Sometimes, a career pivot is so necessary that you can feel it in your bones. A workplace possibly became toxic or the company values don’t align with yours. In any case, changing careers can be scary.
It’s normal to experience anxiety or apprehension, as you navigate new pastures. However, on the other side of a career change, there are ample opportunities for growth and to build new skills and to rebrand yourself. It’s important to learn how to allow yourself time and give yourself grace after a career change.
Here’s a few tips on how to get settled after a career pivot.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. While you may not be new in your career, you are new to the role or to the company. There will be a learning curve. Express where you need support and take it when needed. No question is too small and don’t feel ashamed for not knowing things.
Author and career coach Janice Sutherland recently was a guest on Therapy for Black Girls, where she shared her expertise of helping Black women make meaningful career and life transformations in their midlife.
“Organizations don’t employ individuals to fail, so they want you to be a success,” Sutherland told 21Ninety. “You need to be in a position to ask for support and reach out and take it.”
Take Time to Reflect
Do some internal reflection. Upon starting in a new field, there will be a lot of newness to embrace. One way to get settled after a career change is to take time to reflect. You might journal about your experience in the new role and what you like or dislike so far. This will help you navigate the change and process any emotions that come along with it.
Remove the Pressure of Perfection
Take time to acclimate yourself to your new job or company. While you may have known your previous role inside out, learning this new role will take time.
“Ask yourself, ‘Who are you being perfect for and who are you trying to impress?’” Sutherland said. “We think sometimes that other people are watching and assessing what we are doing, but they are not.”
Invest in Resources
It’s important to invest in resources during and after a career change. Start by taking advantage of the resources closest to you, like company mentorship or sponsorship opportunities. You might also invest in books and podcasts from leaders in your field. These resources can teach you more about your industry and inspire your goals for the new role.
Be Willing to Say It’s Not a Good Fit
After some time, if you’ve realized your new role is not the right fit, don’t beat yourself up. Once the dust has settled from a career pivot, you’ll have time to take inventory and assess your new role and company.
“If it’s not the right culture or the right fit, examine what it is about the position that you are unsettled about,” Sutherland said. “Do some deep diving and investigation about what does not appeal to you.”
Whatever the reason, take inventory about what is causing the disconnect with your new position. At the end of the day, it’s OK to walk away.