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What directions do I go towards?
I've been struggling lately to figure out what to do with my career. Currently, I'm a Software Engineer in the beginning of my career, but I'm feeling like I don't belong, don't know enough, and get so stressed out. I thought I enjoyed what I did, but after a terrible first project and no real mentor to go to if I need help I feel like a fish with no gills in the ocean. I've been considering lately switching to the UX field, which I did in my internship. I really enjoyed doing it, but I guess I'm scared to make that change. I think I'm mostly struggling with the golden handcuffs, breaking them, and whether this may be a good career move or not. Any words of advice would be great!
Anonymous
03/04/20 at 1PM UTC
Please go for what you know follow your heart because you are the only person that have to work this out. If you don't feel comfortable in your current position please don't be scared to move backwards or forward because it's ok.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
03/03/20 at 7:08PM UTC
Consider asking yourself additional questions before making a career change. Such as:
● Is it the work you don't like or the particular project?
● Is it possible that the employer isn't a good fit for where you currently are in your career?
● Would taking an online course or two to help you grow into the kind of project you've been working on?
● How can I find a mentor?
● Are there volunteer or freelance (side gig) opportunities to experience other areas of software engineering and to get more experience with UX?
Answering these questions should go far in clarifying what your next best career step is.
Erin BeemerProduct Developer | Change Maker | Growth Minded
1.13k
03/03/20 at 1:02PM UTC
If you don't enjoy it, don't be afraid to find something else. It's easiest early in your career when you don't need as much experience and may be at your most flexible regarding travel, retraining, etc. However, if you didn't enjoy it because you had one bad project, I'd suggest you examine what you felt went wrong and work on lessons learned, apply to the next project and see if your satisfaction improves. Many of us want to be perfect out of the gate, but really that is not always a realistic goal. There is nothing wrong with failure or being uncomfortable in a situation, usually this means you're growing and learning something. I can tell you from personal experience, salary is not everything and despite getting good raises/bonuses, you'll only find yourself momentarily satisfied. It really won't make up for the day to day. Good luck with your decision!
Lisa Lewis MillerAuthor, podcaster, coach @ GetCareerClarity.com
528
02/28/20 at 4PM UTC
Here's the other thing: an article about golden handcuffs and what the money actually means to you -- hope these help!! https://medium.com/@somuchmorecoach/your-golden-handcuffs-could-be-caused-by-this-one-thing-its-not-what-you-think-a8778c90a79b
Emily PehlGrab a mug - let's chat about life and careers
200
03/04/20 at 2:05PM UTC
LOVED this article Lisa. Thanks for sharing :)
Lisa Lewis MillerAuthor, podcaster, coach @ GetCareerClarity.com
528
03/04/20 at 4:05PM UTC
So glad that spoke to you, Emily! As you could probably tell in the writing, it's something I'm SUPER passionate about!
Lisa Lewis MillerAuthor, podcaster, coach @ GetCareerClarity.com
528
02/28/20 at 3:59PM UTC
Hey Becca -- early in your career is the easiest time to break the golden handcuffs if you're going to! Wanted to share a couple things -- first, I have a free eBook on mapping out the factors in a career change here if you're interested: http://getcareerclarity.com/roadmap
