It may be that you’ve reached a point in your career where things have stalled. To put it plainly, it’s just doesn’t feel the same going into work anymore.
The projects you’re working on no longer hold your interest. And the office climate may be less than desirable.
Then, a new opportunity presents itself. However, there’s risk involved. Rolling it over in your mind, you’re convinced that your current job isn’t great. Yet, it’s solid, reliable, and has great benefits. What should you do?
Taking any kind of career risk can be stressful. Still, there are ways that you can keep your calm and make a transition to a new chapter in your career.
Think Logically About the Situation
One way to stay calm is to think about this transition logically in how the transition is related to your values of what is mo
st important in creating a fulfilling and satisfying career life. Remind yourself of the many logical connections to how the transition fits into the bigger picture in your life and why this risk is worth taking.
For example:
- A chance to grow with a new organization
- Having more responsibilities
- The opportunity to be a leader
- Financial incentives
- The intellectual challenge
- Work life balance
When you consider things from a logical perspective of how taking a career risk is connected to what matters most to you, it will allow you to make this move more smoothly. Consequently, the stress and anxiety you might experience will take a back seat to the potential rewards of taking a career risk.
Stay Organized and Focused
When taking a career risk it’s helpful to stay organized and focused on the task at hand.
There may be projects that you need to wrap up before you leave. Or, there is a formal exit interview process that you must complete before you can transition out.
Make sure that you have all necessary documentation required before leaving.
While at the same time stay focused on your future and even start brainstorming what you want to accomplish when you get into your new role.
Connect with Like-Minded Entrepreneurs
Does your career risk involve becoming your own boss and being self-employed?
Certainly striking out on your own has its own inherent stressors. Will you generate enough business to pay the bills? Or, how will you find clients?
It can be helpful to connect with others who have made the same move and are now successful.
Check online for groups that meet in your community with an emphasis on entrepreneurship or self-employment. At the very least, it’s nice to know you’re not the first person to ever try this and that the risk is worth it.
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
When changing careers, it’s important to still take care of yourself. If you are starting your own business it’s easy to commit all of your energy and drive to getting things up and running.
Yet, you can’ be really successful if you aren’t taking care of yourself. You won’t have the stamina to keep going, and it will be harder to manage the stress involved with taking such a risk.
Consider then these ideas for taking care of yourself even during a big career move:
- Try to get enough sleep at night (about eight hours).
- Avoid excessive snacking or on-the-go eating.
- Choose foods full of nutrients, energy, and protein.
- Exercise regularly.
- Spend some personal time disconnected from electronic devices.
You’ll find that by practicing some self-care you’ll be calmer and also more capable of dealing with whatever comes up at work.
Talk It Out
If you are still struggling with taking this big career risk, then maybe it’s time you talk to somebody.
A therapist who specializes in career development can be really helpful at these times. You will be able to get all those thoughts and worries off your chest with someone who really understands what this decision means both for yourself personally and your career.
A fulfilling career often means taking risks. However, the stress and worry that comes with those risks can be tough to manage. By using the ideas above and also talking with a coach, you can make this career move go more smoothly and fulfilling.
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