Embracing Career Change: Aligning Values, Building Confidence, and Asking the Right Questions

Career change is a powerful opportunity to reassess your direction, align your work with your values, and take the next step toward personal and professional growth. Whether you're considering a complete career pivot or transitioning to a new role within your field, these key considerations will help guide your decision-making process.

1. Aligning Your Values with Your Career

Your values are the foundation of your decisions, and aligning your career with them can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. When considering a change, ask yourself:

• What matters most to me in a role? Examples might include flexibility, creativity, stability, or opportunities for growth.
• Does my current career align with my personal and professional values? If not, identify where the misalignment lies.
• What kind of work environment supports my values? Think about culture, leadership, and company mission.

By defining your values, you create a filter to evaluate potential roles and ensure they align with what you genuinely care about.

2. Building Confidence to Make the Leap

Taking the step toward a new role or industry can feel daunting. Confidence is a muscle you can strengthen with deliberate action:

• Reflect on your past achievements. Make a list of moments when you’ve successfully navigated challenges. This can remind you of your resilience and adaptability.
• Identify your transferable skills. Recognize the abilities that apply across industries, such as problem-solving, communication, or leadership.
• Consider what confidence looks like for you. Ask yourself what a confident version of yourself would look and feel like. What would a situation need to look or feel like for you to know you’ve reached your desired level of confidence?
• Seek support from a coach or mentor. A trusted advisor can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
• Break it into smaller steps. Instead of focusing on the end goal, identify manageable actions, like updating your CV or researching potential roles.

Confidence often grows through preparation and action. Taking small, consistent steps can create momentum and reduce the fear of change.

3. Exploring the Hidden Job Market

Many opportunities are not advertised publicly, forming what is often called the "hidden job market." Tapping into this resource can significantly expand your options:

• Leverage your network. Reach out to friends, former colleagues, and industry contacts to let them know you’re exploring new opportunities.
• Engage on LinkedIn. Participate in discussions, share insights, and connect with professionals in your field of interest.
• Attend industry events. Networking in person can lead to valuable introductions and insights.
• Work with a recruiter. Recruiters often have access to unadvertised roles and can help match your skills and values with suitable opportunities.

The hidden job market is about building relationships and being proactive. Many roles are filled before they’re even advertised, so positioning yourself as a strong candidate early can make a difference.

4. Asking the Right Questions

Before making a move, it’s essential to ask yourself reflective questions to clarify your goals and motivations. Consider:

• Why am I considering a change now? Is it due to dissatisfaction, a desire for growth, or changing priorities?
• What do I want to gain from this change? Define what success looks like for you in the short and long term.
• What am I willing to compromise on? For example, are you open to a pay cut for a role that offers better work-life balance?
• What excites me about this potential opportunity? Pinpointing what energizes you can provide insight into whether the move aligns with your goals.

5. Practical Next Steps

Once you've done the internal work, take action to move forward:

• Research the market. Understand the industries or roles that align with your values and skills.
• Network with professionals. Speaking with people in roles you’re considering can provide valuable insights and connections.
• Update your personal brand. Refresh your CV, LinkedIn profile, and other professional materials to reflect your goals.
• Stay open-minded. Sometimes, opportunities come from unexpected places. Flexibility can lead to exciting outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Changing jobs or careers is a journey of self-discovery and growth. By aligning your values, building your confidence, tapping into the hidden job market, and asking the right questions, you can approach the process with clarity and purpose. Remember, it’s not just about finding the next job—it’s about creating a career that truly resonates with who you are and where you want to go.

What’s your next step? Start by identifying one small action you can take today to move closer to the career you envision.

Call Emma for a confidential chat to see how she can help identify the best roles and companies for you in the South East?

01892 571105

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