What do you do if your career path suddenly takes an unexpected turn?

I face this more than once, and here’s sharing how I got back. Begin by gaining clarity on the change. Reflect on how this new direction deviates from your original career path and uncover the reasons behind it, so that you can be proactive about it. Take a moment to evaluate how this change affects you personally and professionally, and if they present new opportunities for growth or development and assess its impact on your job satisfaction, work-life balance, and long-term aspirations. Proactively identify potential challenges that could arise from this change, whether it might be your professional career trajectory, financials, managing uncertainties, resolving conflicts, or adapting to new environments.

When your career path takes an unexpected turn, it's essential to ground yourself in the present moment. Start by acknowledging the shift without judgment. Ask yourself critical questions: What new realities must I accept? What past assumptions are now obsolete? By conducting a comprehensive audit of your professional landscape, including skills, market demands, and personal aspirations, you can recalibrate your expectations.

Evaluate the change in your reality and become aware of how it impacts you in the short and long term. As hard as it might be, try not to think about the "why" as it likely has little to do with you. Understand market shifts and the broader meaning for your career. Conduct an evaluation of your own goals and assess skill gaps or development areas needed to be filled. Operate as objectively as you possibly can but acknowledge any grief or emotions you might feel along the way in safe spaces.

A melhor forma de avaliar realidades é ouvindo as pessoas direta e indiretamente impactadas em um processo de mudan?a. Fa?a isso através de entrevistas com quest?es que busquem a essência humana da mudan?a e n?o quest?es de ordem técnica. Lembre-se que você como Gestor de Mudan?as Organizacionais tem a responsabilidade de levar sempre em considera??o as PESSOAS dentro de um processo de mudan?a.

When my career took an unexpected turn, I initially felt overwhelmed, but I took a step back to assess the reality of my situation. I listed my current skills, identified gaps, and considered what had changed. Instead of dwelling on the uncertainty, I focused on what I could control. This self-assessment helped me pivot effectively, identifying new opportunities that aligned with my strengths. By approaching the situation with clarity and confidence, I was able to make informed decisions, turning an unexpected challenge into a career growth opportunity.

Strategic planning after an unexpected career shift is about crafting a flexible blueprint that can adapt to further changes. Begin by identifying your non-negotiables; those career elements essential to your satisfaction and success. Then, develop a multi-tiered plan with built-in contingencies. For example, if Plan A involves securing a specific role, Plan B might include freelance or consulting work that keeps you active in the industry. This approach ensures that you're always moving forward, regardless of the obstacles.

Once you have identified your goals and non negotiables, you'll likely have a sense of the types of roles you can explore immediately, vs those that will require upskilling and reskilling. You can then prioritise companies that might be a good fit for you to achieve your goals. Identify how you will approach those companies and through which networks. Create a plan for how and when you will upskill, as it comes with a cost. Be flexible in identifying opportunities if you need to bridge a gap of time with employment. Think about adjacent roles and contractual work.

After leaving my previous long-standing job after 22 years, I instantly caught myself in the act of writing new applications. Then there was this inner voice (and thankfully my partner, too) saying: "Hang on! You just left your job. For the last couple of months & years you weren't really happy. There's more for you out there and yet your taking attempts for joining another rat race? Consider your options!". And, surprise surprise, there are options. Plenty of them. But there's also fear and uncertainty which need to be overcome. What helped me the most was a deep reflection on my strengths, my driving force, things that excite and fulfill me. Discovering my inner world was essential to finally explore options and make some new choices.

Tenha sempre em mente que inova??o em processo de Gest?o de Mudan?a passa por olhar para um deteminado tema e se pergutar: Como posso resolver essa quest?o de forma prática e, n?o necessariamente, olhando para o que sempre fa?o nessas situa??es? Esse tipo de auto-provoca??o é sempre necessário se quisermos atuar de forma autentica e personalizada em processo de mudan?a sob nossa responsabilidade.

When exploring options after a career shift, start by thinking creatively and staying open to new possibilities. Consider different industries, roles, or further education that could align with your skills. Networking is crucial; connect with contacts who might offer insights or opportunities you hadn’t considered. Be flexible and adaptable—these qualities will help you navigate the change successfully. Research trends and emerging fields to identify where your skills can be applied, ensuring you're positioning yourself for future success.

Break down your networking plan and application process into tiers. How will you use influence and networks to get yourself noticed? Accept that a lot of roles right now might actually be passive and networking is a much more productive and helpful option. I find that tapping into my network of coaches and mentors during these times has resulted in exponential learning. Think strategically about how you want to be seen in the market and create demand for yourself in the process.

Entendendo a Vis?o de Futuro, as Partes Impactadas e como o Processo de Comunica??o pode ajudar na elabora??o e implanta??o de mudan?as, use esses recursos, também, para olhar para o pós-implanta??o para atividades de refor?o e controles de benefícios do projeto. Isso fará toda a diferen?a para o time e dará uma vida maior à mudan?a implementada.

An effective approach to strategic planning after a career shift is to set clear short-term and long-term goals that align with your desired direction. Break these goals down into actionable steps with specific timelines to keep yourself on track. For example, start by identifying any skills gaps and set a timeline for acquiring them, then move on to networking or applying for targeted roles. This structured approach not only provides clarity but also prevents you from feeling overwhelmed, allowing you to navigate the transition with purpose and focus.

Don't compromise. If you have clarity on where you are and where you want to get, who you'd like to become, build your strategy around your next destination. Try to figure out what the "present you" needs right here, right now to become the best future version of yourself. Then create an action plan! In my case, I wanted to help and inspire other people, so I decided that I need training- this was the start of a my coaching education. I've also loved to optimize businesses, build relationships and team spirit, take the customer experience and the branding to a new level. So I started my own consulting company. That's the things that move my needle. But it was all strategically planned and prepared, based on chrystal clear clarity.

Once I’ve mapped out my options, I’d develop a strategic plan. This plan would outline how I can leverage my existing skills, acquire new ones, and realign my career trajectory to fit the new circumstances. It’s about being adaptable while staying true to my core values and aspirations.

To effectively embrace continuous learning, start by identifying the skills or knowledge gaps you need to fill for your desired career path. Enroll in online courses, attend workshops, or pursue professional certifications relevant to your field. Make learning a regular habit by setting aside time each week for skill development. This proactive approach not only keeps you competitive and relevant but also showcases your commitment to personal and professional growth, making you more adaptable in an ever-changing job market.

Invest in upskilling yourself. Always. There's no other way to have a sustainable career. But have an independent point of view on topics. Show up as a problem solver and a proponent of change.

I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning, especially in the face of change. I would actively seek out new learning opportunities—whether through courses, certifications, or on-the-job experiences—to ensure that I am equipped to succeed in the new direction my career has taken. This continuous learning also keeps me competitive and ready for whatever comes next.

It's often the case that successful change initiatives rely on the support of key stakeholders. For your career, find mentors, coaches, or peers who can give you guidance, advice, and emotional support. Make sure you have people around you who can help you stay on track and give you useful feedback.

Entenda que ninguém faz nada sozinho. Somos seres criados para sermos sociáveis e para aprendermos uns com os outros (mesmo em situa??es de erros e insucessos). Esteja sempre aberto a buscar apoio com colegas e áreas que estejam correlacionadas com o tema que está tratando dento do processo de mudan?a e considere, também, a busca por profissionais de outras áreas de atua??o para usá-los como Benchmark para o tema que está tratando.

Navigating unexpected changes is easier with a strong support system. I would reach out to my network—mentors, colleagues, and peers—for advice and encouragement. Their perspectives could offer invaluable insights and help me see the situation from different angles. Additionally, I’d consider professional coaching to guide me through the transition.

Finally, I’d take decisive action. Once the plan is in place, it’s essential to move forward with confidence. I’d embrace the change, staying resilient and open to new experiences. By executing the plan with determination, I’d aim to turn what initially seemed like an obstacle into an opportunity for personal and professional growth.