Is switching between industries a risky career strategy?

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Why Switching Careers May or May Not be Risky – The Detailed Perspective

The journey of switching careers is a path that requires courage and determination. But is it completely fraught with risk? That's not always the case, it depends on many factors. In this post, I will take you through my career path spanning over thirty years and share some insights into the benefits and risks of making a major career move.

Developing an Early Career – The Value of a Strong Leader

As a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience, I would like to emphasize the importance of finding a strong leader to guide you through your initial career period. Young professionals, stand to gain massively by working alongside experienced leaders who are passionate about nurturing their teams.

Remember, your early career isn't just about growing your personal skills, it's also about absorbing as much as you can from the people around you. Guided by remarkable professionals, my first mentors nurtured me, and I learned management not just from books but by following their examples.

The Transition and Discovering New Passions

At 25, I found my passion for marketing. Finding the profession you love isn't always easy, and for me, it became a journey of discovering my various interests. It may sound clichéd, but I think I was born for my profession.

  • At 28, I found my footing as a CEO and founder.
  • At 32, I became a tutor for a diploma program at the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
  • At 35, I entered the corporate world through a marketing research role in a legendary vodka brand, where I later returned as a Global Chief Marketing Officer.

Embracing New Opportunities and Challenges

My career path has seen me switch from liquor companies to retail banks, and finally to software development. Each major turn brought new challenges but also new opportunities. I believe in making impactful changes, and for me, switching industries became a method of keeping things interesting and pushing my professional boundaries.

Taking the Leap into the Unknown

While I enjoyed my time in traditional industries, I found myself drawn to emerging fields, such as fintech and e-sports. In fact, at 43, I joined a 150-person e-sports team as the oldest member, and while it was intimidating, it was also extremely rewarding. My curiosity and the desire to learn more led me to embrace this entirely new industry.

Bridge between Personal Traits and Professional Success

In my experience, personal traits can heavily shape your professional journey. Being an independent person who hates to be bored, I found myself continually seeking new industries and experiences. Further, having a strong character and a flexible, agile mindset helped me to adapt quickly to new circumstances, taking on responsibilities with aplomb.

Conclusion

Even successful professionals have their moments of self-doubt and fear. But the desire to overcome boundaries and the curiosity for the unknown often acts as a springboard to new opportunities. I have certainly had times when I've questioned my next move, but by remaining curious and relying on my support system, I've continued to move forward. Challenges can be daunting, but the sweet taste of accomplishments makes it all worth it.

Remember, a career switch isn't about risk — it's about opportunity. You don't always have to be a daredevil to take the leap, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of curiosity, a pinch of courage, and a whole lot of perseverance.


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