5 Mistakes to Avoid When You're on a Career Crossroad

A career crossroad doesn't mean that you should consider a job change. You're about to make an important decision, which you could take advantage of it or not. If you want to go in the right direction, then you must spot the signs.

The first (and foremost) sign would be knowing when it's high time for a change. It doesn't happen overnight, not even months. It's a matter of years. A frightening thought, as you may wonder what has happened to the years that you put your best effort. It wouldn't be an uncommon thing, as many employees have experienced the need for new challenges. It would be an outcome of a realization that your job may be a dead end after passing up a slew of opportunities. There are telling signs, like how you struggle to get out of bed. (It's not the case during your first few years.) Your awareness is the first step to this difficult, if not challenging, journey. It could lead to a huge disappointed unless you take small steps.

Why small steps? You don't want to start all over again, as it might turn out that you're too old for this kind of process. And you didn't think long and hard about it. Job change is not the one for you, which you wouldn't figure it out after a good night's sleep. Let's examine this matter closely.

Overhauling Your Working Life: Right Steps You Must Take

Don't ask yourself another question. It would be pointless to wonder why you have arrived to your so-called pitiful state. Look back at your work experience instead. Identify the qualities and skills that make you stand out in the workplace. It's a positive step, possibly a huge one.

You're unable to confront your fears. It would revolve around finances, failure (of not succeeding at all), (lack of support from) friends, and family (if you happen to be single). It's a coincidence that all factors start with the letter F, with one word missing from the shortlist. You must be aware of the so-called Four F-words, and what the future would hold for you. Your awareness means you would overcome your fears sooner than you think.

Do you really need a job change? It may not be the case at all. You're mulling about it because there's an organization change, and it didn't take long to realize that you're not valued at all. You don't like your micromanaging boss, prompting this knee-jerk reaction. You're tempted to bang your head after you figure out that you didn't see any signs of career development. You may need to find another company, in the same field, with better opportunities. You should read the next item before you make that leap of faith.

You didn't understand what you're up to. It's very important to have a sensible approach to this situation. If you're really serious about a job change, then find out if you must retrain (once more). Do you have the resources? Keep in mind that not all options are promising, and studying (or training) doesn't guarantee a good job. You're about to set yourself up for failure if you don't study this process carefully.

You resort to labeling. There's nothing wrong about labeling yourself when you update your resume, but don't give recruiters a wrong impression about you. Starting all over again may have its downside, as you can end up underselling yourself. Make it clear when you compose the heading (of your resume), as it would be more appealing to call yourself experienced in your chosen field. In this regard, it might not be right to highlight your work experience. Do a short list of your skills (that employers are looking for), and don't forget the tasks that you do for sole experience. This format should give you an advantage, but it doesn't mean that you would exclude your work history. (You can put it on the second page.)

How to Meet the Right People

Working for some time should teach you an important lesson: Employers want someone who has done the job before. You must have done a very good job.

If you’re the one, then you surmise that your updated resume would be good enough. Wrong. You might have to look for the right people. Look at your network, getting in touch with the ones you have been corresponding now and then. There may be an opportunity, if not a gathering that can set up a potential encounter with the employers that you’re looking for. If you can invite them for a cup of coffee, then the better. (This would work for the charismatic lot. You don’t have to be downhearted if you’re not. Give it a try.) This sets you to the last, and probably ideal, scenario.

A job change may not be the one for you, but a freelancing on the side should give you (professional) fulfillment. Look for a possible business on the side, as financial freedom enables you to do something you truly love. Good luck.