Career Transitions
On the podcast this week, I talk with my friend Ryan Breth. He is a licensed physical therapist, but now serves as a full-time executive pastor in Columbus Ohio. Our discussion this week centers around his career transition. I hope you’ll take a listen.
This past week I spent time talking with 7 different friends regarding professional transitions. I know there are those who find their career and/or calling and never change, but it seems most folks are looking for something new. As for me, I’ve made the career change several times. Making the change always brings new excitement and a little anxiety. All of this got me thinking about what I’ve learned making career changes over the years. So here it is…
Personal
1) Self-Reflection
These moments provide time and space to reflect on strengths, weaknesses, things you enjoy about your work, and places you would like to explore. Anyone looking to change careers needs to engage in serious self-reflection as they consider other options. There are numerous tools, books, and ways of thinking about what suits you best as you consider a career change.
2) Adventure
This really can be an adventure that allows you to look at multiple avenues and try new things. For those of you preparing to make a career change, I would encourage you not to enter the time with fear, but with a deep sense of adventure. Who knows what doors might open as you begin this new journey.
3) Opportunity
This new change will provide you with an opportunity to stretch yourself in ways you never imagined and will give you the chance to meet new people. Celebrate the new relationships that will provide a new way of seeing the world and the opportunity to learn about others. These days are not challenges to overcome, but opportunities to be explored.
Steps to Career Change
1) Engage
You have to engage the process and the work of looking for a new job. Very seldom do career changes simply fall into your lap. I know it happens in some cases, but that is not the norm. For those of you looking to make the change, lean in, engage, and seek the best possible option for you.
2) Network
Think about your network. Who can you connection with? Who should you call? Who can point you in the right direction? Who can help you make the introduction? Those relationships will often help you to find the next career. As they often say, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
3) Work
I often tell people looking for a new job that their part-time job is looking for a new full-time job. Be prepared to work at looking for a job. It requires time, effort, and consistency. Make space and time to look, apply, and call. If you do this, the job will come.
A Note to My Friends Serving in Pastoral Leadership
One of my most recent areas of ministry has been working with pastors to identify bi-vocational opportunities and new careers. Many of these pastors recognize that while they have been called to ministry, their church or current assignment cannot support them and their family. Some want to stay in their church but need additional income to ensure the financial health of their home, and some simply know their time in church work has ended. In both cases, I am doing my best to help them transition well.
Let’s be honest, church leadership works hard to get you into the ministry, but they do very little to help you financially support your home or family once you are in. The church and its leadership often view your need for a bi-vocational career as something you need to figure out. And if you feel released from the ministry and are ready to pursue something different, that’s completely on you.
And yet, there are a few leaders who recognize the need to do something. They are leaders who feel a sense of responsibility in assisting pastors and churches in locating bi-vocational opportunities and careers beyond the pulpit. These are the leaders I am engaging.
For pastors and leaders trying to figure this out, there are things you can do to ready yourself and your resume to find that next job. There are ways to make yourself better prepared to transition your career. One of my simple goals it to help pastors in that transition. If you, your pastor, a staff member, or your church need help, feel free to email me. You’re not in this alone.