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Transitioning into a New Career
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Published December 2008
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Fifty years ago a person typically stayed with the same
company for his entire career. Today, most people will hold
three to seven positions during their lifetime. Switching jobs
is an important decision. Be sure to make it for the right
reasons. Some people change jobs simply because there
are more jobs available. Ahmad Jawad, who successfully
transitioned into a new career in private sector from a
government job at the age of 32, has some very important
points to share for aspiring professionals
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Ahmad Jawad
Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz Pakistan
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A professional career is not a commodity which can be frequently switched. Though there is no bar on exploring right field
compatible to your potential, still consistency is recommended to be successful. These days we find so many dissatisfied
professionals. Some of them are justified to assume that disregard to merit did not allow them to progress. Some could not
develop the right attitude for a particular profession while some were never meant to be part of their chosen field and
remained misfit to that environment. Some are influenced by the success and earnings of their counterparts in other fields
while some are pressed by the needs of their dependents. And there are some who are only mesmerized by the glamour of
other options; like going abroad.
But what if someone is not satisfied anyway or has not succeeded in his profession? Should he change his career? At what
age level can one afford changing career and what are the chances of successfully transforming himself into a new career?
Does he possess the right qualification for the new career? What are his liabilities in life and how far can he afford risk? What
is the level of individual’s mental and physical fitness? These are some key questions which should figure in such decision
making. Befoe going any farther, I would like to stress that the focus of this article is not the people who do not need any
career planning due to their resourcefulness and rich background. I am addressing people from middle class who are
basically the backbone of any society.
First of all whether such a decision should be taken or not. The question cannot be answered in ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Transition into a
new career should necessarily be based on meaningful grounds rather than some fancy ideas or misperceived examples.
Everybody around you is a different category due to different levels of capabilities, resources, temperament, opportunities,
etc. So first of all don’t make your decision entirely based on some models around you. Sometime an individual makes the
decision to quit his job just because somebody has assured to help him in settling down in Pakistan or abroad. Never base
your decision on this fluid assumption. What if that individual is no longer resourceful enough to support you for any reason or
even doesn’t exist anymore? Also be cautious to make decision following any current trend globally or in your society. Always
remember, there is always a saturation point for any kind of growth. Most glaring example is the IT bubble during 90s. The
whole world started planning around IT till the bubble burst. Consider our own Mobile Phone Industry. The growth in
subscriber base that crossed 170 percent mark in 2006, is down to 0.4 percent in October 2008. Obviously, the industry can
no longer absorb professionals at the rate witnessed during its peak activity.
There are also some unforeseen factors which can’t be predicted or controlled. The Post 9/11 scenario is one while Mumbai
incident has also added a certain degree of uncertainty to various schemes of things; like import or export prospects
between India & Pakistan. You need to have minimum dependence on external factors as they may change drastically. Your
preparation, readiness, and homework should rely mostly on your own skill, qualification and ability. It should not depend on a
land of opportunity like the US before 9/11 or any other country for that matter. Any of a number of unforeseen factors could
shatter your whole planning. This, however, is not to rule out the possibility of getting assistance from somebody within
Pakistan or abroad. The point is that your plan should not be based entirely on this factor alone.
I strongly believe that Almighty has gifted each one of us with some special talent and flair to excel in life. In our country, very
few of us find that typical environment to excel. A great majority of people leave this world without exploring and exploiting
their hidden talents. For somebody to excel, it’s important that he finds that particular environment to prove his skills. How a
person with artistic and creative flair can ever really prove his mettle if he never gets those conditions required to explore his
talent? Few exceptions should not be taken as a reference. So many talents get wasted without ever being utilized and even
explored. If you believe in yourself and feel that you have got something to prove; this should be a good reason to change
your career or profession.
The age limit for such decision making should be less than 45 years. My idea behind this figure is based on the following
assumptions:
• Zeal and Zest left in a person to start afresh cannot be expected after he is 45. At this age you are still left with some
energy that can be applied in a focused and experienced manner.
• Keeping in view the life expectancy in our country, starting a new career after 45 means little time to enjoy the fruits of
his struggle, more time would be invested in rehabilitation.
• After 45, an individual should be more focused and concerned for the career planning and guidance of his own children.
Initiating a new career means allocating a lot of dedication and time for oneself rather than the education, upbringing and
career planning of children. The family as a whole will have to pay the cost of this delayed decision by the head of the family.
• For a professional, the struggle time of his life span lies in the period between 18 - 45 years of age. After having
struggled for this time, one should be reaping the fruit of his hard work onwards. Starting a new career means beginning of a
new struggle.
Chances of success largely depend on the homework which ideally should commence a few years before one actually
launches himself into a new career. His homework for a new career should constitute extracting a career path out of his
existing expertise, qualification, aptitude, attitude and available resources. Adventurism is not recommended. By this time
one should have the ability to weigh his strengths and weaknesses but again very few of us are able to draw realistic lessons
out of our past life. People are either overconfident or are unable to strike a balance between their capability and desire. This
is the most dangerous situation for an individual planning a transition into a new professional career or business. His wrong
perception can lead him into troubled waters and, in all probability; he would be struggling for the rest of his life to survive or
justifying his decision of changing his professional career.
Another important factor is whether the individual takes a desperate decision or plans well ahead of his final exit. Desperate
decision takes him to face too many surprises and shocks whereas a good planning gives him better ground to face the
unpredictability of new world. Such a person is better equipped to face uncertainties of a new career.
Now what exactly should constitute a good home work? It should start with the selection of the few options which he thinks he
has. Weigh your qualification, resources and know-how against the different options. What necessary improvisation one
requires to enhance his readiness to take on the new challenges? It may include improving some academic qualification,
better insight of new field by having acquaintances with the professionals of relevant field; basically having some kind of
interaction with the new field one is going to join. It is recommended to have at least two years of such partial interaction with
the new field while retaining your existing job. It would be ideal if you can get some kind of long leave to test yourself in the
new field rather than burning your boats.
Before this decision you should also consider your own health and fitness. You must understand that this decision may cost
you some nerve wrecking moments and extra mental and physical stretch out. If you are not fully fit and healthy, don’t commit
such decision. Just keep trying to improve your skills while staying wherever you are. Your liabilities should also be factored
in.
One last thing, be prepared to suffer the hardships for at least two years, which I quote as the settling time of any profession.
One always needs that settling time before feeling confident and satisfied. Your success largely depends on your reaction,
attitude and behavior during this time. Losing composure and trust in yourself would make you lose sight and your bearings.
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