I don’t know what to do. Is there a test I can take?
If you’ve ever typed career change quiz into google then you will see that there are lots of tests that claim to help you. I quite like 16 personalities, CliftonStrengths and Self Directed Search (you need to pay for the last two). The Australian Government also has a quick and free test that you can take on its Yourcareer website.
Whilst these assessments will often include ideas about careers that may suit you, you will notice that there are usually several options. This is because we are all so unique. But also because there is no such thing as one perfect job. The reality is that there are several jobs that you may be happy in. Sometimes it is about finding the right context or organisational fit.
The important thing about taking career tests is to see them as a starting point for further exploration and ideas and not to make major decisions off the back of them. See what sparks your interest and then endeavour to find out more about it.
As a career coach will you tell me what career I should do?
As a career coach I will certainly make suggestions and point things out that you haven’t considered but I will never tell you what career should do. As pointed out above there are several careers you might be happy in, and my job is to help you discover more about yourself and them so you can make the best decision. I will also help you overcome self-limiting beliefs and explore how to break into a new area.
You know yourself better than anyone and it is my belief that you have the answer. Even if you don’t think you do.
Does everybody you work with change career?
I must be completely honest here. Some clients I work with will not shift into a new career. While a lucky few will make the shift seamlessly, for others it is incredibly hard work. You will need to put in the hours working on a problem for which there isn’t one clear answer. For some that is too much to handle and requires a serious mindset shift. I will do my best to help you overcome the obstacles but the biggest obstacle is usually yourself (I’ll help you overcome yourself too).
Some clients will finish up working with me having identified exactly what they want to do and a plan to achieve it. They may even be well on their way to being in that new career. Some will have a few ideas and be following a plan a) and a plan b).
But some will find it all too hard and realise the timing isn’t right for them. They may end their coaching series a few sessions in. I do get sad when this happens and, of course, I blame myself. But I have come to accept that we all bring our own experiences, assumptions and mindsets to the mix. I think for these women coaching with me, is part of the journey and ultimately they will end up in a better place. I have had clients quit completely soul destroying jobs and discover that is enough for them. I have had other clients decide that they are content with being a stay at home mum for now.
We are all different and thus change looks different too.
How long is it going to take to change career?
Like I said above, we are all different and our career change journey is different. It probably took me four years to fully make the shift. I was working part-time in my old career whilst studying, then pro bono coaching and then getting my business set up. If you can quit your job, or you’re not currently employed outside of the home, then you may be able to shift more quickly. Then again, it depends on whether further study is involved, the age of your children and other commitments.
You need to be prepared for the fact this may take a little while. As mums we have obligations, bills to pay and kids to be around for. We are not usually able to throw ourselves headfirst into a new career. But I believe that taking our time can be a blessing.
If that all sounds like too long for you then my question to you is when do you plan to retire? Can you really see yourself doing what you are doing now until retirement age? If not then why not start the shift? The time is going to pass anyway.
How do I explain my career gap?
I don’t think this is the big deal it used to be. Employers are more comfortable with seeing career gaps, especially now that there is a labour shortage in most sectors. They are more interested in what you can bring to the table than what you haven’t been doing.
That said, you should be upfront about your career break in your resume. It should have its own heading with dates that you were away from the workforce. You can state what you did during this time. For example, caring responsibilities and any volunteer work you did. I once met a mum who had a break to raise her children but during that time she moved to Spain, learned the language and got her family set up in a new country – experiences that an employer would definitely be interested in knowing about.
If you’re meeting with an employer and they ask about your career gap, then be confident and own your story. State simply that you had a break and why, tell them about any new skills gained but then move the conversation onto the present day. Tell them how ready you are to get back into work and why you’re the perfect person for the job. They will love your confidence and if you present it as no big deal, then they will be more likely to see it in the same way.
How do I get experience in a new field?
I wrote about this in a blog post recently but the key is to be flexible. Consider volunteering or going part-time in your current role so you can spend a day or two doing casual work in the new field. There may be a way that you can set yourself up as a consultant in your new field or start your own business, depending on the line of work. Or you may be able to do some study that involves an internship option.
There are really so many options. The important thing is to talk to others who are doing the work that you would like to do and get their advice. They may even have an opening or be willing to have you job shadow them.
So these are the 6 most common questions that I hear but if you have a burning question that I haven’t answered then comment below or contact me.