Mid-career professionals often find themselves at a crossroads. After years of building their careers, they talk about being happy with their current roles. However, speak to them about offers from other companies, and you’ll pique their interest. They’ll wonder if they’re missing out on something.
This reaction is entirely normal and, in fact, can be a signal that it’s time to take the next step.
If you find yourself among these professionals, here’s what you should do:
Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore new opportunities. If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled, maybe it’s time you step out of your comfort zone. Take the next step, and challenge yourself to grow personally and professionally.
Of course, taking risks can be scary. You may worry about leaving a stable job or venturing into unfamiliar territory. But taking calculated risks is often necessary to achieve your goals.
Evaluate yourself. Take some time to reflect on your values, skills, and interests.
What are you most passionate about, and what kind of work would make you happiest? What skills do you have that could be applied in new and exciting ways?
Explore your network. Once you clearly understand what you want, explore your options. Network with people in your industry, attend job fairs and conferences and keep an eye out for new job postings.
Be open-minded. Don’t be afraid to apply for positions that might be a stretch—remember, you have valuable skills and experience to offer, even if you don’t meet every requirement on a job listing.
Remember your goals. When considering new opportunities, weigh the pros and cons carefully. Consider factors like salary, benefits, work-life balance, and company culture. Consider how the new role would fit into your long-term career goals and whether it would allow you to continue learning and growing.
Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself throughout this process. Transitioning to a new role can be stressful, so make sure you’re prioritizing your mental and physical health. Reach out to friends and family for support, practice self-care techniques like exercise and meditation, and take breaks when needed.
So, if you’re a mid-career professional feeling curious about what else is out there, don’t be afraid to take risks and explore new opportunities. You can achieve personal and professional growth by challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Want to discuss career options? Reach out to me at rick@continentalsearch.com to learn about opportunities, current salary ranges, or how to plan a great career.
About the Author
Rick Pascual is the Practice Director for ruminant health and nutrition at Continental Search, a leading recruiting team in the animal sciences. He is a NAPS Certified Personnel Consultant and leads all the research and recruiting for dairy and beef. Rick mostly recruits sales, technical and management professionals for feed manufacturers, feed additive suppliers, and animal pharma.
For the latest job opportunities, you may connect with Rick on LinkedIn or email him at rick@continentalsearch.com.
