We can all yearn for something more when life feels a little stagnant. And mentally, it’s good for us to find a new challenge. The University of Queensland states that most people will tend to work 3-7 different careers before retiring. So, with the new year in full swing, it’s time to consider your next career move!
Is the new year an optimal time to consider your next career move?
You may think that the shutdown period can halt career progress, but on the contrary, it’s often considered the best time. According to Indeed, February is the peak hiring time for human resource departments.
During the February rush, hiring managers are back in action and reviewing job adverts posted in December and January. As a result, this time of year is optimal for brushing off the cobwebs on your resume and start updating.
In addition, if you’re looking for your next career step internally, this could be an excellent opportunity to discuss your options with your manager. Internal development is always a hot topic, but in the new year, your C-Suit might be considering its next steps and priorities for the new financial year (in July). So, break the ice by chatting with your manager to identify what new opportunities might be on the horizon.
Reducing the anxiety associated with finding your next career move
Many of us have been there: a sense of anxiety looms when we feel stuck or unchallenged. With the commencement of a new year, we can often think it’s the dawn of something new, whether in our personal or professional lives. However, it can also feel isolating and perpetually stagnating when we want change but it hasn’t materialised. As such, we have a guide for overcoming the associated anxiety with finding your next career move…
Your go-to list for working towards your next career move
- Identifying what you want: One of the significant anxiety pokers when looking at what we want in the future is the unknown. You could have this intrinsic yearning for more but cannot put your finger on what that is. So, do some soul-searching and identify what it is that you want. Ask yourself: Do you want or need a career change? Do you want more responsibilities? Do you want fewer responsibilities? Do you need a better work-life balance?
- Network, network, network: One of the best weapons in your arsenal for planning a career move is talking to those around you. Use platforms like LinkedIn and reach out to those you admire or are in a position you’d like to progress to. Ask them what it took to reach their goal/position and what development plans they undertook. Also, ask them for their perspective on your desired change (essentially a pros and cons list). Hopefully, this will help you understand what you need to do and whether the move is what you desire.
- Explore your opportunities to grow and where you need to develop: By this phase of your quest, you may know what you want, so it’s time to work out how you get there. Mood board your weaknesses and strengths and identify which of your strengths make you a good match for your desired career move. From there, locate which weaknesses you need to address and create a development plan. Your manager may be able to help you with this process and set you up for success. It may just take a conversation…
How to have a conversation with your manager about career progression
This process can feel significantly daunting. You may feel uncomfortable approaching your manager to discuss career development, but it’s the key first step to enacting change. Sometimes, all it takes is ripping off the band-aid and scheduling a meeting. We want to make sure you feel prepared, so here’s some advice (from the Harvard Business Review) for approaching this integral conversation:
- Start by reflecting on what you want to achieve and discuss. You can’t approach the meeting without a clear idea, so make sure you understand your short-term and long-term objectives and what you’d like to work towards.
- Contact your manager and schedule a face-to-face chat. If you work virtually, jump on a Teams or Zoom call.
- Discuss your personal development with your manager, explain what you want to achieve, and ask if there is a role in your organisation that fits. Gather feedback, too, and listen to their hesitations or concerns (if they have any, that is).
- If the feedback seems unattainable or firm, don’t feel like it’s a setback; your manager is trying to help you.
- Discuss next steps and work closely with your manager to create your PDP. Your manager might need some time to consider how they can best support you. Be patient and allow them the time they need, but be sure to follow up if you feel their feedback is taking an exceedingly long time.
- Schedule frequent one-on-ones to identify areas where you may need additional support and gather insight into whether you’re hitting your development goals.
Support is always on hand at Converge
Being a workplace mental health and wellbeing provider, we’re always here to support you in any capacity you need. You may or may not know, but we have our Career Coaching service. We can help you set goals, realise your potential, and approach the right people, all in aid of helping you achieve and follow the career path you want. Check with your HR team to see if we’re your EAP provide. If so, book an appointment via our website or the Converge App today!
