I am considering something that feels to me like a huge career change. I've been in consulting for my entire career, and love so many aspects of what I do. Right now, I have a very interesting opportunity that would move me in to the world of advertising and strategic communications.
For those that have made a big change in your career, any general advice?
A bit more detail: In my current job, I am well respected and have a fair amount of autonomy, generally have really great co-workers and interesting projects. However, we have grown tremendously since I've been with the firm, and in that time - the organizational consensus and risk aversion has grown tremendously. I am often on calls (had one yesterday) where I am quite literally feeling trapped in a twilight zone - didn't we already make a decision on this & why can't we move forward?
A respected mentor told me yesterday she believes I am suffering from a case of the golden handcuffs - I am a known, trusted leader in my current firm, well paid and - if I am honest - not really stretching myself as much as I could be right now.
Could I stress one more time - I adore so many of my colleagues. Leaving them professionally would be really difficult.
So - what's the other side: I've always wanted to work in advertising - how and why people communicate their ideas and compel others to take action is fascinating. The new opportunity would give me a leadership role in a new part of their firm.
Everyone I have met with at new firm has been impressive - some I have known for over 5 years (the co-founder, specifically, who is my connection into the new company.) These people are interesting, creative, and passionate people that also seem to have big lives outside of work (traveling, Ironmans, sailing - it's fascinating how active & passionate they are about their hobbies.) This appeals to me because I also have a lot of interests outside of work, too!
This would be a new challenge - I'd be stepping into an environment where I'm not the guru who has succeeded already and knows how things are done, but the leader who needs to learn from their peers and direct reports, explore a new industry, and work with clients that are both new and known to me (certainly, my client rolodex will travel with me in some respects.)
I am so torn, quite literally scared at the idea of leaving, but also - a new challenge could be what I need to pull me out of this slump I've felt career wise for a little while.
(For clarity: I'm struggling with the idea of changing directions / leaving my firm and not comparing the $$ / benefits side of things.)
Help!!!!
ETA: You guys are such an amazing source of inspiration & advice, thank you thank you thank you.
Post by orangeblossom on Feb 3, 2015 8:19:44 GMT -5
I think you should do it. You'll always be a respected leader in your current field, and I suspect you'll stay in touch with the movers and shakers, who can help you transition back, should the need arise.
If it turns out this is not a good move for you, though I doubt that'll be the case, you can easily go back to what you're doing now.
I made a big change & it was so great & fulfilling for me.
I'd think, though, about your "end game" with the new job. IIRC, in "retirement" you're wanting to do a non-profit or something right? It sounds like this new job might expose you to some skills that will be helpful to you in that IN ADDITION to all the immediate benefits.
I made a change earlier in my career and I am glad I did. I also got to the point where I just needed a new challenge and was getting frustrated when people weren't moving things along like I thought they should. This sounds like a great opportunity.
As others have said, you have great connections at your current employer. If you take the new job and change your mind, I have no doubt that a former colleague or client will want to scoop you up!
It sounds to me like you're ready for something new! I know that feeling, but I've never been presented with a good enough opportunity to make the leap. It sounds like you have been, so I say go for it! Good luck with making such a big decision, but I know you'll be successful no matter what you decide to do!
New job! Take it and then hire me. Lol. (I too would love to work in advertising and it dovetails nicely with what I do now, but I'm where I'm going to be for a while.)
In all seriousness, this sounds like a great opportunity and one will little risk. I assume if it didn't work out you'd have an opportunity to go back to your current job. Although I'm a little weary of all of my recent changes, I haven't regretted any of them. My last job took me WAY out of my comfort zone and I learned a tremendous amount.
I think you're ready. You sound as if you're out growing your current job and I think if you were there longer, it would begin to gnaw at you that you didn't take a chance when you had it.
You'd be leaving on good terms, so I would hope that would leave the door open if you ever decide to return in the future.
I could see you being very successful in advertising and think it's a good personality fit. Do you know anyone who has the kind of role you'd be stepping into that you can chat with about what they like and dislike about the job?
Would returning to your current firm be a possibility if things don't work out with the new firm? It sounds like you have great relationships there and if you can leave on good terms then that door could stay open. Knowing this owuld make the decision a lot easier...
Aw, thanks Rock!
OK, those are excellent questions. One of the women at the firm is open to having me join her for a few meetings - I'd be a "fly on the wall" - and a good next step might be to also chat with her offline about the details.
Current company is very open to re-hiring - so that is a great point to help ease my mind. At the very worst, I come begging for my old job back in a few years! We have re-hired several folks who departed and particularly when the leave with a long and well-managed transition, the relationships are open....
I made a big change & it was so great & fulfilling for me.
I'd think, though, about your "end game" with the new job. IIRC, in "retirement" you're wanting to do a non-profit or something right? It sounds like this new job might expose you to some skills that will be helpful to you in that IN ADDITION to all the immediate benefits.
Garden, that is such an EXCELLENT point - I haven't really considered that, but you're so right. I could absolutely use the new skills when I switch to my true dream job when I "retire". Thank you for that insight.
BirdGirl - when you were really pushed outside your comfort zone in new roles, is there anything you specifically did / were open to / etc that helped ensure you swum more than sunk???
And I will ensure if I do move on, I let you know when cool stuff opens up. The firm is really impressive, some of the work they do just blows my mind.
Post by UnderProtest on Feb 3, 2015 10:25:29 GMT -5
I went from one field to a completely different one (albeit for a different reason), but it scared me to death. It ended up being the best thing ever. The new field was a MUCH better field for me, was financially a better job and made me so much happier. Don't let being scared keep you from doing something you want to do.
As usual RockNVoll's questions are spot on. In addition to the woman at the company you're considering, I'd try to find a few other people outside of the company who may be able to answer some questions, just so you can get an unbiased opinion. Although her offer to let you shadow her and not just question her is really encouraging.
Otherwise, the only other thing I would ask myself is whether my boredom/comfort is the result of being in my current job too long (ie, would a move to another company give you the excitement and fulfillment you need) or is it really b/c you're ready to move away from consulting all together (and, if so, is this the field that interests you most)?
I think your description/word choice in this post indicate you want to try the new position but are simply nervous about it. That's OK - most of us would be! But I think you'll do a great job.
JK. You only live once. If my dream field wasn't so darn hard to get started in, I'd go for it in a minute. It sounds to me like you will need to make a move in order to advance, so if this is interesting to you, give it a go!
everafter07, @choco, Poppy - you are SO spot on - I will NOT let any career adjustment move me away from retirement! They are aware they will need to beat my current comp (& I am also seeking a few other pieces they seem amenable to.) I just didn't want to muddy the water too much with throwing in the total comp package comparison stuff.
Ahhhh I think it is very interesting & telling that you all "hear" me leaning towards thew new opportunity - eeeek.
There is nothing wrong with exploring. You have the skills and relationships to go back to consulting should you want to. I will say that as somone who did leave finance to try something else, I was shocked to discover that I went running back. lol. But, the experience was well worth the year I spent trying out the new industry. I would have kicked myself for not exploring. Plus, the job fell in my lap and I couldn't say no.
I would definitely ask yourself what you are willing to do re your early retirement plans. A few years likely won't make a difference but if you do end up staying in advertising, how will that affect your goals?
It's no wonder you went running back when you were faced with that train wreck....
Do it! It's a win-win if you leave the door open with the current company. You gain skills, network, and become even more unstoppable!
I also recently started a new career where I am so out of my element (from behavior therapy to advocate in a law firm, who knew?). I had migraines after every interview because I knew I would take the job, I should take the job, but wtf am I getting myself into???
I went in saying I will commit a year and then figure out next steps. I can always go back to therapy, and regardless this experience will be a positive one for me because I will learn new skills and expand my network.
Saying yes to the change is scary and it might not be sunshine and rainbows till you get into a groove but as long as you don't need to burn bridges, go for it!
everafter07, @choco, Poppy - you are SO spot on - I will NOT let any career adjustment move me away from retirement! They are aware they will need to beat my current comp (& I am also seeking a few other pieces they seem amenable to.) I just didn't want to muddy the water too much with throwing in the total comp package comparison stuff.
Ahhhh I think it is very interesting & telling that you all "hear" me leaning towards thew new opportunity - eeeek.
Deterring you from early retirement was my only concern, since you sound so interested in this new opportunity. With this info, I say go for it! You sound so excited about it, and I bet you'd be amazing at it.