TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

Navigating a Career Crossroads

It’s not uncommon for IT professionals, having reached a certain level of career success and experience, to find themselves at a crossroads, feeling disengaged or uninspired. This can happen for a number of reasons: It can be a result of the responsibilities of being in management, no longer working hands-on with technology, a work-life balance issue, or frustration with office politics, to name a few.

Whatever the case, it’s a good time to step back and take stock of your career while looking for creative alternatives. But how can you know what the right choice is for you? You need to give careful thought to the consequences of a professional move, taking into account your unique situation and the potential benefits of making a change.  Following are some questions to consider during this process:

What motivates you?

Think about what you like most about your current job. For instance, do you enjoy working with end users or handling independent tasks, such as installing software upgrades? You should also reflect on the high points of your career. You may discover a pattern in your top selections –– the fact that many involved interaction with others on project teams, for example. Take note of the factors that are most important to you and then consider whether they’re available at your present employer.

What are your weaknesses?

Next, honestly assess your professional shortcomings. If you want to get ahead, you may need to address these. For instance, if you hope to move into IT management at your company, consider whether your communication and leadership skills are as strong as they could be. If needed, enroll in classes to build your expertise and become a better candidate for a promotion.

What’s your style? 

This also is a good time to review your preferred working style and see if you’ve been able to operate that way in your organization. Perhaps you thrive on marshaling the talents of others. Or you may enjoy tackling projects under deadline pressures as opposed to using a more methodical approach. Whatever the case, it’s important to identify your style and whether you’re currently able to work that way.

What do others think?

Ask trusted colleagues and mentors for feedback on your plans. What you perceive to be assets or liabilities could be viewed differently by others. You may believe you should focus on finding purely technical positions, for example, while those around you see a natural talent for project management.

What are your options? 

After conducting an honest self assessment, you can consider the next step that best fits into your current situation. Following are some alternatives:

• Same job, new outlook. Your enthusiasm for your job may be diminished, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for a career change. Making small alterations to your current position or tackling a new project can be enough to renew your interest. You might also consider, if possible, lightening your workload if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
• Change the scenery. If adjusting your current job doesn’t engage you, it’s time for a bigger shift. Fortunately, you likely have experience that’s valuable in today’s job market. Many companies with growing IT needs are competing aggressively for candidates in a variety of areas. You may simply want to make a lateral move and find the same job in a different company, or you might look for something drastically different, such as working for a nonprofit organization.
• Consider consulting. If the idea of being your own boss is appealing, this is a good option. Having a variety of clients will offer you exposure to a wide range of challenges and can allow you to focus on the aspects of IT you most enjoy. If you miss working directly with new technologies, for instance, you might take on a project that involves customizing a new application. You can minimize the risk of being self-employed by registering with a consulting company or staffing firm. Such organizations have extensive networks of IT contacts and can identify project opportunities that you might not hear of otherwise.

With thorough self-evaluation, you can be confident you’re making the right career decisions. Take the time to think about your preferences and options carefully and you’ll set yourself on a course for greater fulfillment in your work over the long term.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.