The internet nearly exploded last week after a government advert went viral. If you've not seen it then just Google Fatima. The name #Fatima was trending on Twitter; memes and reactions to the ad circulated on every social media channel and blanket coverage in online titles critiqued the blatant lack of respect for the arts. The offending advert was relatively simple with the image of a ballet dancer putting on pointe shoes alongside copy that reads 'Fatima's next job could be in cyber. (She just doesn't know it yet)'. It signs off with the government QA Retraining Programme's slogan: 'Rethink. Reskill.Reboot.' No-one is claiming responsibility for the advert with the Culture Secretary declaring it crass. Dishy Rishi is getting most of the internet vitriol because he recently suggested that those in music and creative industries should retrain as a way of getting through the economic devastation of the pandemic.
So I'm not going to get political but over the last 8 months I have seen first hand many individuals who have had to take stock and had to think about where they are in their lives and whether their careers are sustainable and in a fair few cases, whether their career is making them happy. Everyone has had their own coping mechanisms in 2020 and whilst there are individuals who have been made redundant and for whom finding a new role and considering a career change is a necessity, there are also an equal and opposite number who have taken time to reflect on their career and found it wanting. I have lost count of the number of candidates who have started teacher training courses, many are now working in aromatherapy and reflexology, seeking to become counsellors or yoga teachers. Every time that I speak to someone who is embarking on a career change, I know that they have not made the decision lightly, particularly in an economy that is riddled with uncertainty.
Often, to outsiders, the advertising and marketing sector feels glamorous and sexy. Working in the creative world every day is different and whether you are a Copywriter, a Brand Planner or an Account Manager, it is fast paced, results driven and often quite stressful. There are lots of reasons that people seek a career change - it might be more money (not that often though), less stress or more flexible hours (more common!). Often people have always dreamed of running their own business or turning a hobby into a business. After the year that we have had, who can blame someone for considering that you only get one shot at life and if not now, when?
Everyone needs to get a bit of a kick out of their job and generally, the individuals who do go for a career change have found that their self esteem has dropped in their current role, they're only doing it for the money and/or they are simply bored. A career change decision in 2020 made even more difficult because I don't know many people who have leaped out of bed each day energised and enthusiastic to be at the top of our game. We also can't see an end in sight so it's very natural to wonder 'what else could I do'. Our current circumstances with so many restrictions plays with our mental health and it does make me wonder whether we have the right clarity and objectivity to be making such a decision. I thought I'd summarise my tips for career change success...
1. Evaluate your current job. Understand what exactly it is that you're not happy with
2. Objectively assess your interests, skills and values. What other careers could you be well suited to.
3. Research other careers. Find out as much as you can about other roles and job types. Have a look at job adverts and see what entry level requirements are. Be realistic about what level you would be able to go in at and what you might earn. Talk to specialist recruiters in that area.
4. Try to secure some work experience. There is no insight better than seeing the job on a day to day basis. I recommend that anyone thinking about teaching really spends at least a day in a school. Anecdotally 50% of people who go into teaching from our industry don't stay in it for longer. If you want to run a pub, talk to multiple landlords. Don't have rose tinted specs!
5. Acid Test. Will the grass really be greener, can you afford to do it, can you afford not to do it, how does it affect your family, are you prepared to sacrifice holidays, go back to your original evaluation of your current role, does your new proposed career tick boxes that are not currently ticked.
Of course, there are career changes and career changes. In our industry I've seen plenty of client services people move into project management. I've seen suits become copywriters. But in our current world gone mad climate where we've got Airline Captains driving Asda delivery vans, lots of delivery options in fact, and individuals in the arts, hospitality and events sectors have been hugely hit. I do believe these sectors will recover so hopefully we can just have faith that this time too will pass and that interim and temporary roles are just that. Apparently the two most popular courses that individuals are re-training in currently are construction and plumbing....people are evidently looking for covid proof careers but I sincerely hope we never experience another year like this one!
Finally, do talk to friends and family who you trust. It could be that you just need a different job and it's the current role/employer that isn't right for you. But equally, if you're sure, you've done your 'due diligence' Good luck!