Thinking of changing careers? Use the ‘JUMP’ rule before you quit
Changing career paths isn’t something that you decide to do overnight. It requires strategy and clarity, but many people find themselves rushing into something new, driven by unhappiness and frustration in their current role, but end up feeling the same.
Andrew Smith, marketing director at Click Consult, reveals the JUMP rule and the four steps you should follow before switching careers, to make sure your new path is the right one and you’re truly moving forward, not just moving on.
J: Justify your reasons and be clear on your motivation for change
Before you hand in your notice, make sure you’re clear on why you want to leave; make a list of 5 reasons you want change, to understand what’s really driving you to move on. If you can’t think of 5 reasons, you might want to consider how you can make changes in your current career, rather than switching to something brand new.
Think about what you’re leaving, like burnout or hitting a ceiling and not being able to progress any further in your current role, versus what you’re seeking in new career, such as leadership opportunities or more flexibility.
Clarify the top values that your new career needs to meet. Are you most interested in learning or getting recognition? Having a better work-life balance, or more of a challenge? Your new path needs to be able to tick these boxes, or it might not be sustainable, and you could end up feeling the same as you do now.
U: Understand your finances
One of the biggest reasons people put off switching careers is being worried about finances. Without having a plan, you might be more likely to take the first offer you get, rather than waiting for the right one.
Calculate how long you would be able to live on savings if you had to go without an income – could you quit your job now and be ok for a while, or do you need to stay put until you find your dream role? Don’t just think about your salary, consider other things like benefits and rewards you receive currently.
If you feel like you need to get out immediately, build a bridge plan to support you while you while you search for something new or gain experience. From a part-time role to freelance work, make a plan that can keep you financially safe so you don’t have to say yes to your first offer if it’s not right.
M: Map your next steps
A total career change can feel too overwhelming, but breaking it down into simple, actionable, milestones can make it much easier. Having a clear map of the next steps you need to take will turn the uncertainty you’re feeling into direction, and keep you motivated to move on.
Prioritise tasks that will have the biggest impact, visibility, or learning value. Consider experimenting in your chosen career path with a low risk freelance project, to gain experience before quitting your current job.
Track your wins, from new skills learnt to successful interviews or completed projects. Recognise your achievements and allow yourself to celebrate and reward yourself for completing each step of your plan, as this will help keep your momentum and prevent burnout.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and remember the importance of confidence and self-advocacy. Believe in yourself and your abilities, voice your ideas, and invest in continuous learning.
P: Practice new skills
When looking for a change, it can be tempting to focus on updating your CV and LinkedIn, and working on applications. However, the more you practice your skills before resigning from your current job, the smoother your transition into something new will be.
Leaning and practising new skills before you move on will build up your confidence and reduce the fear that might be holding you back from switching career paths. It can also allow you to experience the kind of work you might be doing, and see if it’s a good fit, before risking income and stability by resigning.
It’s also important to identify the skills you already have from your current career that can be translated into your new path. Employers will be looking for proof that you can perform, and being able to explain evidence of your skills is what can set you apart from other applicants. Practical experience can sometimes give you the edge. Gaining as much experience as possible, including hands-on experience and on-the-job learning, is highly recommended.
