5 Benefits of Pursuing a Different Career Path

Ever pulled into your driveway after the ride from work and thought, “How did I even get here?” You were on autopilot taking the route you’ve driven for years. That is, until the evening you detour. This unknown street has stunning, new construction. A lush park with a fountain. Hey, that’s the chocolate shoppe you’ve heard about. Now you’re thinking: “What have I been missing taking the same ol’ drive?”

Changing fields can be like this reroute. You're comfortable with your job and have spent years learning the ins and outs. It’s become a part of how you identify yourself and how others introduce you. Then you hear that a former coworker has started a new job that sounds fascinating. It’s different from the work you did together—the job you’re still doing. Now your interest is piqued. Could you, too, make a leap?

You're wise to consider adding complexity to your professional journey with an alternate track. In a previous post I wrote about using transferable skills to land a new job in a different industry. Just thinking about exploring these options can be daunting. If you’re curious, even just a bit, here are five benefits that might motivate you to a different path:

1. To follow your passion. Despite our best efforts we often find ourselves in jobs of opportunity or convenience that underutilize our strengths. You may feel like you’re not doing what you were born to do or living the legacy you’d like to leave. Ask yourself, “If I wasn’t doing this, what would I love instead?” Perhaps you already know the answer. You may find that you’ve been away from your destiny far too long and the time is right to go after the career you’re meant to have.

2. To gain confidence. Pedal thrust...Steady balance...Pick up speed…Voila! You were riding a bike without training wheels. That sense of pride in your childhood self was exhilarating and learning something new at work can also build confidence. Confident people excel in their careers due to a positive, can-do attitude. With each stretch you’re that much more convinced you can successfully tackle the next new task. Your self-assuredness can lead to taking on bigger challenges.

3. To be more marketable. Diverse experience is a valuable asset. Once you step outside the familiarity of an industry you know well, you’ve widened your options if you ever need to search for another job. Besides expanding your skills, you’ll gain insight, resources, connections, and a wealth of conversation starters. This will elevate your professional profile and can make you a highly sought-after candidate.

4. To become a go-to person in a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2022 there will be over 15 million new jobs in America. Technology, especially, is driving this. Think about it. In 2000, there was no social media manager or crowd funding developer. Imagine the new jobs that will be created each year! Entering an emerging space gives you the opportunity to become an expert—especially when that field is on the rise. Growing trades need leaders. Your courage to take a job before it’s well-known or established will place you ahead of the curve while others wait to jump in after the field has matured.

5. To increase your worth, in more ways than one. Think switching jobs means that you have to take a pay cut? Not so. The U.S. Census Job-to-Job Flows’ research shows that moves to a different field can bring about significant income growth. Especially earlier in your career. As you take your experience and skills from one industry to another you provide the new employer with additional expertise, being both a new hire and consultant. That’s valuable to a hiring manager who sees the worth in your background. “You were a teacher before coming here? Maybe you can help in our training department. We need more facilitators.” Imagine hearing that! Now your scope of responsibility has grown. With the right fit you’ll find an employer that’s willing to compensate you for this experience. Plus, you’ll become an even more instrumental member of your new team.

The next time you’re taking that familiar drive home, passing the same stretch of tree-lined streets, your dry cleaners, gym and grocery store, consider this question: “If I could design my perfect job, would I stay on this path?” If you’d like the more scenic route, the choice is up to you. Who knows? Soon you may find that you’re taking a different route to a new job every day.

Photo Credit: www.THREE20Media.com