Rock has never been afraid to make a career change.
Associated Press
You’re naive if you don’t know who Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is. But did you know this former CFL football player got fired in 1995 with just $7 in his pocket? He then took up wrestling, moved into acting, and started owning multiple companies. Indeed, The Rock is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and businessmen – his $50 million from RedOne is proof enough. Dwayne’s career turnaround is a blueprint for us all to follow.
Making a career change can be both exciting and scary. Many people hesitate to make such a change because they believe they lack the necessary experience or skills and fear failure. However, you may not realize that you have some key advantages. Having personally made more than five career changes, these advantages will go a long way in helping you embrace them and calm your fears.
Virgin Eyes: Your Secret Weapon
See the world with fresh eyes
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One of the most underrated strengths you can bring to a new career (or job) is a fresh perspective and perspective. Dr. James Morgan of the Lean Enterprise Institute says that a fresh perspective is “an essential ingredient for creating new value.” Sure, this seems obvious, but people coming from outside of an industry can see things with a clarity that can be clouded by comfort and familiarity with the existing culture. Try the following:
Identify inefficiencies: Find inefficiencies and outdated practices that long-time employees may overlook because they are used to the status quo. This is one of the first ways you can add value. Creative problem-solving: Whatever your background, you have a unique way of solving problems. Your experience allows you to apply knowledge and strategies from your previous industry in new ways. This cross-pollination of ideas often leads to creative problem-solving and innovation in your new organization.
The power of curiosity: asking the right questions
Be curious like a little child
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When you enter a new industry, you naturally ask questions because you don’t know the inner workings of the company. Many people fear this is a weakness, but if you reverse that energy, this curiosity can become a powerful tool.
Discover Oversights: Existing employees may not think they can uncover inefficiencies or gaps in the company’s processes because they think, “We’ve always done it this way.” However, there is data that disproves this belief. Research from the MIT Sloan School of Management highlights that curious and questioning leaders and employees can significantly improve decision-making and uncover opportunities that others may miss. Speak up! Understand the culture: Leaning into understanding the company’s culture can help you integrate more effectively and propose changes that enhance workplace dynamics. Go slowly, but seeking understanding instead of adapting immediately allows you to make impactful contributions that are aligned with the company’s core values and goals. This allows you to seamlessly integrate and propose ideas at the right time.
Stepping out of your comfort zone: The energy of learning
Get out of your comfort zone
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Perhaps the greatest benefit of switching to a new career is the energy you get from learning something new. We all know that when we learn something new, we’re growing, so it’s good to remember that here.
Improved performance: Learning new skills and adapting to new environments keeps you mentally agile and motivated. A LinkedIN study found that employees who spend time learning at work are 47% less likely to feel stressed, 39% more likely to feel productive and successful, 23% more ready to take on additional responsibilities, and 21% more likely to feel confident and happy. Inspire others: As a newcomer, your drive to understand and master a new role can spark innovation. Not being limited by a “this is how it’s always been” mindset can lead to groundbreaking ideas and approaches.
Embrace the Pivot
The next time you consider a career change, remember these advantages: your untrained eyes will bring new insights, your curiosity will prompt meaningful questions, you will uncover opportunities, and getting out of your comfort zone will keep you engaged and innovative. These factors are your hidden strengths and will be valuable assets in any new career you pursue.
If you have any doubts, more power to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and sniff out, “What’s The Rock cooking?” (reminiscent of The Rock’s famous wrestling line).
