Bold Moves: Crafting Careers Unimagined

With all the changes we have seen in the business landscape, especially in the games and IT business, sticking to the well-trodden path is not always the best approach and no longer the only route to success. With the advent of new technologies, the rise of remote work, and the increasing acceptance of non-traditional career paths, the bold and the brave are finding new ways to define success on their terms, going beyond their original professional goals. Let's explore how daring to make unexpected moves—such as launching a startup, transitioning to consultancy, making lateral career moves, or even jumping into entirely different markets—can lead to crafting careers previously unimaginable.

Launching Your Own Venture

With so many amazing professionals being laid off or just moving on, especially from large corporations, it wouldn’t be unimaginable to see new businesses popping up in the market. We have already seen some great ones emerging before and during GDC and I believe this is only the beginning. Starting a new company is perhaps the epitome of a bold career move. It’s about seeing a gap in the market or having a unique solution to a common problem and having the courage to say, “I can be the one to fix this”. Or just having a dream and going for it, jumping over (or into) the fire. But it's not just about having a groundbreaking idea; it's about embracing the unknown. The journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with risks, including financial instability and the potential for failure. However, the rewards can be substantial, not just in terms of financial gain but in personal growth and satisfaction. And failure is only a truly bad thing when you give up. Otherwise, it is merely a lesson learnt.

The key to success here lies in thorough market research, a solid business plan, and an unwavering belief in your vision. And a large dose of hard work and dedication. Networking with other entrepreneurs and seeking mentorship can also provide invaluable insights and support. Remember, every major company today once started as a small business dreamt up by someone bold enough to take the first step. If they did it, so can you.

Starting a Consultancy

For many seasoned professionals, moving to consultancy represents a significant shift toward independence and flexibility, especially after several years working in larger company and following strict rules. This bold move is often motivated by a desire to escape the confines of traditional employment and to leverage years of accumulated expertise on one's own terms. Freedom becomes more valuable than stability. Consultants are able to choose their projects, set their schedules, and often, command higher fees for their specialized services.

However, consultancy also requires a shift in mindset from employee to entrepreneur. Success in this field depends on your ability to market yourself effectively, manage client relationships, and continuously update your skills to stay relevant. And, as any other company, knowing your clients and adjusting your services to their expectations can be the fine line between success and stress. Additionally, building a strong personal brand and a robust professional network becomes paramount.

Making a Lateral Move in Your Career

Lateral moves—switching to a different role with different skill set in the same industry—might not seem as dramatic as starting a business or becoming a consultant, but they require boldness all the same. These moves are often strategic steps taken to gain new skills, broaden one's professional network, or realign one’s career trajectory with personal passions or future ambitions. They are sometimes discreet but might also be quite dramatic.

The key to making a successful lateral move lies in recognizing the value of diverse experiences. Many professionals try to be experts in one field, while others aim to have a broader spectrum of knowledge. In today’s dynamic work environment, versatility is a tremendous asset. Lateral moves can offer fresh challenges, introduce you to new mentors and colleagues, and provide opportunities to learn and grow in unexpected directions. They demonstrate your adaptability and eagerness to learn, not to mention an open mindset, traits highly valued in the modern workforce.

Switching Industries

Switching industries entirely is perhaps the boldest move of all. It can be very emotional and difficult, above all if you have dedicated many years to one industry and one passion. This could mean transitioning from a corporate job to a non-profit organization, moving from tech to education, or any number of radical changes. Such a move often comes from a desire for more meaningful work, a better work-life balance, or simply the urge for a complete change of scenery. And, unfortunately, at times the desire for a change comes from negative experiences and toxic relationships.

The challenges here are significant. You may find yourself starting several rungs lower on the career ladder, facing a steep learning curve, and needing to establish credibility in an entirely new field. Nevertheless, this bold move can also be incredibly rewarding. It can reinvigorate your passion for work, help you discover hidden talents, and even lead to a more fulfilling career that aligns with your values and life goals. It can be a breath of fresh air.

Being Bold

Whatever you decide, making a bold move in your career is not without its challenges, but the potential rewards make the risks worth considering. It’s about more than just financial gain or professional advancement; it’s about personal fulfilment and crafting a career that aligns with your passions, values, and desired lifestyle. And it can be an excellent way to turn a bad situation into something productive.

Here are a few things you should always keep in mind:

- Embrace Lifelong Learning: You never know enough. There is no such thing as enough knowledge. Continuously update your skills to stay relevant.

- Build/Grow Your Network: Relationships are key in every stage of your career, no matter how well you are doing. A robust network can open doors to opportunities that wouldn't be available otherwise. Most people recluse themselves from social media when they are doing well in their career. Big mistake. Huge! Never stop growing your network, no matter what.

- Seek/Offer Mentorship: Learning from those who have walked the path before you can provide invaluable insights and guidance. And helping others is even more worthwhile.

- Prepare Financially: Bold decisions often involve financial risk. Saving a financial cushion can provide the stability you need to take calculated risks. Save for the rainy day whenever possible.

- Diversify your Skills: Having skills beyond your current position can allow you to be able to take unordinary jobs to keep your plans afloat, providing you a good way to move forward.

- Believe in Yourself: Confidence in your abilities and your vision is crucial. Doubts and fears are natural, but it can break you. Believing in your capacity to succeed is what will propel you forward.

- Be Resilient: Not every bold move will result in immediate success. Patience and resilience in the face of setbacks are key. Learn from your failures, adjust your strategies, and keep pushing forward. And be kind to yourself when things are hard.

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Being brave and making a bold move in your career is akin to charting a course through unexplored territory. It requires courage, resilience, and a pioneering spirit. But the rewards—personal growth, professional fulfilment, and the potential for innovation and success—are immense. So as we navigate these dark times in our industry, let’s support each other and create together the games industry we want to see grow in the future.

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