Should I take voluntary redundancy before I have a clear plan for what I will do next?

ShiftDoctor answer

By Sarah Cooper on 25 March 2008 at 08:41

It seems to me that money isn't what's stopping you. It also sounds as if you have an idea of the career change you would like to make - or at least some directions you could explore. The two key blocks from what you've said appear to be:

• Not knowing enough about what is required to work in the areas you are interested in

• Not having confidence in your abilities to make a successful career change.

Let's take the confidence issue first.

Building confidence

Truly, I know from my own experience how being in the wrong job can seriously knock your self confidence - particularly if it's a job you've held for a long time.

It's very difficult to move forward when you are feeling bad about yourself. Negative thoughts cause "downward spiral" thinking, closing down our creativity. Change the record - treat yourself kindly and think positively.

1. Let go of your regrets about not having given more thought to your career when you were younger. You did the best you knew at the time, and the path you took has shaped you into the person you have become. If everyone got everything "right" first go, what a dull world it would be!

2. View those 19 years as important building blocks to your new work life. List all the benefits those years have brought you. Financial security, skills, friendships made. Ask a work colleague you trust to help you identify your skills if you are having difficulty here. These days, it's an achievement in itself to have held down a job for the length of time that you have. Be proud of what you have accomplished.

3. Finally, acknowledge that the change you are facing IS scary. However the best antidote to fear is to get it into the open. What are you really frightened of? Write it down. Fear is usually based on false assumptions rather than facts and seeing them in black and white often helps us realise this.

Finding out the facts

Self confidence builds through action. Prioritise the career areas you are interested in and go on a fact finding mission. The best way to do this is through an incredibly useful technique called "informational interviewing."

1. Identify people working in the fields you are interested in. If you don't know anyone personally, email all your friends asking them if they do, or carry out some internet research.

2. Draw up a list of questions you want answers to. What would someone with my background and skills need to do to move into this field? What are the different job opportunities? What books, trade press or websites would you recommend for me to deepen my knowledge?

3. Call them up and ask for 20 minutes of their time, mentioning the mutual friend if you have one. Most people are happy to help.

4. Conduct the interview. Remember you are doing this purely to find out information, not in the hope of getting a job. This takes off the pressure, leaving you free to ask exactly what you want to know, rather than worrying about the impression you are making. Always ask for recommendations of at least two other people you could speak to.

5. Thank the person by email or letter no later than the next day.

If you follow this process with at least ten people you are sure to build up a realistic picture of the opportunities available to you. You will also strengthen your belief in your ability to create a new and fulfilling working life for yourself. Good luck!

About Sarah Cooper
Sarah is a career and personal coach who specialises in working with people who want to put their passions at the heart of what they do. Many of her clients make radical career changes or set up their own businesses, often drawing on their creativity, or helping individuals or society in some way.

No stranger herself to career exploration and change, Sarah originally worked as a solicitor in a commercial City of London law firm. She then moved to the voluntary sector, working for 8 years in fundraising and marketing roles, culminating in a senior change management role at the British Red Cross.

Sarah trained with Coach U, the world's largest coach training organisation, and is a member of the International Coach Federation. She lives in Beijing and coaches clients from all over the world. To book a complimentary half hour session email her on sarah@cowsfrommywindow.com or visit www.cowsfrommywindow.com