In the first of this two-part series, “Managing the Emotional Turmoil”, I discussed common emotions experienced during a career change – from denial to anger and depression. In this follow-up, I offer three strategies to help you move forward should you become stuck on a professional path that no longer aligns with your career or lifestyle needs.

1. Mix it up.

There’s a popular saying, “birds of a feather flock together”. If this sounds like your professional network, now is the time to branch out (pun intended). By broadening your network and cultivating relationships with individuals in a variety of fields, you gather invaluable insight into vast potential career options. These new connections may also prove helpful in getting your foot in the door as you take steps to transition from one career path to the next.

This is precisely what helped Jane, a former corporate attorney, settle into a new career that brought much more reward and fulfillment. When Jane decided to explore her interests in fundraising and development, I suggested that she browse the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) website for new networking connections. (Tip: professional associations are a great way to find a new flock). Jane followed my advice and learned about various pathways through AFP including fundraising roles within private foundations, universities, and small nonprofit organizations. Eager to learn how someone with her background might go about entering the field, she reached out to an AFP board member using contact information listed on their website and soon set up an informational interview. After a series of referrals, leads, dead ends and follow-ups, her new network eventually brought her to her current role as Director of Alumni Giving and Development at a private women’s college.

2. Pursue outside interests.

Changing careers, even contemplating such a move, is emotionally draining. But when you pursue outside interests, you redirect that energy and attention to other important aspects of your life, rediscovering the reward in leisure activities, family, friends, and volunteer work. This reduces stress and gives you the mental space you need to reflect on your next steps.

An added bonus beyond this is what I refer to as “facilitating serendipity”. The more time spent doing things that bring you joy, the more open you become to unexpected opportunities and chance encounters that can bring you one step closer to the next chapter in your professional life.

3. Test the waters.

If you’re contemplating a career change, test the waters with low-risk experiential activities that require minimal commitment on your part. Not only is this a great way to evaluate a potential career fit but it can also help you build relevant skills that help in gaining entry into a new and more rewarding field.

This is just the approach John, a project manager, took when he found himself at a crossroad. Though he enjoyed the people side of project management (setting goals, coaching, and resolving conflict), he lacked a real connection to the projects he managed. Moving forward, he hoped to focus less on the project side and more on group facilitation – particularly around conflict management.

So he tested the waters by getting involved with a local community mediation center. While keeping his day job, John assisted with outreach workshops on a volunteer basis one evening per week. After several months, the center asked if he wanted to expand his role to become a volunteer mediator. As part of his training, the center sent John to an intensive three-day mediation certification program at a local university. For the next twelve months, John continued his weekly volunteer work and gained experience in the various mediation types offered by the center including neighbor, business, and family disputes. Once he felt confident this was the direction he wanted to take, he began implementing an exit strategy. Fast-forward two years and John is now happily employed at a college Ombuds Office, where he assists students, faculty, and staff with conflict management and problem resolution.

Changes are rarely easy, especially those as significant as mid-career shifts. There will be times of uncertainty, doubt, and frustration. But these three strategies can help you take specific steps towards changing the course of your career and finding the right fit for you.

About the author

Dara Wilson-Grant is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her focus is on career-related issues, including career change, professional growth, and workplace challenges. Dara’s career management workshops have been presented at universities, government agencies and research institutions.