Last week's theme was on 'quitting a job...to get into politics'... which is easier said than done. Changing jobs is a big step, and I realized this:
You can approach career shifts like a change management project.
I realized that in both cases, three questions need to be answered:
Are you ready?
Are you willing?
Are you able?
Readiness is cognitive. It's the 'head' of change. Do you know 'what' the change looks like and the benefits, obstacles & logic behind the change.
Agree to these statements?
- I know that more fulfilling jobs are out there for me
- I know the kind of work where I'm completely immersed, losing track of time & everything around me
- I know the personal values I want to honor in my work
- I know what gives my work meaning (financial benefits, social status, making a difference, pursuing my passions, using & excelling in my skills and strengths)
Then, it's likely you're ready for the change.
Willingness is emotional. It's the 'heart' of change. Do you feel a positive pull, is it important to you, are you thrilled and perhaps even daunted by the change, because it's so out of your comfort zone - but that make it exciting?
Agree to these statements?
- Changing careers would mean wasting the energy I've put into my career so far
- I would consider a significant pay cut for a more fulfilling job
- I've tried out other jobs, on the side or as a 'sabbatical'
If so, you're determined enough.
Ability is practical. It's the 'hands' of change. Do you have the skills, resources and support to make the change happen?
Agree to these statements?
- I am confident that I can change to a more fulfilling job, once I have made up my mind
- I prioritize taking action over engaging in detailed planning and organizing
- I know my greatest fears for changing jobs/career
If so, you'll probably be able to change with some effort.
Ready, willing, able: if one is missing, the house collapses. If you've got all, magic happens.
p.s. 👇 below, find the latest podcast, what I'm currently reading/listening to and my favourite quote this week
🎙️ My latest podcast
Ye-One Rhie MdB is Member of the German Bundestag. We talk about:
- Her personal story & motivation for getting into politics
- Mentors, trust and friendships in politics
- The role of luck
- 3 pieces of advice for anyone considering stepping into the arena
Hope you find it valuable:
pwteam
📚 What I read & listen to
I confess: for the past few years, I've been a big AI amateur-nerd. Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, wrote this book a few years ago. He warns about AI, but at the same time gives a hopeful outlook that's all about: us. Not the companies building AI, not government & policy, but what every one of us can / should do to avoid the biggest mistakes and the worst of outcomes.
And for that reason, it's relevant for what I'm sharing on politicwise: how we can make wise(r) decisions that affect the world around us.
🖋️ My favourite quote
"it is not the experts who have the capability to alleviate the threat facing humanity as a result of the emergence of superintelligence. No, it is you and I who have that power. More importantly, it is you and I who have that responsibility." - Mo Gawdat in Scary Smart p. 1