no exciting challenges and no new learning. You feel your self-esteem is draining.

d. Your job is adversely affecting your personal life – Do you feel you are always irritable and complaining about work? A negative mood engulfs you most of the time. This affects your physical health as well as your relationship with family and friends. There is unexplained anxiety and unhappiness that prevents you from enjoying life.

Changing job roles within the same company versus across industries

If you are considering changing job roles, you can do it within the same company or across industries.

Before you start looking for a new job role at other companies, it’s worth finding out what different job roles are open within your current company.

Changing job roles within the same company

You love your company. You’re treated well, and you respect what the company stands for. It’s just you are bored with the current work, or you need another dimension to your resume.

If you love your current company, but it’s only the job role that doesn’t excite you, you need not look outside. Internal moves happen all the time. Look for open job positions or speak to your manager and other department heads about your interest in a different job role.

Be patient but persistent. It takes time, but something will come your way.

Changing job roles across industries

Changing job roles across industries seems daunting. But you shouldn’t be afraid. No knowledge or skills ever get wasted.

You acquired some skills in your current job role that can be used in the new role. These are called ‘transferable skills’ like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, research, analytical skills, etc. Identify the transferable skills you possess.

Of course, there will be additional skills that you need to learn – otherwise, how would this job change be exciting and challenging. So, be open to learning and acquiring these new skills. If you are ready to change industries, you must be a fast learner.

When you are changing job roles across industries, one question will pop up: WHY? So, always have a good, compelling story to give your reasons for the job role. Keep it a positive story without getting into the (felt) torture of your current job.

The advantages and disadvantages of changing job roles

Before you jump in, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of changing job roles.

Advantages of changing job roles

  • Feel happier, satisfied and fulfilled
  • Opportunity to learn something new
  • Enjoy new experiences and new people
  • Heightened enthusiasm
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Increased professional happiness
  • Grow your capabilities and individual development

Disadvantages of changing job roles

  • More exposed to competition from veterans in the field
  • The employers may question your commitment
  • You’ll need to prove yourself all over again
  • Being out of your comfort zone may create a new type of stress

Steps to take in order to change careers

Like any other important step in your life, changing your career requires a methodical approach to arrive at the right decision. Here are steps to take to change careers:

Step 1: Assess your satisfaction levels with your current job

Think about what do you like and dislike in your current job role. Is it the work tasks, people, or culture?

Step 2: Do a personal inventory check

Review all the different kinds of work you’ve done in the past. It could be job tasks, passion projects, volunteering, community service, etc. Use this to make a note of your skills, interests, and values.

Step 3: Consider alternative career options

Research available career options, and consider the ones that match your skills, interests, and values. Discuss with your friends and family to understand different perspectives.

Step 4: Job shadow

Find out those who are currently working in the job role of your interest. Speak to them to understand what the job involves – good things and bad things. If possible, spend few hours or a day observing the person performing the job role. This will give you a better idea.

Step 5: Upgrade your skills

Look for ways to enhance your skills for the new job role. For example, if you are going to be a grant writer, enroll in online grant writing courses.

Step 6: Take Action

This is the most challenging part, but at some point, you have to go for it. Start doing the work you want to be doing: before your day job, after your day job, whenever you have time during your day job, etc.

How to succeed in your new job

team work after getting new job

Once you change your job role, it’s time to work towards success. Below are some top tips to succeed in your new job:

a. Be friendly and show respect to your new colleagues. Hold conversations about the new role and industry.

b. After one month into the new role, seek feedback from your manager and peers. This will help you understand the expectations and make the necessary changes to perform better.

c. Build trust and credibility. You might be a star performer in your previous job role, but you need to prove your worth in the new role. So, put in extra effort to complete the assigned tasks and responsibilities. Show people that they can rely on you.

d. Develop a plan for the first three months. Put some specific goals and timelines. It could be completing a course, taking specific initiatives, acquiring a skill, reading a book, joining a workgroup, etc. Think through and create goals. Stick to the plan. At the end of the first months, assess what goals you achieved.

e. Find a mentor. He or she can be from withing the new company, a LinkedIn connection, or someone you met recently at an event. Reach out to them when you have doubts. It is important to choose the right mentor who can provide your right career advice.

f. Join professional associations to advance your career. Professional associations offer development and connections with others in your field. This shows your commitment to the new job role.

g. Seek learning opportunities. Learning is a continuous journey. Identify your learning needs, maybe it is an additional certification. Ask your manager or research online how to meet your learning needs.

h. Stay positive. There will be challenging situations when you need to come out of your comfort zone. Don’t whine. You have made the choice of changing job roles. Now is the time to show you took the right decision. Always be polite, calm, and professional in your interaction with your colleagues.

i. Be flexible. Do you know what stops most people from getting ahead in their lives? Inability to change. To be able to change, you must be open-minded and willing to learn. Accept new perspectives and try new behaviors. Don’t assume what worked in the last job role will work here too.

The decision to change the job role is only half the battle won. Excelling in your second job role is the next goal.

Conclusion

Believe in yourself. If you feel exhausted with your current job role, you need not endure. Shifting gears and changing careers is an acceptable norm in the current world. Changing job roles is not easy, but you get to pursue your dream and passion. Follow the advice given in this article, and you’ll be well on the path to building a great second career.

There was a time when people start a job and stay in it until retirement. This is no longer a reality. Is it a good thing? YES! Whether you are tired of working from 9 to 5, unable to get the desired level of financial stability, or your company is downsizing/restructuring, changing job roles is an accepted thing in the world of work. Are you also thinking about changing your job role? But not sure whether you really need it or it’s just a regular feeling of boredom? In this article, we will answer these and many other important questions related to changing job roles.

When should you consider changing job roles? 

Here are the five most common signs that tell it’s time to change job role: a. You dread going to work – We aren’t talking about the usual Monday morning blues. You are sad every day. The thought of going to work makes you sleep more. You wait for the weekend and count the number of days left before it’s Saturday again. b. You hate what you do at work – No work tasks excite you anymore. We all have some tasks that we dislike, but there is always something on our to-do list that we look forward to doing. Is there nothing that makes you proud? c. You don’t find meaning in your work – Does it feel you are performing on autopilot mode? It’s the same tasks day in and day out. There are no exciting challenges and no new learning. You feel your self-esteem is draining. d. Your job is adversely affecting your personal life – Do you feel you are always irritable and complaining about work? A negative mood engulfs you most of the time. This affects your physical health as well as your relationship with family and friends. There is unexplained anxiety and unhappiness that prevents you from enjoying life.

Changing job roles within the same company versus across industries

If you are considering changing job roles, you can do it within the same company or across industries. Before you start looking for a new job role at other companies, it’s worth finding out what different job roles are open within your current company.

Changing job roles within the same company

You love your company. You’re treated well, and you respect what the company stands for. It’s just you are bored with the current work, or you need another dimension to your resume. If you love your current company, but it’s only the job role that doesn’t excite you, you need not look outside. Internal moves happen all the time. Look for open job positions or speak to your manager and other department heads about your interest in a different job role. Be patient but persistent. It takes time, but something will come your way.

Changing job roles across industries

Changing job roles across industries seems daunting. But you shouldn’t be afraid. No knowledge or skills ever get wasted. You acquired some skills in your current job role that can be used in the new role. These are called ‘transferable skills’ like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, research, analytical skills, etc. Identify the transferable skills you possess. Of course, there will be additional skills that you need to learn – otherwise, how would this job change be exciting and challenging. So, be open to learning and acquiring these new skills. If you are ready to change industries, you must be a fast learner. When you are changing job roles across industries, one question will pop up: WHY? So, always have a good, compelling story to give your reasons for the job role. Keep it a positive story without getting into the (felt) torture of your current job.

The advantages and disadvantages of changing job roles

Before you jump in, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of changing job roles.

Advantages of changing job roles

  • Feel happier, satisfied and fulfilled
  • Opportunity to learn something new
  • Enjoy new experiences and new people
  • Heightened enthusiasm
  • Reduced stress levels
  • Increased professional happiness
  • Grow your capabilities and individual development

Disadvantages of changing job roles

  • More exposed to competition from veterans in the field
  • The employers may question your commitment
  • You’ll need to prove yourself all over again
  • Being out of your comfort zone may create a new type of stress

Steps to take in order to change careers

Like any other important step in your life, changing your career requires a methodical approach to arrive at the right decision. Here are steps to take to change careers:

Step 1: Assess your satisfaction levels with your current job

Think about what do you like and dislike in your current job role. Is it the work tasks, people, or culture?

Step 2: Do a personal inventory check

Review all the different kinds of work you’ve done in the past. It could be job tasks, passion projects, volunteering, community service, etc. Use this to make a note of your skills, interests, and values.

Step 3: Consider alternative career options

Research available career options, and consider the ones that match your skills, interests, and values. Discuss with your friends and family to understand different perspectives.

Step 4: Job shadow

Find out those who are currently working in the job role of your interest. Speak to them to understand what the job involves – good things and bad things. If possible, spend few hours or a day observing the person performing the job role. This will give you a better idea.

Step 5: Upgrade your skills

Look for ways to enhance your skills for the new job role. For example, if you are going to be a grant writer, enroll in online grant writing courses.

Step 6: Take Action

This is the most challenging part, but at some point, you have to go for it. Start doing the work you want to be doing: before your day job, after your day job, whenever you have time during your day job, etc.

How to succeed in your new job

team work after getting new job
Once you change your job role, it’s time to work towards success. Below are some top tips to succeed in your new job: a. Be friendly and show respect to your new colleagues. Hold conversations about the new role and industry. b. After one month into the new role, seek feedback from your manager and peers. This will help you understand the expectations and make the necessary changes to perform better. c. Build trust and credibility. You might be a star performer in your previous job role, but you need to prove your worth in the new role. So, put in extra effort to complete the assigned tasks and responsibilities. Show people that they can rely on you. d. Develop a plan for the first three months. Put some specific goals and timelines. It could be completing a course, taking specific initiatives, acquiring a skill, reading a book, joining a workgroup, etc. Think through and create goals. Stick to the plan. At the end of the first months, assess what goals you achieved. e. Find a mentor. He or she can be from withing the new company, a LinkedIn connection, or someone you met recently at an event. Reach out to them when you have doubts. It is important to choose the right mentor who can provide your right career advice. f. Join professional associations to advance your career. Professional associations offer development and connections with others in your field. This shows your commitment to the new job role. g. Seek learning opportunities. Learning is a continuous journey. Identify your learning needs, maybe it is an additional certification. Ask your manager or research online how to meet your learning needs. h. Stay positive. There will be challenging situations when you need to come out of your comfort zone. Don’t whine. You have made the choice of changing job roles. Now is the time to show you took the right decision. Always be polite, calm, and professional in your interaction with your colleagues. i. Be flexible. Do you know what stops most people from getting ahead in their lives? Inability to change. To be able to change, you must be open-minded and willing to learn. Accept new perspectives and try new behaviors. Don’t assume what worked in the last job role will work here too. The decision to change the job role is only half the battle won. Excelling in your second job role is the next goal.

Conclusion

Believe in yourself. If you feel exhausted with your current job role, you need not endure. Shifting gears and changing careers is an acceptable norm in the current world. Changing job roles is not easy, but you get to pursue your dream and passion. Follow the advice given in this article, and you’ll be well on the path to building a great second career.

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