How Job Shifting Transformed My Career & Perspective?
Ever thought about making a career change just for a change? If so, you are about to embark on a journey through my story of job shifting – a story where change wasn’t just a choice, but a game-changer.
This article explains an author’s experience regarding job shifting and how it changed the author’s perspective of careers.
Let’s find out how you can change your career pathway and personal life around by changing careers.
What motivated me to change careers?
I am an ambitious, young, business student who sought an internship opportunity. In order to convert my theoretical knowledge into practical knowledge through experience I started applying for various job opportunities. I finally decided to choose a start-up company based on the opportunities I had.
My first ever job was hard but at the same time, it was very engaging and exciting. When I chose to work in a start-up company as an Operational Specialist, I initially didn’t know which sector I would be good at. I liked all the components of a business the same. Although it is challenging to work in a start-up company, I gradually learned a lot of things. Every day was an exciting learning opportunity. I was involved with operations, HR, Finance, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Post designing, and much more.
Due to exposure to all these different areas in a business, I got the opportunity to find what I enjoy the most. As a person who is hungry for more knowledge, I decided to switch jobs and start my career journey in the Digital Marketing aspect.
Digital Marketing is marketing or promoting a product or a service using websites, social media platforms, applications, and search engines. This process is very crucial for an organization, having a great influence on their revenue. Digital marketing is a very broad area, and I am passionate about this area. From reaching a target audience to providing a product or a service to the end customer is remarkably interesting.
This interest is the reason why I shifted from my previous job role.
Challenges faced when shifting careers
As I said, everything is not easy. No matter what you choose in your life you must go through a bunch of challenges. This scenario was the same. My parents were confused about my sudden decision. My friends supported me, and my relatives were literally suspicious about what I was up to. Fortunately, my mom understood me and supported me in every possible way she could.
Aside from that, I had a big conflict with myself repeatedly thinking if I made the right choice. Well, by that time, I have already applied for other job opportunities. So, I promised myself that no matter what happens I will not regret the choice I made. At the same time, I was worried about whether I would be able to shift job roles since I didn’t have much job experience, but that wasn’t the case.
Fearing the unknown, I was wondering if I finally lost it, to make this decision. I had never written a proper content aside from reports and assignments. I didn't know much about digital marketing. But I specifically, choose to be a digital marketer? That was bold of me to assume that I could easily shift jobs.
As to assure myself I went through different articles and read about content writing and other aspects of digital marketing. Honestly speaking, I didn’t have much time to prepare myself to face this challenge since I straight away got an opportunity. I felt a bit reluctant since I would be leaving my comfort zone into a completely different sector.
Adapting to the new work environment
Let's go through some career insights and personal growth factors I gained from career shifting.
Career Insights
It was incredibly challenging for me since I was switching companies and job roles. By switching companies, I had to adjust to a completely different working environment, a completely different work culture, and a completely different set of people! Thankfully, due to the organization's flexibility, friendly and helpful environment, I was able to adapt faster than I expected.
The training I received firsthand before starting to work helped me a great deal to figure out my job role. Moreover, I got a deep understanding of the subject which made me happy with the newly found knowledge. I couldn’t wait to put it into practice. I found myself even more involved in the area than when I initially came to the decision.
Personal Growth
This opportunity helped me to take a moment and find other areas that I am good at. It helped me boost my confidence and become adaptable in any type of situation. I am aware of my capabilities which are very helpful when pursuing my career. With each step I have taken, each challenge I have overcome, I have grown stronger as a person.
Transformation of my perspective
I agree with the statement that it is not always about titles but also the career journey that is filled with diverse experiences. Initially, I was more focused on the quantity of work I could get done over quality. But after job shifting, I realized that it is quality work that’s most important not quantity.
I was a workaholic. In my previous job, I worked very hard every day and came home late, and I missed family time. Slowly, it started to haunt me, and it became very pressurizing for me to work.
I lost my ability to be creative temporarily and had health issues. But shifting from the company, I realized the importance of work-life balance more than anything. It is a valuable experience for me and now I heartily embrace that change.
The impact on my lifestyle
As if it were a miracle, I found a very friendly working environment which helped me in many ways. I had bad time management after the first job but with the help of the new working environment, I could adjust to my previous ways of being well organized.
As I mentioned earlier, I had health issues, and they gradually worsened due to extensive work pressure from my previous job. But now I take care of myself better by managing my time efficiently.
These may seem like little things, but it completely changed my life and gave me a chance to shine brighter. I regained what I lost at the same time, I gained many new skills and knowledge. More importantly, I am happier than ever.
Broadening Horizons
Exposure to different sets of people and ideas helped me view things differently. Joining this new venture also assisted me in expanding my professional network while doing something I love. The friendly work culture helped me grow, overcoming my shortcomings. Initially, I was very anxious thinking about how my colleagues would be.
To my surprise, it wasn’t very hard striking up a conversation with them and getting to know them. They helped clear up my doubts, helped me adjust, and taught me different things. All of us were considered a team, building friendships and team spirit. It was like a fantasy, where there were only good people who were kind, supportive, and caring toward everyone.
In the end, I realized that “Everything isn’t easy but no it is impossible”.
Conclusion
Job shifting isn’t easy but no it is impossible. You might even find it as a rewarding experience in your life. My career journey taught me how valuable it is to be bold and embrace change.
Through difficulties and challenges for a rewarding future, all you need is a bold move to transform your life.
Are you hoping for a different job role too? Don’t wait for the perfect moment – embrace the change.
