With the Great Resignation in full effect, more people than ever are looking into career change possibilities. Perhaps one isn’t happy with their current salary, or it could be the environment of one’s workplace that’s the problem. Some strongly disagree with the way their current employers have responded to the ongoing pandemic. There are also those who simply see the current state of the world as a good time to make some changes they have been thinking of for years. In record numbers, our population is choosing to become their own bosses.
Whatever the case may be, the Great Resignation is certainly the largest work force exodus of our time. Particularly for those who are stretching their wings into business ownership, this can be a rather intimidating. But take heart! There are plenty of success stories to be found. Online stores, franchising, brick and mortar store front, remotely provided services. There are no blanket rules and no right or wrong answers.
Follow Interests, Not Passion
There are, however, opportunities which will fit you as a person better than others. Where do you begin to find your best fit? There is a wealth of good advice to be found online, and furthermore, there are actual functional steps you can take to alleviate your anxiety and prepare yourself for the next chapter.
We’ve all heard that turning your passion into a career is the surest way to love your job. In reality, we find that some of those passions just don’t lend themselves to the financial ends we desire. The sentiment still holds. Find something in which you are interested. You’ll enjoy the ride to the top much more if you are learning more about your field along the way.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest with yourself about your short-comings and write the help you’ll need into your startup budget. For example, if you are not one to sit and do the tedious paperwork that comes with any new business, go ahead and factor the hiring of a manager into your initial cost estimate. Give yourself the tools you’ll likely need to be successful as quickly as possible.
Friends, Friends, Friends
Remember when Grandma told you that to have a friend, you must be a friend? Well, she was right…again. Get involved in the community. Not only will you find the human connections to be refreshing, but you’ll also happen upon new financial opportunities organically. Build your own network of imaginative colleagues. Think of them as your think tank. While you’re involved in building your business, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the wealth of opportunity and resources at your disposal, simply through those you’ve built a friendship with.
These same folks will also become an emotional support system, especially if you befriend fellow startup capitalist and entrepreneurs. Sign up to help with some local fundraisers and volunteer at your local animal shelter. You’ll soon begin to see connections blossom with the best kind of people you can imagine. Treat these people with love and respect, and you will reap a lifetime of rewards in your personal life as well as your financial ventures.
Learn, Learn, Learn
Educate yourself. With search engines, blogs, social media, and worldwide news at our fingertips, there is simply zero excuse for not doing your research. Look up all the stats and advice you can possibly find. Get every pro and every con. Process this information your own way, whether making a list or bouncing ideas off a trusted confidant. Do not go blindly into a quick decision. Your career transition will take planning. If you aren’t so good at seeing the big picture on heavy decisions, find or hire someone who is.
There are endless avenues to changing your career. Taking the time to prepare yourself well for the shifting landscape ahead will help to alleviate the anxiety that could cripple your first months if left unattended. You’ll need to weigh all of your options, make a solid plan, then take the leap.
Change can come slowly, or at a pace that you decide. It’s sort of like the mantra of that fitness program you’ve been considering forever. “Yesterday, you said Today.”
