Take a Career Leap and Learn Something New

My conversations with mentees always bring forth thoughts that work specifically for their situation, and upon further examination, may work for others, too. Here’s one.

As you consider your next opportunity, consider stretching. Consider taking a career leap.

Playing it safe by moving from one job into another that is exactly the same doesn’t teach you anything except that you can do that specific job. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is comfort in knowing that you know everything about a job, even if that’s not quite true. Yet the idea that you’ve done it before somewhere else surely calms the nerves as you try it again in a new environment.

However, consider the idea of stretching into something different. Maybe a level up from your current, or last, position. Or, try a different industry. Whichever way you choose to stretch, you should be able to identify professional development gaps that will need closing in order for you to become wildly successful.

For example, suppose you’re “okay” using a specific software tool like Excel. You’ve always been interested in learning more but your current job didn’t really require it, so you didn’t. But your stretch job requires you to be more proficient and nimbler in its many applications. This is the perfect opportunity to stretch and learn.

What about a new role that has you managing a small team? What you may know for sure is how you don’t want to be perceived by your team. But do you know how to gain respect early? How to complete performance reviews from that side of the desk? Do you know how to assign responsibilities for new projects that land on your desk? Do you know what kind of leader you want to be? Any and all of these questions can be nurtured and advanced in professional development workshops and/or via a coach. Be sure to ask what help is available to you as you step up. And more importantly, be comfortable in naming what you need to improve.

And what about those industry conferences? Is there more there for you other than networking? You bet, if you use your time wisely. Events like these let you in on the secrets of thought leaders in your industry. They should put you at the feet of those at the front end of advancements in your field. If you’re lucky, there will be more workshops and events that you want to attend than you actually have time for! Rest up and make it work for you.

And the little kid on the diving board? He gets to try first and upon entering the water will immediately know what he has to learn to do better. He will try, try and try again until the fear vanquishes, his toes are pointed, his twists are perfect and he enters the water with hands clasped and little splash. That’s the joy of a try. You learn something that you’ll do differently, and hopefully better, the next time.

Bottom line here is that you very likely have some important learning opportunities right in front of you when take a leap toward a job beyond what you’re doing now. Don’t shy away from what’s there for you. Grab it. Learn it. Apply it. And grow!