Knowing when it’s the right time to leave your job or change careers is not a one size fits all recipe.
We can’t give you the answer, but after 18 years in business and having issued over 27,500 qualifications, we can give you many wonderful examples of our Alumni and how gaining their qualifications through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) has given them the confidence to change the course of their careers.
Some have taken a step up in their organisation, others have moved into a similar role with new company, and many have changed industries completely.
Wherever you are at and want to go, qualifications that show what you know can help get you there. You can book a free appraisal here to find out what you’re eligible for.
When Is The Right Time To Leave Your Job?
Here are a couple of books that talk about examples of the who, the how, and most importantly, the when of career change.
When To Jump – Mike Lewis
When To Jump – If the job you have isn’t the life you want by Mike Lewis, is an inspirational book that lays out four steps to achieving the career of your dreams through what he calls the Jump Curve.
It’s great to listen to this on Audible so you can hear people share their own career stories.
The four steps are:
- Listen to the little voice
- Make a plan
- Let yourself be lucky
- Don’t look back
When is the right time to move from work that is comfortable to a career you have only dared to dream of?
How have other people made such a jump?
What did they feel when making that jump—and afterward?
In writing this book, Mike sought guidance from others who had “jumped,” as he prepared to leave the world of venture capital and pursue his ambition of becoming a professional squash player.
The book also includes a range of other career jump stories:
- Banker who started a brewery
- Publicist who became a Bishop
- Garbage collector who became a furniture designer
- Karate school instructor who wrote the script for Sleepless in Seattle
- A nurse who became a doctor at the age of 50
From Strength To Strength – Arthur C. Brooks
In his book From Strength to Strength – Finding success, happiness and deep purpose in the second half of life, author and Harvard Business School professor, Arthur C. Brooks talks about how we are always building career capital.
As our work skills and experience grow, so too does our value as an employee. If you are early in your career, the next step for you might be to work on a promotion within your company.
But if you’re already at the top of your game, you’ll need to look at opportunities further afield.
Brooks also illustrates how we can look at having a couple of careers during the span of our working life, because with time comes wisdom.
Alumni, Chris Smith is a great example of creating a second career in midlife.
Later in our careers we can move into the role of mentor and share our knowledge and wisdom with those who are starting off in their career.
Many of us assume that the more successful we are, the less susceptible we become to the sense of professional and social irrelevance that often accompanies aging.
At the height of his career at the age of 50, Arthur Brooks embarked on a seven-year journey to discover how to transform his future from one of disappointment over waning abilities into an opportunity for progress. From Strength to Strength is the result, a practical roadmap for the rest of your life.
We hope one or both of these books inspires you to find out what the best next step is for you and your career.
Whether you’re going to jump careers, or just make a gentle course adjustment, the team is here to help and support you all the way.
You can give us a bell on 1300 793 002 or apply here for a free appraisal.
