How do you know when it's time to transition?

The decision to make a career change is easy when things are bad, but how do you know it's time to transition when things are okay?

Recently, Hunter and I have had several clients where they don't dislike anything about their jobs and work is just "okay".

The positive thing with a job being "okay" is that there is no rush to make a transition. The challenge with a job being "okay" is that it's easy to stick with the position longer than we're meant to.

I was working with an attorney back in September of 2020, who had been considering leaving her law firm for over a year. 

The law firm gave her excellent pay and benefits, but the job was just "okay".

When she started researching careers outside her current job, she decided it was easier to stay in her position and postponed career coaching.

In February 2021, she reached out and asked to resume career coaching because she felt burnt out and was ready to leave her job. 

When we were in a session, she shared that she regretted not giving herself permission to explore her career options when we were working together the prior year and that fear held her back. 

Eventually, my client made a pivot to working in-house for a company with a strong mission she felt passionate for, and she experienced more satisfaction in her work.

In the ten years I've been working as a career coach, when things are "okay" for a client, a change is inevitable — it's just a matter of when. 

If you are in the situation where things are "okay", here are some suggestions to assess if you're ready to make the move.

1. Ask yourself, "Does my job here feel complete?" And really listen within.

I share a brilliant video above with me interviewing a former client, Pastor Ken Brown, who shares about his experience making a job transition. His words are touching. In short, if you are questioning your transition, ask yourself if your work feels complete? And if the answer is yes, you're probably ready to make a career change.

2. Explore your career options.

Don't let the fear hold you back. Give yourself permission to do your research Research is research — It's not committing to making a change. You can always make the leap when you're ready, but permission is key.

3. Normalize your experience. 

Most people make a career change every seven years. If you were to compare career change to child development, look at how much growth a person has between the ages of 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35... It makes sense that your career would change as well. Even if things are "okay", it's okay and normal to want to make a change.

And of course, if you need any help, please reach out. Hunter and I are here to support you through your transition.

Sending light and love your way,

Danielle