Which Season is Your Career In

Which Season is Your Career In Which Season is Your Career In? Which Season is Your Career In? December 12, 2012 by Career Coach Sherri Thomas Leave a Comment I recently had a client,  David, who after  15+ years of employment, advancement and promotions with the same company, found his career at  a  standstill.   His manager encouraged him to stay put because opportunities may be on the horizon, but with downsizing and layoffs happening across other departments  David saw a bleak future ahead of him and decided to take control of his career and look for a new job.   Like many people in David’s situation, career changes can be difficult to face.    But career changes are a part of life.   And the quicker you can recognize change and make adjustments in your career, the easier and more successful your career will be. Just like the weather, careers have seasons.    The springtime is like starting out in a new job.   Everything is fresh, new, and exciting.   The summer is when you hit your stride, you’re confident, making significant contributions, and your job is actually FUN! During the fall, you’re a seasoned veteran in your comfort zone and an expert in your role.   Strangely, this is also the time when many professionals and executives begin thinking about a career change.   Some become antsy for a new challenge or a bigger step up the corporate ladder  to change into a deeper, more meaningful career. David  was in the winter season of his career.   This is the final phase of your job  when you realize that change is inevitable, and that you must move on.   Whether you find yourself being pushed out of the nest due to corporate mergers or downsizing, or you’ve made the decision for change on your own, the quicker you recognize and respond to change,  the quicker you can take control and get your career on the RIGHT track. Most professionals change careers 4-7 times during their lifetime.  For David, it was  his 3rd,   and I’m happy to say that he navigated through the storm beautifully.    We created a step-by-step career transition plan  and within just a few weeks he was considering job offers from two different companies.   If your career is in a fall or winter season, then here is your assignment… Start exploring all of the opportunities  around you. If you’re currently employed, then consider taking on new projects or joining teams that excite you or at minimum, help strengthen a skill and boost your resume.   Also, beef up your professional network  by attending industry conferences, training seminars, and business networking events to talk to other professionals and discover new career opportunities. Learn about the skills and qualifications required to move into those new jobs. If you’re feeling ‘stuck’  and not sure where you want to go or how to get there, invest in a few  personal career coaching  sessions with a qualified career coach.     The point is to take control of your career.    Identify which season you’re in and if it’s time for a change â€" then get on with it.   Do the work necessary to get through the storm and you’ll find that your career (and your life) welcome a fresh new start. â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"-     Need a few gift ideas this holiday season?     Check out these great gifts to help someone on your list jump start their new career My brand new Six Week, Six Step Career Change Program is having amazing success with professionals and executives who want a new career!  You can read some of the testimonials on the web page.  This is the perfect gift for someone who needs help getting hired into a new career, and includes the Career Change Boot Camp 2-CD program, the e-book Interviewing Smart Insider Secrets to Getting the Job, professional, customizable and proven resume templates, and The Salary Compensation Guide to help you negotiate the best deal for you!   My special Career Change Boot Camp Program  is the most popular gift this holiday season, and is  a complete do-it-yourself self study program that includes step-by-step strategies, tools and resources to help you change careers quickly and easily.  Includes 2 CDs, eWorkbook and transcripts so you can get started immediately!   My newly published book, THE BOUNCE BACK personal stories of bouncing back higher and faster after a layoff, re-org or career setback  provides personal stories, strategies and lessons learned from myself and 13 other professionals who navigated through career setbacks to come out on top! Available in hardcover and Kindle formats on  AMAZON  and  Barnes Noble.     Book, CAREER SMART 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand on AMAZONs TOP 10 LIST for personal branding books!  Available in hardcover, Kindle and audio on  AMAZON  and  Barnes Noble.   Sherri Thomas is a Career Strategist, international speaker and best-selling author of  â€œThe Bounce Back”  and  â€œCareer Smart â€" 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand.  â€œ Get more tips and strategies on how you can bounce back from a layoff, re-org, bad manager or other career threatening setback in Sherris new book, “The Bounce Back” now available on  AMAZON  and  BARNES NOBLE. You can download three FREE chapters of THE BOUNCE BACK at  http://www.MyBounceBack.com