The Best Time to Change Career Paths

When it comes to pivoting your career path, many people wonder about the best time to make a change. While I’m generally in the “there’s no best time” camp, I do have some thoughts on this based on what I’ve learned with clients. Here are the things that I’ve seen be very successful: 

Many people would say that the best time to make a shift in your career is now. While it can be appealing to wait for the “perfect time”, in my experience, there isn’t an ideal time for most people. Sometimes people simply use the “perfect time” excuse as a way of comforting themselves by saying that a change is on the horizon, without actually making the change. This can keep you stuck for longer and isn’t ideal. So as a rule of thumb, if you’re thinking about making a change (and that thought keeps popping up in the back of your mind), now might be time. 

There are a few caveats to the “start now” rule, though, which I think are important to mention. While “start now” can be helpful to many people, I’d be remiss if I didn’t caveat that there are times when pivoting your career simply isn’t a priority. For some people, they might be in the midst of something, whether that be grieving a loved one, planning for a wedding, or expanding their own family. While you certainly can make a change during that time if the drive is large enough (heck, I started Empowered Achievers when Jon & I were newly engaged and had recently relocated cross-country), I think it’s important to note that you do not have to. Unfortunately, in the coaching world I think there can sometimes be this toxic pressure to change now, no matter the cost. I think it’s crucial to caveat that if change isn’t a priority right now, that’s totally ok. You don’t have to always be on, pushing forwards! If you feel that you’re in a situation right now where you kind of want to coast in your job (because perhaps they have a great family leave policy)…that’s totally allowed too. When you’re starting to feel ready for change again, change will be available to you. 

One last rule that I’ve learned about the “best time to pivot” is to make a shift BEFORE you’re desperate. This, in my experience, has been a huge indicator of success for my clients. The folks who reach out about making a shift when they’re starting to think they’re ready (even if they’re not totally comfortable with the idea yet), but before they’re super desperate to leave their current role? Those folks tend to thrive in our work together. That’s because they’re not in acute pain during our work, so they’re more able to weigh their options and take the time necessary to make a strategic, well-considered next choice. They’re not eager to take any opportunity out of desperation, and this serves them well in the long-run.

So, those are my 3 tips on timing your career change. Which one was the most eye-opening for you?

At the end of the day, making a career pivot is a deeply personal decision, and I don’t want to rush you when you’re not ready. Don’t wait forever though, as sometimes that’s simply the fear sneaking in and telling you to wait longer for the “perfect time”! ;) Maybe just shoot for when you’re about 80% ready, 20% nervous and ready to vomit. That seems to be a pretty good time for most of my clients.

So, where are you at? I’d love to hear from you in the comments, wherever you currently are. Are you 10% ready? 50%? 100%?

Rooting you on from here!