Moving is all things stressful, chaotic, and exciting. It’s also the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself.
Let’s be honest: there have been changes you’ve wanted to make in both your professional and home life, but the time never seemed right. The effort it would take to shake things up made it easier to maintain the status quo.
You just needed an excuse for a reboot, and you’re not alone.
More than half of all U.S. workers are considering a career change. And moving is a great time to rethink your career and consider new options.
Two Questions To Plan For A Career Change
Change is coming; it’s inevitable. Now, you have the opportunity to embrace it. The best way to start is with a little planning by answering two key questions.
Question #1: What’s driving your desire to change your career?
Reflect here. What restlessness or unmet needs are driving your desire for change?
Get specific. The clearer your answer, the better your chances to find the cure to that ache for change. This will help you find success on your terms.
- Is it a better work-life balance? Are you tired of missing out on key moments with your kids? Is your commute draining the life out of you? Are there passion projects or volunteer work you’ve left on the shelf? If so, you aren’t alone. Over 70% of workers want a career change too. And their main driver? Work-life balance that serves them.
- Is it a better work environment or culture that fits you better? Have you felt isolated? Undervalued? Or tense in your current work environment? If so, you’re probably working in a poor culture fit. It’s time to find someplace that values your contribution and hires like-minded, highly-skilled colleagues. Plus, similarity in goals, preferences, and work styles creates strong connection.
- Maybe you want a job that is flexible and travels with you? Would you like work that allows you to work remotely and make your career location-proof? Is it finding a job that allows you to travel to help care for a parent or reduces the stress of a military move? Whatever the case, remote-first may be best.
Be honest about what you want, and don’t shy away from building a generous list of ideal qualities.
Most of all, let yourself express what you actually need. Not what you imagine is “realistic.” In today’s world, unicorns do exist. Dream accordingly!
Question #2: What are your non-negotiables?
Once you have a healthy list of the things you’d like to change in your career, decide which of those things are non-negotiable. These can be in regard to both your professional and personal situation.
Your list might include some of the following.
- Income and benefits are a common non-negotiable. You need to know what income you need to support your family and lifestyle before you go accepting any offers.
- Control over your work schedule might be non-negotiable, particularly if you are a caregiver. It’s long been understood that when people have more control over how they use their time, they are much happier.
- An opportunity for growth, and the chance to take on new challenges, might be high on your list. Getting bored or feeling hemmed in at work leads to significant career dissatisfaction and another change down the road.
- Working for a company that shares your values is significant. It’s more than just a culture fit; it encompasses how you connect with the rest of the team, the kinds of clients you’ll work with, and if you see yourself as moving toward the same goals as everyone else. There’s satisfaction in being on the same page as everyone else.
You started with all of the changes you’d like to make. Then you made a list of non-negotiables.
Here’s the next big question: do you need full-time work to make it happen?
Consider Less Than Full-Time Work As An Option
One of the interesting things we discovered in our team is that a solid majority—over 80 percent!—prefers to work less than 40 hours a week.
They have the option for more hours, but they are choosing less than 40.
Are you dead set on 40+ hours a week? Do you really need to do it? Do you want to do it?
While atypical, it’s possible to have a fulfilling career that checks all the boxes, including income and benefits, without working full time.
We know because it happens at Boldly for over 100 amazing people. Every single day.
You can leverage fractional roles and job sharing to build the life and career you want.
Many of Boldly’s highly experienced executive assistants support Fortune 500 clients in work they enjoy (and are good at). But they also have significant free time during their days and evenings to spend with family.
Too often we view career changes as one direction only, one where we climb the ladder we’re on. But lateral career moves make sense when you want an improved quality of life.
You’re about to move. Now’s your chance to take back your life while still holding onto a fulfilling career.
