Navigating Career Transitions: Essential Questions to Consider
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Chapter 1: The Transition Dilemma
Making the leap to a new position or organization can be daunting. This sense of uncertainty often leads to hesitation, preventing us from seizing new opportunities and closing off potential paths for growth.
When I moved from my previous role as a Sales Engineer managing Enterprise accounts to one that involved Global accounts, I sought advice from several mentors. The value of mentorship cannot be overstated, and I highly recommend downloading my Guide of Best Practices in Mentoring available at this link.
My mentors encouraged me to consider three pivotal questions to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the new role. Whether you're contemplating a job switch, a career change, or a shift within your current organization, these questions can offer clarity.
Section 1.1: Am I Still Learning?
First and foremost, ask yourself: Am I still learning in my current position? Reflect on whether you feel enthusiastic about the tasks required for your job. Do you find the work intellectually stimulating? Can you envision yourself acquiring new knowledge or skills in the coming months?
If your answer is yes, that's fantastic! If it's no, take a moment to ponder what that means for you.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Growth
The second question to consider is: Am I still growing? I’m particularly fond of an insightful equation by Brad Stulberg:
STRESS + REST = GROWTH
This principle applies to every aspect of life, including relationships and careers. To foster growth, engage in challenges that push you outside your comfort zone, and then allow yourself time to recuperate.
In the context of your career, ask yourself: Am I taking on challenges that stimulate my learning and growth? If the answer is yes, that's encouraging! However, if your response is no, this could be a warning sign suggesting it may be time to explore new opportunities.
Section 1.2: Am I Still Having Fun?
The final question is: While I’m learning and growing, am I also enjoying myself? Do I have the energy to appreciate the learning process and the growth that comes with it? It’s not necessary to feel joy every moment, but lacking enjoyment for a significant portion of your work can lead to burnout and adversely affect your mental health.
If you can answer yes to all three questions, it may be worth staying in your current role. However, if the answer is no, you might have reached a pivotal conclusion: it’s time to pursue new challenges that excite you and reignite your passion for lifelong learning, a topic I delve into in a separate article.
In my experience, I still found joy and learning in my role, but I also sought different avenues for growth. Therefore, I chose to embrace the opportunity to transition to a new position.
Regardless of your final choice, remember that you are your best advocate. You understand your career aspirations and where you envision yourself in the future. Regular self-assessment—every six months for your overall goals and every three months for task enjoyment—can be incredibly beneficial.
Self-awareness is a valuable asset; if you nurture it through consistent reflection, you will likely find a role that allows you to learn, grow, and enjoy your work.
Explore essential introspective questions before changing careers in the video titled "Should I Change My Career? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Job."
Learn more about the considerations for job changes in "15 Questions to Ask Yourself When You're Thinking About Changing Jobs: Should I Quit?"