How to change work in uncertain times?

Stay or not to stay in the field?

Are you also a little anxious about the daily reports of companies that quit or are about to lay off to survive? On the other hand, there are fields that continue to profit and grow. If we are thinking about the space for a new career challenge, then believe that the current times play into that. During lockdown, you have more time to pursue education in new fields. You can work on your skills, knowledge or personal branding. Comprehensive certification programs are at your fingertips.

But don't forget that changing jobs based on perspective alone wouldn't be the happiest solution. You should also consider whether a new job will allow you to develop your talents and skills. Your path to a new job will be through:

1. Awareness

Think about what you enjoy. Self-assessment can be done by yourself, or you can also use a paid service to advise you on how to proceed with unlocking your human potential.

TIP: If the place we're worried about right now allows us to move on and put our talents to use. Hesitant? Afraid to start from scratch? Try the old but effective method - write down all the pros and cons you perceive in your current work. The result will tell you if it's not worth considering a change.

2. Connection with the field

You can first test the new scope through hobbies. The aim is to identify your strengths and link them to the possibility of further application. For example, an analytically minded accountant could also do data work, a waiter accustomed to communicating with people could apply himself as a sales rep. It is simply a matter of fitting the ability you used in your current work into a new field. Do a little research, write down your "skills" and then see what fields they could still be used in.

TIP: Think about your talents, make time for self-knowledge, and don't be afraid to return to activities you couldn't tear yourself away from when you were a child. Use the period of repetitive lockdowns also to build a personal brand that will help you to sell well even within the new industry.

3. Education

Do you want to start working in IT? Sign up for developer courses and choose certified ones. After their successful completion, you will have in your hand a document that can be a good argument to give you a chance in your new field.

TIP: Unfortunately, changing your field also entails the risk of taking seniority and financial steps backwards. On the other hand, in a job you're qualified for and enjoy, you can rise from being a junior pretty quickly.

4. Market research

You know your skills, you have found applications for them in another field, and you plan to train in that sector. Before you go ahead, try to identify any employers and see what they require and expect from new reinforcements.

5. Resume and motivation letter

Help the HR specialist understand where you want to go. Don't be afraid to admit in the initial self-presentation that you are aware of your qualifications gaps, but that you are interested in the field and that you have already done something to gain the necessary knowledge (certificate from the course) and could use it in practice. Please also give reasons for your intention to change the scope.

6. Tenders

Does it follow from the job offer that interested you that there is some possibility of training? Then don't be afraid to try your luck at a personal interview. And don't be put off by a possible first failure. Some companies prefer to train an enthusiastic, talented junior rather than retrain a seasoned senior on their work system, who will bring a lot of bad habits from his previous job in addition to experience.

TIP: Be patient, try. If an ad is built on years of experience, then it is of little importance to report there. But keep in mind that there are other companies that will readily train juniors.

7. How to change work without unnecessary risk

While some people have no problem diving into a new industry, others (and most will) often hesitate. The dilemma of whether to leave or stay can be even more difficult for you when, for example, you're paying off your mortgage or expecting an addition to your family. But that doesn't mean you have to perpetuate a job that's already killing you in the long run, or take reckless risks. 

Educate yourself, discover and try out new skills for a dry run, perhaps as part of a part-time job or temporary help. There, you'll encounter the first setbacks and situations that will either lead you astray or make you believe that this is what's right for you.

TIP! We have not forgotten the HR specialists, who will certainly be busy because of the changes in the labour market. In order to respond properly to the situation and make the most of it, they can sign up for one of Digital HR Leaders' online courses. There, 15 lecturers from successful companies will advise them on how to improve to an expert level.

Plan carefully! Once you've figured out which direction you intend to go, make an action plan. In it, include steps to change your career. This can include updating your CV, taking training, reaching out to potential employers or writing a business plan.

Not for nothing is it said that all evil is good for something. These days are clear proof of that. Don't let the ever-present uncertainty derail you and make it the first step towards your dream job. We at GoodCall will also be happy to help you find a job that you really enjoy.