#careertransition – #3 of 8 | I recently went through a process of career exploration and made a significant career switch. This series of 8 posts is a synthesis of the lessons I’ve learnt.
One of the things you realize through a career transition is that you meet a lot of wonderful strangers. There are just a lot of kind people who take time out to help someone trying to figure out their next step. In my case, this included people whose companies I was interested in and many others who I spoke to as a prospective start-up founder trying to validate an idea.
To be clear, you do meet the occasional unkind person. But for the most part, it’s incredible how much the kind people outnumber the unkind ones. I’m so grateful to such people. Many of them inspired me to become a kinder version of myself.
There are 3 things to keep in mind as you reach out to people –
- It’s a lot easier to get help when you know where you’re going. When you’re clear about what you want, people can help you. When you’re not clear, it becomes harder and harder for anyone to fully understand how they can help.
- Show up well and follow up. Make it easy for people to connect you with others. Be polite. Be thoughtful. Prepare. Say thank you.
- Start by speaking to one person per week. You can start with people you know. Ask people who they would recommend you speak to. It’s amazing how quickly this snowballs and how much perspective it gives you.
A Learning a Day 