The Truth About How People Really Change Careers

It’s about replacing planning with serendipity.

Career change often begins with a statement. “I hate my current job. I want a totally different environment. What are some steps I can take to make a move?”

Alas, many career books give a false impression. They suggest that career change proceeds at an orderly and very linear pace.

Typically, you are advised to take these steps:

• Look inward to find out who you are.
• Identify your strengths.
• Match strengths to careers.
• Find a career that matches your strengths.
• Apply for jobs in those fields.
• Live happily ever after.

Of course, an experienced career consultant will tell you this is hogwash.

The best guide I’ve found is still Herminia Ibarra’s book, Working Identity. As Ibarra explains, most career change goes more like this:

• Come up with a few ideas that might work.
• Talk to people in those fields.
• Get referred to other people.
• Hit a few dead ends and realize your dream job isn’t all…