4 steps to consider before making a career pivot

If you are mid-career, you’re probably saving for your wedding, planning to expand your family, dealing with all that comes with the care of elderly parents, or wanting to buy a home. Life is getting real, and a lot of it requires money, and even the time that your job isn’t giving you. You’re wondering how you can move up the corporate ladder or if entrepreneurship will provide you with the lifestyle you want?

 

On October 30 at LinkedIn Chicago, Meredith Morales, Amanda Chin, Kris Christian and Christa Small shared their tips on how to handle the mid-career challenges that lead us to make essential career moves that impact our lifestyle and our families at the #L2LMixer.

 

What would you be doing if money and time weren’t a factor? Every important decision we make starts with asking ourselves the hard questions. When deciding whether you want to stick with corporate America or pursue your entrepreneurs, there are a few things you should do when deciding to make the right decision for yourself.

 

Ask yourself the hard questions
Christa Small has spent her entire career at McDonald’s. She started as an intern and has worked her way up to VP of Operations. Longevity for her at one company meant asking herself the hard questions. Understanding what mattered to her in her career is what enabled her to grow at one company. “I reinvented my career several times at McDonald’s,” she explained.

 

When thinking about whether it’s time to move on from a company, create your lists of career goals, and then weigh the pros and cons. Pay attention to what excites you about your job and your company. If the thrill is gone, it’s time to figure out why and decide to pursue what does. Ask your self if your company will allow you to have the lifestyle and balance you want?

 

Make an exit strategy
Whether you are leaving your company for entrepreneurship or another organization, always have an exit strategy to make the transition easier. When Meredith Morales decided she wanted to switch companies, she made the plan to reach out to her network to find another opportunity before giving her a 2-week notice. When Kris left corporate America for entrepreneurship, she learned the hard way that you have to be able to wear multiple hats. “You can’t just be good at one thing, you have to be good at everything,” she shared. When preparing to leave to run your own business, make sure you can outsource or gain a new skill set in the tasks you lack knowledge or is your weakness.

 

Try consulting for better life management
Amanda Chin left her corporate job when she decided to put her family first. Many of us have to plan for the days when we are responsible for our parents, children, or other family members’ well-being. Consulting became an option for Amanda, who was able to manage clients in the same capacity as her former 9 to 5 but on her terms and own time. If consulting is an option for you, start by packaging your expertise and utilizing your network to gain clients.

 

Be great at what you do
Whatever road you decide to take, always put your best foot forward. “People who are naturally curious have the potential to be great leaders,” shared Christa. Taking risks and being open to learn and do unfamiliar things is just one ingredient in deciding what path to take.