Attribution: Envato Elements
Dear friends,
It’s July and we are still trudging down a long dark tunnel. It’s a good time to revel in small victories and appreciate positive moments amidst all the sadness and uncertainty. Reach out for the support you need!
Recently several friends have had what I’ve been calling “COVID epiphanies” in which they decide on a major life change. While I think it is natural to be introspective when all our routines have been so profoundly disrupted, I do worry about people making drastic decisions in these times. Today I am sharing what I have found to be a very helpful framework for making a career change. I enjoy the work of Professor Herminia Ibarra and highly recommend her book Working Identity. If you’re feeling restless or dissatisfied right now, I encourage you to read her recent HBR article about career change during the pandemic.
Remember that certainty rarely precedes change. I often hear “I need to figure out what I really want to do.” As my son would say, fake news! When we try something new, we learn what we like and want to do more of. Professor Ibarra suggests trying out different possible selves by taking a small step in a new direction. In academia, this can be in the form of a new collaborator, method, or content area. In fact, if you are mulling over your career direction, look back over your calendar and take note of what you (1) volunteered to do and (2) what you most enjoyed. Try doing more of that!
Funding is not the only currency. My approach has always been to have at least one interesting unfunded project going. Some have led to funded work, others have led to or strengthened collaborations, and some have gone nowhere at all. It is part of the process. Be very deliberate about how much time and effort you spend in this way- you should check in with your mentor or a trusted peer regularly about unfunded work.
Take a winding road. Professor Ibarra has shown that most successful career change happens in a meandering way rather than a linear trajectory. She calls it “test and learn” rather the traditional approach of researching a new career, doing self-assessments and soul-searching, and making a big leap. Uncertainty is part of the process, and it can last a good long while. Weigh the discomfort of living with some uncertainty versus your current state of mind.
Just get started- If there’s a topic that has been on your mind, look it up and start reading about it. Bring it up with your mentor or a peer. They will likely welcome the opportunity to think about new, interesting science- if not, reach out to me. These are my favorite conversations!
To use a twentieth-century metaphor, open your Rolodex. Professor Ibarra suggests connecting with people outside of your immediate circle when you are ready for change. Interestingly, she recommends reaching out to “dormant ties,” defined as people with whom you were close but haven’t been in contact with for three years or so. Her studies demonstrate that re-establishing contact with dormant ties is exceptionally fruitful for career change.
Overshare. If you are thinking about a new direction, even if you have only a vague idea, talk about it. Answering others’ questions will sharpen your thinking, and you can learn what resonates with others. You may even find an unexpected collaboration.
As always, send me your good news. I would love to amplify your work on social media and we could all use some bright spots these days. I look forward to hearing from you!
Warmly,
Urmimala