Managing Perception Around a New Career Change
Career changing can be a tricky business; once established in a particular niche, it's often the case that those around us don't like the idea of this change of direction. Often it's a reaction within themselves: 'oh no, my world is changing slightly', but equally it could be the voice of genuine concern wanting to protect a friend from making a mistake. Whatever the reason, it's ultimately not very helpful to be confronted with such negativity just when you need a confidence boost the most.
Why is no-one on my side?
Our choice of career becomes fairly quickly fused to our overall identity in the eyes of others. Gender, hair color, eye color, height and what a person does for a living are pretty common descriptors designed to sketch out who that person is for a third party. Of course, your real self is far more complex and your friends know it, and yet they still may rebel against the 'official' persona being changed. How on earth will they describe you now?
The point is that change is difficult: for you and for those around you. People don't usually mean to be emotionally destructive, but they haven't had the benefit of the thinking time you put into this decision - they need time to get used to it. In the meantime, it may be best to just politely ignore any negativity. Whether gentle persuasion, or everything short of an intervention, if you are sure of your decision there is no need to allow yourself to be undermined.
You're making a big mistake: dire warnings from parents
Like your friends, parents often have trouble adapting to the major life changes of their children. Even if you are 45 years old next spring, parents will feel they have a right to an opinion about the choices you make. Many will also feel that opinion should hold a lot of sway.
In the spirit of all good advice giving and taking; listen, consider and then make your own decision.
Explaining to the new boss: 'why do you suddenly want to drive a train?'
Employers generally feel more comfortable about a level of consistency that says you are a focused, grounded individual. Too many frequent career changes undermines any perception that you are in charge of your own life. Employers may get the idea that you are simply blown about from one job to another, as if by a strong gust of wind. Flighty generally doesn't scream: 'hire me!'
If, however, this new career change is a carefully considered decision, you will have all the reasons you require residing somewhere in your mind. Take the time before the interview to think out an honest answer to this question. Explain to yourself why you made the choice to change careers, why now was the right time and where you expect it to lead.
If a long bout of soul searching has reassured you that you're doing the right thing: feel free to ignore the naysayers and simply reiterate to whoever asks that this is your decision. Eventually (annoyingly) they will all catch up in the end.
About the Author:
James Copper is a writer for http://www.trainingindex.co.uk where you can find information on how to get a new career change