Taking the Leap: Guide to navigating a Career change

The prospect of leaving a secure, long-held job to pursue a new passion can be both thrilling and daunting. Dorie Clark and Natalie Nixon, in their insightful article "The Challenge of Leaving a Long-Term Job to Start Something New," explore the emotional and practical complexities of this transition. They offer valuable guidance for those looking to embark on this exciting yet challenging journey.

This article builds upon their ideas and provides an action-oriented roadmap for navigating a career change while still employed. It will equip you with the steps to take and the ethical considerations to navigate as you make this significant shift.

Why Plan While Employed?

Planning a career change from the security of your current job offers several advantages:

• Reduced Risk: Experiment with new ideas or explore different opportunities through freelance gigs or side hustles. This allows you to test the waters of your desired field before taking the plunge.
• Skill Development: Leverage your current role to gain valuable skills transferable to your desired field. Seek out training opportunities or take on projects within your company that can enhance your skillset.
• Network Like a Pro: Building a network takes time and effort. Start by attending industry events, connecting with professionals online, or seeking mentors within your company. These connections can be invaluable resources down the line.
• Financial Security: Use your current income to create a financial safety net. Saving can ease the transition and provide peace of mind as you launch your new venture.
• Testing the Waters: Starting a side project or freelance business allows you to validate your ideas and assess their viability in the real world. This can help you refine your plans and build confidence before making a full commitment.

Taking Action: Steps to Success

1. Self-Discovery: (What do you want?)
2. Skills Audit: (What do you have?)
3. Explore Your Options: (Where are you going?)
4. Build Your Network: (Who can help you get there?)
5. Develop a Plan: (How will you get there?)

Ethical Considerations: Balancing Acts

While preparing for a career change while employed offers many benefits, ethical considerations are crucial:

• Conflict of Interest: Ensure your side projects or activities don't compete directly with your employer's business or divert resources from your work responsibilities.
• Respect Agreements: Review your employment contract for any intellectual property ownership clauses or non-compete agreements that may limit your outside activities.
• Confidentiality Matters: Maintain the confidentiality of your employer's sensitive information and data. Don't use your current role's resources for personal endeavors.
• Time Management: Prioritize your work obligations. Ensure your side projects don't interfere with your performance or responsibilities to your current employer.
• Transparency is Key: Communicate openly with your employer about any outside activities, especially if they could potentially impact your work.
• Uphold Your Integrity: Always maintain professionalism and ethical conduct. Your actions should reflect your values and high standards, both in your current role and in your career change pursuits.

Ethical Action: Dos and Don'ts

• Do leverage company resources for professional development that aligns with your current role.
• Don't use company resources for personal endeavors related to your career change.
• Do be mindful of confidential information.
• Don't share confidential information with anyone involved in your new venture.
• Do maintain a professional network within your industry.
• Don't poach clients or colleagues for your future endeavors, especially if it violates your contract.
• Do prioritize your current work responsibilities.
• Don't let your outside activities negatively impact your performance.
• Do be transparent with your employer about your career goals.
• Don't be deceitful - maintain open communication.
• Do maintain a professional relationship with your current employer.

• Don't burn bridges - give proper notice and fulfill your obligations.
• Do conduct your side projects or future ventures ethically.
• Don't engage in unethical business practices that could damage your reputation.

Building Your Side Hustle: Taking Action Ethically

Now that you understand the ethical considerations, here are some actionable steps to launch your side hustle while maintaining high ethical standards:

1. Clearly Define Your Side Hustle: Be clear about the purpose and scope of your side project. Ensure it doesn't directly compete with your current employer's business offerings or violate any non-compete agreements.
2. Transparency with Your Employer: If your side hustle aligns with your current role and doesn't create conflicts, consider having an open conversation with your employer. Transparency can foster trust and potentially lead to opportunities within the company that align with your career goals.
3. Time Management is Key: Set clear boundaries between your work hours and your side hustle activities. Prioritize your current work responsibilities and ensure your side project doesn't interfere with your performance or deadlines.
4. Respect Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding your employer's sensitive information and data. Don't use any company resources or knowledge for your side project unless it's directly related to your current role.
5. Build Your Reputation Ethically: Focus on building a positive reputation in your desired field through ethical practices. Deliver high-quality work in your side hustle and build trust with potential clients or collaborators.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Taking charge of your career path is an empowering journey. By planning and taking action while still employed, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful career change. Acknowledge the emotional challenges, navigate the ethical considerations thoughtfully, and remember, with dedication and a well-defined plan, you can make that leap with confidence. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your progress, and pave the way for a fulfilling future that aligns with your passions and aspirations.