With regular work schedules disrupted, many people may be re-evaluating their career options. If you weren’t altogether keen on your job in the first place, trying to now work from home and possibly deal with radically altered business conditions is not going to improve job satisfaction. It’s usually during holidays that people think about a new job, retraining or going freelance. Before you make any big decision about your career during coronavirus, you should consider the following points.
Be ready for business as usual
Don’t be afraid of changing your career or evaluating the prospects, even now. Despite all the disruption at the moment, there are excellent career opportunities now, and there will be in the future as the economy needs to recover. In the current environment, sectors including pharma and fast-moving consumer goods are seeing a significant uplift in recruitment, as are those aligned to supply chain channels. So be prepared.
Ask yourself about money matters
A desire for flexibility in our working lives is a big driver of change. Financial concerns are cited as the biggest obstacle to a career change, particularly going freelance or starting a business. We may want to strike out in a new direction, but we still need to pay bills. Those worried about finances must carefully explore the financial side of starting again. What does the set-up cost? How can you finance it? Is there a market for what you’re planning to do? How well and how regularly is it likely to pay?
Take it one step at a time
Gather information and assess what you want to achieve, including what it is about your current role or employer that’s not right. There are always options for those unhappy in their job, and it isn’t necessarily a move. Employers don’t want to lose talent, so they may work with you on training or on evolving your role to suit your career or family plans. Even if the job change you’re planning is dramatic, the process of making it doesn’t have to be. A transition period can help. If possible, reduce hours in your current role to free up time to take on freelance projects or set up a business. This will help get your Plan B up and running while you’re still earning.
Network with people and places
Talk to former colleagues or college friends, and those elsewhere in your sector or in an area you might like. Find out what’s happening in the industry, people moving on, salary scales and good places to work. Polish up your CV with study completed or conferences attended, and read industry blogs and trade magazines for insights on the latest tools of the trade you’re interested in. Make contact with an employer you admire, or with a recruitment agency, or use this slowdown productively to plan approaches. Volunteering in a different role is helpful too, for the learning experience and to broaden your network.
Research new work options
Physical distancing is a great time to look at your career options. Research the employment market and maybe do one of the many free skills assessments that are available online. Contact people in the industry you are looking to get into, and you will generally get valuable insights into what their career is really like, warts and all.
Do your sums
If your career Plan B may not pay as well, get familiar with your bank account and recent credit card statements. This gives an idea of what you need to earn, save, or borrow to cover your living costs. Include essentials such as housing, food, childcare, transport, and household bills, as well as variable spendings like clothing or car and home maintenance. Factor in loans or card repayments and deductions like memberships, insurances, or pension contributions. If your new income is likely to be lower for a period, challenge yourself to live on it for a few months before making a move. And save something to tide you over in emergencies.
Weigh up pay options
When you know your costs, research what you can earn in the career you’ve set your sights on. Speak to people who do something similar or consult a recruitment adviser or website on salaries and terms. If retraining or setting up a business, get a realistic idea of how long it will be before you start making money. Local Enterprise Offices or your local chamber of commerce may put you in touch with a business mentor.
Go for it
If a career Plan B starts to seem viable and more attractive, try setting goals to test your commitment. These might include networking more or getting out of your comfort zone. Maybe decide you’re going to make five new business contacts in the next six months or take on some public speaking. Do some volunteering, mentoring, or study, or learn a new technical skill for the job or for running a business. Job satisfaction is about more than a higher salary. Quitting can be the first step towards reinvention, but remember to plan your exit and new role beforehand.
