Why some career changes don’t work
When we’re feeling the niggle of needing a change in our career, there's a trap we can easily fall into. This is how the lure of ‘shiny things’ can keep us stuck on an unfulfilling path. By Jacqui Ooi.
I speak to a lot of women about their career changes, both on our podcast and in our career change course, and I was reminded recently of a trap we can fall into when we’re feeling that niggle of needing a change.
It relates to ‘shiny object syndrome’ – our tendency to focus on the shiny and new – which, in a career context, could be a promotion or pay rise, or being headhunted for a different role.
In the moment, it feels exciting and flattering and seems like a good move… but soon, the ‘newness’ wears off and you’re back to the same niggling feeling because that tempting offer that presented itself to you wasn’t necessarily right for you.
Changes that keep you stuck
It might seem counterintuitive to say that making a change can keep you stuck, but that’s exactly what the lure of shiny things can do in your career.
Saying yes to that promotion or being headhunted for a new job can feel like the way to go because 1) it’s a quick fix that will get you out of the unhappy situation you’re in and 2) you don’t really know what else you could do!
“It might seem counterintuitive to say that making a change can keep you stuck, but that’s exactly what the lure of shiny things can do in your career.”
That’s not to say that wanting shiny things is wrong or bad. If your goal is to earn more or have more responsibility or a change in your work environment, then these types of career moves might be just the thing.
But if your goal is to find a new career direction that feels more meaningful to you, that fits your priorities at this stage of life and aligns with your future aspirations, this generally requires being more intentional about the career choices you’re making and dedicating time, energy and mental space to dig through the weeds of what you actually want.
Learning to let opportunities go
Of course, knowing how to figure out what you want is not always easy, which is why I support women with this process in our Career Change Kickstarter course. Without support, you can get stuck for months, even years, not knowing what steps to take and over time it can really impact your wellbeing.
So it’s understandable that jumping on opportunities that come your way is enticing. But one of the things I teach about making a meaningful career change is that a key part of the process is getting comfortable with letting certain opportunities go.
That can be hard to do in the moment, and requires a deep understanding of yourself and what you want for your future, but ultimately it will bring greater rewards.
Jacqui Ooi is the founder of What She Did Next and creator of the Career Change Kickstarter course, teaching proven strategies to help women navigate change and build careers they love.
