Bosses are important.
They play a pivotal role in shaping our day-to-day happiness at work and can influence our long-term career trajectories. If you want a promotion, pay rise or day off then, most of the time, you must go through your boss. Bosses assign us tasks, offer us feedback and provide guidance.
However, it’s essential to recognise that while bosses are influential figures in our careers, there are certain aspects they can’t fully control or accomplish for us. And if you’re looking to change career these are things that you certainly need to get a handle on.
Bosses can’t define your long-term goals
While your boss can offer insights into your organisation’s goals and immediate projects, they can’t define your personal long-term career aspirations.
Your long-term aspirations should centre around your passions, values and desired work-life balance. You need to take the initiative to reflect on where you want to be in the next five, ten or even twenty years. What roles inspire you? What skills do you want to develop? By setting clear goals, you gain a sense of purpose that guides your decisions and actions.
When you’ve done that, you can communicate your goals with your boss, if you feel comfortable, and they might be able to offer advice and opportunities that align with your vision. But they can’t tell you what to do. You’re the only person who can do that.
Own your skill development
While bosses can provide opportunities for skill-building, they can’t single-handedly make you an expert in a certain field. It’s up to you to identify the skills necessary for your desired career path and take proactive steps to acquire them. Seek out online courses, workshops, seminars, and networking events that can help you enhance your skill set. Be open to constructive feedback from your boss and colleagues, but also conduct your own self-assessment to identify areas where you need improvement.
This is especially important if you want to do something different or change industry. It’s up to you to bridge the gap between your existing skill set and those needed for your desired career.
Build your network
Your current boss can introduce you to colleagues within your current industry, but building connections in your desired field falls on your shoulders. Networking is particularly essential for career changers as it exposes you to industry trends, potential mentors, and job opportunities.
Attend networking events, join online communities, and engage with professionals who can offer insights into your new domain. These connections can provide valuable advice and support throughout your transition.
Make you stay
We hear a lot about people leaving jobs due to bad bosses but we don’t hear so much about the people who stay because of good bosses. But this happens too. When you have a good boss this helps to mask over issues that you’re having with your career. But eventually if you’re in a career that doesn’t align with your values, skills and motivations in life then this will catch up with you. Particularly if your boss leaves. It’s dangerous to base our career happiness on a person or people because we have no control over them or what they do next.
Make the most of having a good boss. But make sure you stay in the driving seat of your own career, especially if you think a change is in order. Grow your own network, take responsibility for your own skills development and make the time to think about your direction on a regular basis. Not just when your boss has set your performance review meeting.
Denny x