Dear Agony Aunt,
I have been working in my current position for a while now, and to be honest, I never really loved it. But after having spent years of blood, sweat and tears making myself the best possible employee here, I don’t feel that I even like it anymore!
Last week I had lunch with a former colleague who left the organisation a couple months ago to start a new career in a completely different sector. They are so very happy with their new life, and they keep telling me to do the same. Unfortunately, I don’t feel brave enough to start looking for another job, to move interstate (let alone internationally), or to start again in another career that I might enjoy even less. I’m also very worried that all the effort I’ve put into my current job might go to waste if I start all over again.
Please help me, Agony Aunt. Deep down, I know I want a change, but I don’t even know where to start!
Yours,
Wondering About the Future
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Dear Wondering About the Future,
It is perfectly normal to feel some sense of trepidation about changing career paths, as it certainly is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. However, it is also an exciting time, as epiphanies about career happiness are generally few and far between!
If you are worried that you may not have what it takes to succeed in a new sector, firstly you should recognise that you have a whole range of useful and relevant skills developed during your research career that will hold you in good stead, regardless of what sector you move into. Skills such as the ability to analyse complex datasets, produce strong outputs with very limited resources, to self-manage and take the initiative with minimal supervision, and to communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences are highly desired across multiple sectors and industries. Armed with these skills, you should feel confident about applying for any job that interests you.
A change of career to a new sector, particularly from academia to non-academia, is no longer the one-way street it once was. Funding bodies and universities are increasingly aware of the value of non-academic work experience, and as such, the door back to academia will not be forever shut should you ever want to return.
In terms of moving interstate or internationally, only you can truly say if that move is the right one for you. However, many EMCRs who have embarked on such adventures say that these experiences have been overwhelmingly positive, both from in terms of personal and career growth.
If you do decide to take the plunge, how should one seek the right career opportunities? There is no silver bullet here, but the adage a former mentor once told me was: “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” By that, I mean the dreaded term, ‘networking’. While this may be uncomfortable at times, one of the best ways to meet future employers is through networking – ideally across multiple networks and professional circles. Examples include networking through former colleagues, industrial and/or research partners, conferences and industry events.
Another option that is often overlooked is one’s online profile – in a generation ‘blessed’ with a variety of social media platforms and online tools, it is important to take the opportunity to craft an online presence that both attracts the right employers and highlights your passions and skillset. Essentially, you want to take control of your online profile – be visible and highlight the skills and passions you want to show the world. Don't rely on your institution to do that for you!
Taking that first step is always the hardest. If do you decide to take it, be brave and put yourself out there. Know that you will be in good company, and that there are always further options should your decision not turn out the way you envisaged. You can do it!
With love,
Agony Aunt
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
