When opportunity knocks will you be able to say yes? Or maybe a better question to ask is, “Will you be open enough to consider the opportunity?” Being open to all possibilities is a powerful notion but difficult for some of us who have full schedules, back to back meetings or piles of administrative work that bogs us down to our computer, iPhone or Blackberry.
Here are some recommendations for anyone that is thinking about a career change but feels they do not have the ability, openness or freedom to say “yes” to new opportunities that could push their career into a new and exhilarating direction.
- Take some time off for the sole purpose of self-discovery.
- Volunteer for an organization that relates to your beliefs.
- There are numerous online resources, here is one: http://www.voa.org/.
- Attend and volunteer at an event that aligns with your interests.
- My favorite – If you have enough money saved (rent, food and health care benefits for at least a year) consider resigning from your current job or asking for a leave of absence. For me, this is the ideal situation to enable maximum openness and availability to say “yes” to any opportunity that comes your way. Frame it as a new beginning and not as quiting your job.
As you can see, career change and openness to new opportunities can seem risky or fearful and can be handled many different ways. Consider which method is best for your specific situation and try one or more of the above recommendations. I would be interested in hearing from any readers about their own experiences with openness and career change.
When did you become more open to making a career change and how did you go about it?
Did you resign, take a leave of absence, start a side business while working full-time or go volunteer or route?