Fear of Taking the Leap: 6 Steps in Transitioning into a New Career

January is the month when there’s usually a high rate of attrition among employees. And given that the economy has rebounded this year, for sure employee turnover will continue gradually, albeit not at an earth-shaking pace. If you’re feeling a bit confident right now and ready to take the leap, here are few steps that can help you ease into a new career: Coping with emotions. Whether you’ve left your job or have been let go, you are bound to go through the five stages of grief, according to John Hopkins University’s Job Transition Guide. It’s going to be a bit tough for you going through days without work, being separated from coworkers, and getting back into the groove of things. To help you manage your overall emotion, and physical and mental well-being, the guide recommends going on a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, meditation and rest. It also helps to talk to someone you trust about your feelings during these times. Do a bit of soul searching. Gerri Willis of Fox Business News would like career-shifters to heed the advice of “What You’re Really Meant to Do” author Robert Stephen Kaplan who encourages them to do some soul-searching to figure out the next career step they want to take. Kaplan believes that you’re only limiting your potential if you’re working a job or for an institution you dislike. Instead he wants readers to take on a role that “allow them to utilize their strengths instead of trying to hide their weaknesses in a job that isn’t right for them.” (Prepare) and explain your reason for your career transition extremely well. Harvard Business Review columnist Dorie Clark believes that workers should be able to make a connection between professional experiences to be able to “get others onboard with your career transition.” According to her, it’s what often “professional reinventers” overlook but can determine their success in making others believe that they deserve and bring value to their new jobs. Get training! Without experience, it only makes sense for you to obtain the necessary training and certification since you have zero experience for the new job. If you have a lot of time on your hands, get a new degree. “This demonstrates your interest and commitment to the new field, and gives you at least some kind of background to build,” said Chrissy Scivicque, a columnist for US Money News. Get your foot right in the door. Send out those resumes and remember to emphasize on how your past experiences relate to the job your applying for. Nail the job interview—make sure that you have gathered your thoughts before stepping inside the interview room and know your resume inside and out. Craft a killer “elevator pitch” about yourself. Get support. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Like it or not, you will need help. But if you refuse to get help from peers, colleagues or anyone for that matter, you can always turn to online career coaching guides or books. Career Shifters has compiled a good selection of books that can help you before, during and after your transition.