If you are thinking about finally making that long-awaited career move. 

Then NOW is the time to do it. You are not the only one feeling this way. 

As per Microsoft's Work Trend Index (2022), more than 40% of over 30,000 people in 31 countries are considering leaving their employer this year. 

The trends seem to point in the direction that employees are no longer willing to compromise on the organization's quality of work, well-being and culture. 

However, leaving behind a job is not an easy decision. Before making a move in your career -- ask yourself the main reason behind making this massive change in your life. An ideal job will lie at the intersection to help you fulfil your purpose. 

Interviews are one of the steps to a new career. Eventually there would be a point where you would have to explain why you opted for a career change.

Brie Reynolds, career development manager and career coach at FlexJobs, explains. "It's important to create and practice a concise way of explaining your career change. Your explanation shouldn't be any more than about 30 seconds long."

Practice the interview with your friends and family. Or, even better, your career mentor. The more you practice, the better you'll be able to explain it without sounding like you don't know why you're doing what you're doing.

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Understand your zone of genius

The Zone of Genius lies in the intersection of your interests, passions and skills. Understanding it early in your career is essential to enjoy the work for the rest of your life. 

If you feel like you are not currently operating in this zone, then making a change can be the right decision. Your current job may not be satisfying or does not fall in your interest or something that you are not passionate about. 

Use this framework to determine where you can utilize your talent and which career is good for you. Once you have identified that, you can start playing in the field where you are uniquely suited to win. Then make that damn career move!

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Keep making mistakes and learning

When you are jumping into new careers, you will make mistakes and —that's okay.

But make sure that you don't fall in this trap:

• Not owning your mistakes

• Making the same mistake twice

When you fall, own it; then build a system, so it never happens again.

The phase of career change can be highly challenging to begin with. However, the only way to build a thriving career is to keep learning. 

Don't be disheartened if you lack specific skills for a role you want to try out or a senior role. Try new certifications or classes that might open more opportunities for you. 

One way to do that is to build "T-Shaped" knowledge. This kind has both breadth and depth.

Breadth allows you to be thoughtful and constructive across various themes/practices—to contextualize broadly and develop perspective. Depth allows you to be world-class in a specific area of expertise. The most successful people usually have both.

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Focus on the job, not the money

Money can be the driving force in life, but it should not be the deciding factor when choosing a career. No amount of money can compensate for unhappiness in the workplace. If not, you will end up doing what you don't love. 

Steer clear of the comparison trap

Comparing yourself and your progress to those around you may be tempting. This person made X lakh rupees last year. That person was under Forbes 30 Under 30. Don't get us wrong; it is entirely natural but hazardous. Learn to turn it off.

A 10x better foundation-building experience compounds more effectively than that extra 1 Lakh in your salary. It would help if you were compensated fairly, but not all compensation is monetary. Think long-term and build a solid foundation.

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Get in touch with the right people

In your life, everything comes down to people and relationships. Cultivate deep and meaningful bonds with peers, colleagues, and seniors. You can go far in life by being someone people enjoy having around.

In your next career, try being in places where significant opportunities are made. The negotiations, the decisions, and the conflicts all happen in rooms with the top leadership. Identify them and find a way to be part of those discussions, even passively. It can be not only the best way to learn but also the best way to make connections. 

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Personal rebranding:

During a career move, personal can prove how your existing experiences make you a better candidate for the role you are applying for. Create a powerful personal statement while sitting for interviews. 

Social media websites like LinkedIn can help you create a professional network while ensuring that you find the best person-job fit. More than 58 million companies are listen on LinkedIn, more than 87% of recruiters regularly use the platform. Recruitment agencies like Wolves Solutions can also help you find the best job that fits your skills and interests.   

Change your mindset 

The difference between moderately-successful and highly successful people is that the latter do not worry about being wrong. Instead, they embrace new information that forces them to change their viewpoints or helps them grow. 

Secondly, while it is easy to optimize for the skills required today, learn to build the necessary skills for your future role. Win in the present but build for the future.

Thirdly, remember to be grateful for the people, opportunities, and every privilege you have been blessed with. Some people may be better off than you, but many others are not.   

Learn everything about the new role.

While making the career move, you should know everything about your new role, from office location (to factor in relocation and living costs) to the role to your designation. Have your crucial responsibility areas demarcated while ensuring that you have a team or manager who will be supporting you. 

Try to understand the company and the work culture before you accept the job by connecting with current employees on LinkedIn, ex-employees or friends/acquaintances who are already working there.

Also, be aware of the salary, insurance plans, bonus structure and leave policy before taking up the job. Websites such as Vault and Glassdoor can give you an idea of the average salary bands depending upon the industry, position, location, and company.

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The way ahead :

Making a career move is a significant change, but please remember that the most successful people are strategic and self-aware about the unique skills they offer to any position. Learn to find your edge by working hard, increasing your luck surface area and eventually, you will be able to tick off every goal in life. 

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