3rd Time's the Charm
Career changes have shaped my professional journey in ways I never anticipated. Looking back, every pivot aligned with where I needed to be in life – whether seeking new horizons, pushing beyond my comfort zone, or moving toward greater impact.
I wish I could say that it happened by design. It did to some degree and it also just happened. With a lot of people navigating the prospect of a third career change here is what I learned along the way.
Focus on Running Toward, Not Away
One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of running toward something rather than fleeing a situation. This distinction transforms a reactive career move into a purposeful journey. When you're motivated by what lies ahead rather than what you're leaving behind, you bring intention and energy to your transition.
Build on Commonalities
The most successful career changes don't require starting from scratch. Instead, they build upon the skills, experiences, and insights you've already developed. Look for the threads that connect your past roles to your desired future – these bridges make the transition both smoother and more credible.
Embrace Discomfort and Learning
Mistakes are inevitable when charting new professional territory. Get comfortable with discomfort – it's the price of growth. What matters isn't avoiding missteps but how quickly you learn and adapt from them. Each error becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Leadership is owning your mistakes, learning, and integrating to do better. Also, nothing lasts forever, including discomfort.
Find Your Place
Fitting in after a career change can be challenging. You're navigating unfamiliar cultural waters while simultaneously mastering new skills. Be patient with yourself during this integration period, and remember that your unique perspective as a career-changer often becomes your greatest asset. It’s not going to be comfortable. While yes, you might be handed an opportunity it’s up to you to take it and make it your own.
Economic Realities
The current economic landscape adds complexity to career transitions:
Communication challenges: While explaining one or two career pivots is relatively straightforward, articulating your value after three or more transitions becomes more challenging – especially in today's oversaturated job market where a glance is all you get. You must be clear, concise, and intentional in communicating your narrative.
Generalist vs. specialist tension: Economic downturns create contradictory demands. On one hand, generalists often make more efficient hires during constrained times because they bring operational versatility. On the other hand, the same economic pressures mean recruiters are especially time-pressed and often screening for deep, specific expertise. In the age of AI where many can become experts quickly is the value-ad of specialization diminishing? I don’t know and think it’s something to keep an eye on.
Three Essential Questions
As I wrote back in May 2024, successful career transitions come down to three core questions that form a powerful triangulation:
What hard and soft skills can you offer?
What is needed in your community, the economy, world?
What do you genuinely enjoy doing? How do you like to spend your time?
Where these three elements intersect, you'll find your most fulfilling and sustainable career path.
The Secret Ingredient
The foundation of successful career transition is self-awareness. Understanding your strengths, limitations, values, and authentic interests provides the compass that guides you through professional change.