If you are always predictable in your career choices and career path, then you won’t necessarily get to where you want to be. However, where your career is concerned, sometimes taking risks can seem stupid. After all, you’ve spent years building your career and you have so much riding on it, for instance – your financial situation, job security, your happiness etc.
Yet sometimes, taking a risk when job seeking can be the best decision you’ve ever made, sometimes, you’ve just got to go for it and not look back.
You can really drive your career forward by having the courage to take calculated, smart risks. So, what are these risks, and how should you decide whether they are right for you?
Should you consider a temporary / contract role?
A lot of people don’t like working in temporary or contract roles as they think that it will make their CV look jumpy and could be detrimental, however if you work in the right type of temporary jobs that are relevant to your career and they give you exposure to different business then it is very beneficial and will help you in the future. Its shows versatility and being able to adapt to new situations with ease.
If you are looking to learn new skills, achieve some quick wins and experience a new working culture in the near future, then temp work could certainly be for you.
Could you look at switching industries?
This is quite a scary prospect for most job seekers as you work your whole career getting pay increases, however if you are in the position that you want to change your career completely then a pay cut to gain the relevant experience and training may be relevant. If there is an exceptional opportunity with a business that offers more long-term opportunity, however their initial offer is slightly lower than your current salary then again you will have to think about what you truly want and what is driving you.
What is driving you to look for a new role? If it is job satisfaction or career / personal development, then this could be considered an option on a case by case basis.
Could you work for a different sized company?
Looking at opportunities with different sized companies can be scary as it is the fear of the unknown. If you work for a larger business and have a lot of benefits, job security and global opportunities then looking to move to a smaller business could be a very different scenario, however your move could be more strategic as it would give you more autonomy and more control within a role that could be that next step in your development.
If you currently work for a small business then the prospect of moving to a larger business could be very daunting, however this could be what you need to give you the structure and training needed in your field.
Either way, consider the opportunities available and do not discount either option until you have looked at what you can get out of it.
Are you able to relocate for your career?
Relocating for your career can be one of the most daunting prospects, however in a lot of cases, you may find you have a lot more to gain than lose. Once you expand your job search geographically you will find that there is an array of opportunities, some could even be a more senior level, which would not be available in your immediate country.
Your skills may be more in demand in certain locations, and therefore you would be able to attract a much higher salary. You will also be exposed to an entirely new working culture and way of business, adding a new level of experience to your resume and plenty to talk about in an interview room.
When looking to move internationally research carefully into what support the company will offer you and your family in terms of relocation costs and visa’s etc.
Taking any gamble in your career will always be scary, however being smart and taking calculated risks involving; pay, location, duration of role, industry and company size, are far less black and white. The risks need to be carefully assessed against the opportunities each will bring you, as well as your personal circumstances. Once you do this, you may find that the risk is, in fact, a smart one which will pay dividends for your career. Even when it doesn’t, you should never regret making the best decision you could with the information you had at the time.
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