#careercoach | Kathy Husser | Librarian & Entrepreneur

Transitioning in your career can be both exciting and scary. Whether you’re seeking new challenges, better opportunities, or pursuing a passion, shifting careers requires thoughtful planning and strategic actions. From gaining the necessary education to building a strong network, here’s how to successfully navigate a career change.

Education and Skill Development

Education is often the first step in a career transition, especially if you’re moving into a completely new field. Start by assessing the skills you already have and identifying the gaps you need to fill. Research the skills required for your desired career and consider enrolling in relevant courses, certifications, or even degree programs. Online learning platforms offer flexibility, allowing you to upskill while maintaining your current job.

In some cases, you might not need formal education but rather specialized training or workshops that offer practical, hands-on experience. Look for opportunities to gain experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time work in your new field. This not only enhances your resume but also gives you a taste of what the job entails, helping you determine if it’s the right fit.

Networking

Networking is crucial when transitioning careers. Building relationships with professionals in your target industry can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised. Start by attending industry events, seminars, and webinars where you can meet and learn from others in the field. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool for networking. You need to connect with individuals in your desired industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to establish yourself. It’s scary at first, but take it from me you meet so many good people via LinkedIn.

Informational interviews are another valuable resource. Reach out to professionals in your target industry to learn more about their career paths, challenges, and the skills required. These conversations can provide insights and guidance that are invaluable during a career transition.

Embracing a Total Career Change

A complete career change can be intimidating, but with careful planning, it’s achievable. Start by doing a self-assessment to understand your motivations for the change. Identify what you’re passionate about, what skills you excel in, and how these can be applied to a new field. This self-awareness is crucial in making informed decisions about your next steps.

Once you’ve identified your new career path, begin laying the groundwork. Update your resume to highlight transferable skills and any relevant experience. Consider creating a portfolio that showcases your work, particularly if you’re moving into a creative or technical field. Tailor your cover letters and applications to reflect your enthusiasm for the new field and your readiness to contribute.

Taking the Leap

Finally, transitioning in your career requires courage and resilience. It’s important to set realistic expectations and be prepared for challenges along the way. Consider taking small steps towards your goal, such as starting in a related role before fully transitioning, to ease the process.

Remember, career transitions are a journey. By investing in education, expanding your network, and embracing change, you can successfully navigate the path to a new career. Keep an open mind, stay patient, and trust in your ability to adapt and grow. You’ve got this!

For more career tips check my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

After reading Dr. Ramani Durvasula’s new book, “It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People,” I had to share. This book is life affirming if you need to understand why “bad things” happen to you and motivators of narcissists. Dr. Durvasula also provides extensive strategies for healing and dealing with these highly manipulative and vengeful people.

Who Are They?

We don’t know why people act the way they do to hurt others. It’s a diagnosed personality disorder that is finally getting the attention it needs. The definition of a narcissistic goes beyond just wanting their way all the time or being powerful. It’s about people you have in your life, that abuse and shift blame by gaslighting, manipulating, and lying without remorse.

“Nothing is ever their responsibility or their fault because for a narcissistic person to take responsibility or accept blame means having to accept that they are accountable and imperfect.”

There are varying levels of abusive behaviors outlined, some classified as “malignant narcissists.”

They malign people publicly, or harm their reputations. They are highly manipulative, transactional, and judge everyone based on how useful they are – whether for power, profits, pleasure, or validation. In the simplest framing, the malignant narcissist is a bully, mean and menacing…”

You will recognize the examples used in your own family or workplace relationships. You will also understand how often these behaviors happen and go unchecked in society. The focus is never really on the narcissistic, but more on the actions of the victims being abused. Almost as if the victim has something wrong with them, despite the facts not adding up from narcissist’s manipulated account.

How Does It Happen?

If you are in an abusive relationship, the obvious answer is to leave. But it’s not always that simple. Dr. Durvasula provides examples where it’s just not possible to leave a job, marriage or other important relationship despite abuse. The victim talks themselves out of it, thinks THEY are the reason that these “bad things” are happening.

Victims routinely believe the manufactured and false narratives about what is taking place due to other silent and compliant people. It boils down to trust. When those closest to you break that trust and know what’s really going on but do nothing, that’s your truth.

“In other words, narcissistic people make you feel small so they can feel safe.”

These narcissists get something from their victims while “love bombing,” charming them, and prioritizing the relationship. When the victim realizes what is actually going on and sets boundaries and reveals the truth, all hell breaks loose.

“Hell, really hath no fury like a narcissist scorned. Their vindictive behavior may range from spreading damaging workplace gossip” to other more harmful and life threating outcomes.

Be warned, that stalking and public humiliation of their victims is quite commonplace for these individuals. Their tactics escalate when their victims pull away or start understanding the truth about past events.

How to Protect Yourself

There are many strategies discussed in the book to combat DARVO, or the common methods narcissists use. (That’s a very useful chapter.) You should also try to distance yourself spiritually or physically from your abuser(s.) If you must stay in a relationship for work or family reasons, sound strategies are provided. These will help you heal and learn to deal with these negative people. As the author states, you will be better informed the next time you come across these individuals. And you most definitely will!

The healing that takes place when you know you’re not the crazy one is incredible. Narcissist behaviors happen daily to so many of us, but now you have a voice…an authentic voice.