Do you often find yourself feeling restless or dissatisfied with your current career, wondering if it’s time to try something new for your career growth? If your answer is yes, you might be experiencing what is commonly referred to as a ‘mid-career itch ‘. It can be daunting to think about taking that leap because of its impact on your current career. But, if you want to try your luck and increase your chances of succeeding, there are ways to help you move in the right direction.
Below are five tips to help you deal with your mid-career itch and increase your chances of succeeding.
Assess Your Situation
Before tackling your mid-career itch, take some time to reflect and assess your situation. Are you currently lacking the motivation to continue with your current position? What values do you follow? Do you need a different quality of life for you and your family? Answering these questions can help you identify the right goals for your career and help you succeed.
Take A Break
Reflecting on your current career situation can be taxing, especially if you look back at challenging parts of your career you want to forget. It’s important to remember that taking a break is not a sign of weakness, but a necessary step to recover and clear your mind from stress. This pause will also help you reassess your decisions, preventing you from making risky choices for your career.
Be Transparent And Honest About Your Goals
When you find yourself with a mid-career itch, be clear and honest about what you want to achieve at this point in your career. This transparency will empower you to make the right choices to assist you in achieving your goals and give all your focus to them.
Review Your Skills
Some people fail to succeed in their career shift because they are unaware of the skills they need to succeed in their new career. List your skills and assets, and then see which ones you are strong or weakest in. If you need specific skills for your career shift, take the time to develop them and update your existing skills simultaneously.
Surround Yourself With The Right People
Finally, make sure to surround yourself with people who are ready to support you as you move forward with your career. These people can be your family, friends, trusted colleagues, and even your boss. Seeking their advice can provide you with the support and guidance you need as you navigate your career shifts. With the right people in place, their support can significantly improve your chances of success.
It can be scary to think about what’s next in your career if you are at a point where you are stable in your current job and are more careful with your choices. However, if a mid-career itch hits you, it may be a sign that you should consider what is out there and plan the next half of your career accordingly. So, use the opportunity to reflect and plan ahead to help you shape your career to something even more.
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