3 Tips For Making a Career Transition On Your Own Terms

How to recognize when reality no longer accommodates your expectations

You’ve thought about it.

Maybe the circumstances surrounding your work and career have been changing. Or maybe you’ve acquired a new manager whose ideas conflict with yours. Or there’s been a buyout-takeover by a much larger company, and the reorganization has created several layers of duplicate job functions — making it only a matter of time before the layoffs begin.

But for some reason, you stay

Sure, you’ve talked to recruiters and updated your resume. But for some reason, you can’t take that final step that puts you in front of a potential new boss to have a serious discussion about making a transition from your current employer to a new one.

So what’s stopping you?

It’s usually one of two things — and sometimes a combination of both.

• First, you’re not completely convinced your situation won’t eventually return to “normal.” You’re still holding out hope things will work out for the best — maybe even in your favor. Because that’s what you’re being told. It’s HR’s current mantra as they unveil the latest version of the “transition plan.”
• Second reason? It’s easier to do nothing and stay right where you are. In many ways we often take for granted, your current position is a place of refuge. It’s where you go to make your contribution, to receive recognition for what you do. And you take comfort in the presumption of the financial security it provides.

And so you wait — to see how bad it gets

You convince yourself to put off the decision until you can get a better handle on exactly how things are going to shake out.

If you find yourself in either of these situations, you’re no doubt tired, frustrated, and a little scared.

Because you’re depending on others to make decisions that could change your life. You’ve put the future of your career — your options and opportunity for personal success — into the hands of others. And in spite of what you’re being told, you know the decision to retain you as an employee — or let you go — will not necessarily be based on individual merit or past contribution.

It could come down to something as simple as an unintended social snub at last year’s office Christmas party, or a trade-off between division managers. And you’re far more valuable than that.

But the pull of the past is strong

You’re comfortable. You enjoy the relationship with your co-workers. Others respect you and value your contribution. And a move means giving all that up. It means making the uncomfortable adjustments to a new boss, a new agenda, and a new company bureaucracy — or facing the risks of starting your own business.

So you wait.

You stay until reality no longer accommodates your expectations, and the day comes when you look into the future and can no longer see yourself still connected or associated with your current place and situation.

The thought leaves you uncertain and anxious

How will you cope without the familiar trappings of a desk, company car, paneled office walls, and the long, oak conference table where you presented dozens of proposals?

But slowly, you begin to realize those things were just tools — fixtures from your past — and are no longer a part of who you are.

And it feels right. And maybe, just maybe, it’s accompanied with a sense of relief.

Your decision to leave will be based on your personal circumstances.

An debt-free, unmarried, childless twenty-six-year-old living at home with his parents has a lot less to lose than a forty-year-old mid-level manager with three kids, a mega-mortgage, and a partner who just quit their job to return to school.

That’s why it’s important to make a career transition on your terms — when the timing is right for you. In financial terms that means maintaining the income from your current employer for as long as possible — until you’re ready to walk out the door and begin working at your new job.

Here’s three suggestions to give you as much leverage as possible

1. Keep your plans to yourself.

I can’t stress how important this is. Never discuss your intentions to leave with anyone associated with your current employer. And that includes your most trusted co-worker, the UPS gal, and the landscaper who always says “hi” in the parking lot.

If management hears about your plan — or even suspects you might be looking for another job — you’re as good as gone. Not only will you be moved to the top of the short-list for termination, you’ll lose any consideration that may have existed for raises, promotions, and advancement — all of which might change your circumstances to the point of reconsidering a move.

2. Maintain a positive attitude at work.

As far as your boss and co-workers, everything is great! Your interactions with others should confirm that you’re enjoying your work and would never think of leaving. This is not the time to get complacent.

Management must never learn that your dedication to your work — as well as your loyalty — have been compromised. Being seen as company “deadwood” or worse, someone who has become a toxic influence can result in summary termination, imposing added financial hardship during your transition.

3. If you need to, seek the advice of a trusted friend who is familiar with your situation.

But always evaluate the advice from others based on what they have to gain or lose from your decision. Remember, the opinions and input of others carry no guarantee of making you happy or providing you with satisfaction in the long term. That’s up to you.

Relying too much on the advice of others may provide a scapegoat for an unsatisfying future, but you’re the one who will have to deal with the results of making choices that were ultimately wrong for you.

Once you’ve made the decision to leave, don’t look back

Turn your focus toward finding the best possible match between a new employer and your skills and experience.

Yes, making a career change can be stressful and even a bit scary, but the reward makes it far more preferable than putting up with a job you no longer find satisfying.

© 2021 Roger A. Reid. All Rights Reserved.

Roger A. Reid is the author of Better Mondays and Speak Up.

Roger A. Reid, Ph.D. is the host of Success Point 360 Podcast and author of Better Mondays and Speak Up. A certified NLP trainer with degrees in engineering and business, Roger offers tips and strategies for achieving higher levels of career success and personal fulfillment in the real world.