Q&A: Exploring a Career Change

Dear Yamini,

It’s hard to offer a lot specific advice based on the information you’ve included in your question.  But let me suggest a couple of ways to think about your future plans.

Is there a way to shift half your job?  By that I mean, move to a role in which half of what you do is based on your current strengths and half the role depends on stretching into new skill sets?  The obvious move would be to move to a management role or relationship role related to IT.  But there may be other options, if you think about it this way.

Is there a way to leverage the reputation and social capital you’ve built up in your current organization to help you move into a different field?  Often the company that’s most likely to support your moves is the one that already trusts and respects the contributions you’ve made to the organization.

Is there a way to begin a new career on the side?  Perhaps by starting up a small business nights and weekends while you maintain your current day job?

Could you leverage this recessionary period to your advantage by negotiating a reduced time arrangement with your current employer?  Perhaps they’re looking for ways to cut back on staffing and would be happy to have you move to a part-time position.  This would allow to look for a part-time job in a new field.  As the economy recovers, the track record you’ll have gained in the new field should allow you to switch into a full-time role.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and wish you all the best!

Warmly,

Tammy

Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 06/18/09