Doing Something "Totally Different" and why my IKEA dream would fail..

If I weren’t a recruiter, I think I’d be a great asset to the Value Engineering department at IKEA. Every time I construct a flatpack, I somehow manage to use far fewer screws and widgets than they provide. Just imagine the savings they could make!

Unfortunately, I left university with a degree in Biochemistry, which didn’t exactly align with a career in designing Swedish furniture. During university, I realized a career in Biochemistry wasn’t for me. Three months of practical lab experience, working with a team trying to find a cure for chicken measles, taught me I had the practical dexterity of Mr. Bean. Had I stayed on that path, I was just as likely to have developed the Covid virus way before those damn bats got round to it than I was to find a cure for those pesky measles in chickens. Somehow, I "fell into" recruitment, where I’ve been for the last 30 years. Don’t get me wrong—I love my job—but every now and then, I wonder, “What if?”

As recruiters, we often encounter candidates who feel similarly. Many, especially post-Covid, are disillusioned with their careers and seek drastic changes. For most, this desire is a knee-jerk reaction to their current employer’s lack of stimulation. Most the time, a nuanced change—new surroundings, colleagues, projects, and opportunities—can make a world of difference and make them happy.

However, there are those genuinely seeking a complete career overhaul. While this is possible, it often comes at a cost. For those considering this path, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

1.???? There’s More Than Meets the Eye Anyone who has precariously sat on one of my assembled pieces of furniture knows that thinking you’re good at something and actually being good at it are two very different things. There’s usually far more to a specialist role than you’re aware of. For instance, my IKEA aspirations would be hindered by a lack of an Industrial Design qualification and no knowledge of CAD software.

2.???? The Grass Isn’t Always Greener What you think a role entails and the reality of it can be very different. For example, architects or building designers often want to become town planners, believing they’d be perfect for setting the rules they currently follow. However, once they realize a planner’s role is predominantly writing, with little to no design input, many recognize this lack of creativity would leave them unfulfilled.

3.???? Take Two Steps Back Changing careers often requires stepping back. First, you’ll need to learn new skills or parts of skills you don’t currently have. Second, you’re leaving behind the expertise, networks, and goodwill you’ve built. For instance, stepping away from my 30 years of networks would significantly diminish the value I bring to a role, which would impact my salary.

4.???? It’s Often Who You Know Successful career transitions frequently involve leveraging personal connections. Advocating your transferable skills to a stranger is possible, but it’s much easier with someone who already knows and values how you operate.

?One of the first pieces of advice that we give consultants looking to make the transition client side, is to directly approach the clients that have a good relationship with – after all they know how you operate, you have familiarity with their projects, and they probably like you as a person

5.???? A Small Step Is Easier Than a Jump The further you want to move from your current role, the harder the transition becomes. While you could hold out for your dream job, this could take a long time and may not even meet your expectations. A smarter approach is often a series of smaller, planned steps.

A smarter approach is often a series of smaller, planned steps. For example, council planners looking to transition into a Development Managers role with a Property Developer may find that moving to a planning consultancy could be a helpful intermediate step. (Developers often prefer candidates from private over public sectors). From there, transitioning to a planning manager or assistant development manager role at a developer becomes easier, before moving into a full DM role. While this process may seem longer, it’s often quicker than waiting for the perfect opportunity, which may never come.

This article isn’t meant to discourage risk-taking or pursuing drastic career changes. On the contrary, I admire people who refuse to settle and are willing to step out of their comfort zones to try something new. It just hopes to shed light on some of the challenges involved.

As for me, I’ll probably still be in recruitment next week rather than queuing for meatballs in a Swedish cafeteria. So, feel free to give me a shout if you're interested in exploring career diversification.

?