At a career crossroads...

9 Comments

1. Heather CutlerMay 4,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

   You already have the perfect script...you just stated it in this question to FGB! Given the relationship with these executives, it sounds like you already have a great audience to start floating these ideas. If I were one of these executives, I'd be VERY receptive to this proactive conversation from a well-respected employee.

   I think it is very possible that these executives are also starting to think about what your next step might look like. Open this door, be transparent, and candid with your intentions.

   Best of luck in your next steps!

2. AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 1:58PM UTC

   Career crossroads is real, but manageable. Have you sat down and wrote out what your "dream job" would be next? Write that vision out.

   If you don't know what that looks like yet, start with a list of things you like to do, things you're naturally good at and things you're curious about. Once you're able to visualize what you've been thinking /know about yourself, then you might start to see a connections/themes that could help you see where you should grow to next. Sometimes, asking your inner circle/loved ones around you what they think you're naturally good at could also reveal something you never saw in yourself.

   If you're still stuck, or end up with a lot of options, then get out there and research. Start networking, setting up informational interviews with folks who have the job you want/desire or share that interest with you --- learn about their career story.

   The key is keep talking to folks like you're in this channel. The fact you have curiosity says enough; you have the appetite for change, so it will happen for you. I hope these tips are helpful because they've helped me along the way. Good luck to you!

3. AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 12:11PM UTC

   :) Thanks!

4. AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 2:54PM UTC

   Great advice, I agree. :)

5. Dorothy AduMay 4,2022 at 5:23PM UTC

   I believe it starts with knowing yourself. Your interests, likes and passions. When you have an idea of what these are, look at roles that fall in the categories.

   If you also have curiosity or questions about a career, reach out to your network and ask more questions on what the job entails.

   The key is finding where your talents, skills and interest all intersect.

   Hope this helps and best of luck in your next steps!

6. AnonymousMay 4,2022 at 10:10PM UTC

   This may sound basic, but spend some you time meditating, deep thinking and itemizing what you want. Yes, make a list.

   Not just a list career wise but also family time management wise since you alluded to being tired from the COVID experience. Make a detailed list.

   As far as the next horizon, it appears you mastered your niche and you are looking to expand on new challenges. Is your current niche or subject matter area, linked to another technical area where you can step into another arena and it not be so much of a technical shock in terms of learning curve?

   If so, seek the advice of your exec mentors to strategically build a pathway to get there. Can you get there staying at the same company? Would you have to apply elsewhere? Can you be a liason between your current company and the other company that has a technical field that interests you if connected, to keep you mentally stimulated and growing.

   You have to do the deep thinking and play out the risk and different scenarios. Just because you excel in your current job does not mean you will have the same result elsewhere (no matter how driven and focused you are) because even the most talented, may not receive the genuine support that you currently receive at your current company to continue to grow and develop.

   So really weigh the risks and do the self assessment. Do you have the energy and time to learn something completely new and out of scope of what your current niche/expertise is in?

   Would it be a better idea to stay in your current niche and move up in leadership to still be challenged but stick with topics that you are still familiar with.

   If you do stumble upon technical fields that interest you, do your research to learn more. Reach out to linked in folks already in that field and pick their brains to find out the good, bad and the ugly about what they do.

   Not sure if this helps, but good luck!

7. AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 12:10PM UTC

   I love lists! I've definitely started one already. Thanks for your advice... good thought starter. :)

8. Georgene HuangMay 4,2022 at 10:13PM UTC

   Are there any opportunities at the current company you’re considering? That wasn’t clear to me from your post but since your product line is changing you could try to make a lateral move because at least your employer and workplace culture wouldn’t also have to change.

9. AnonymousMay 6,2022 at 12:08PM UTC

   There are potentially a lot of opportunities...
   I am not looking outside anyway at this time. They have expressed much interest to keep and develop me, so no complaints about the company . It's all me! I think I had a change in perspective and part of me wants to keep advancing and part of me wants to make sure I have time to enjoy life... The higher you go, the harder it is (free time, etc). :)