Where Does Your Career Go From Here?
Published: June 06, 2019

What happens when you have reached the pinnacle of your career, and then it all changes?

I don’t have time to watch many programmes these days, bar one. I am a huge Game of Thrones (GoT) fan.

The media recently exposed Kit Harrington, the actor who played Jon Snow as going through “personal challenges” and he’s checked into a wellness retreat to resolve these.

Career change can lead to uncertainty

Catapulted to fame at a young age he became one of the highest-paid actors in the most successful TV series released to date. Being on GoT made Kit a global icon for over 8 years. But now it’s gone.

The ending of a long-term career will have an impact on someone’s mental state. For Kit, he’s in mourning. He’s suddenly got the realisation that this chapter of his life is over for good.

I am sure he will bounce back and other projects will present themselves. We all wish him well with his recovery. I also hope he can put the legacy of Jon Snow behind him to find Kit Harrington again.

Career change happens all the time

Whether you are an actor, politician, business owner, C-Level executive or entrepreneur who has reached a high level, the loss of this prestige can be devastating.

With a career change or a change in direction, adapting to be recognised at the same level can be hard, especially the higher up the ladder you were. These changes in status can have an impact on mental health as you lose recognition with the change.

Being recognised brings many benefits. You become well known, highly regarded, in-demand, charge a premium price and generate many opportunities.

I have seen the downward spiral countless times, even in my own case, when transitioning from a role that previously held significance and success.

Significance releases the chemical serotonin. Often referred to as the happy chemical as it contributes to happiness, well being and self-control.

Many facing a change will attempt to hold onto the past to replicate that “happy” feeling.

This, however, prevents them from moving forward. It results in their vision and purpose becoming blurred, causes stress and uncertainty about what’s next. This can easily escalate into making poor uninformed emotional choices.

Get clear and repackage

What many don’t always realise is the amount of intellectual and marketable capital they have at their fingertips. It’s just a matter of being realistic, getting clarity and repackaging themselves to accomplish their next outcome.

Clarity on how to progress can only come from an objective third-party who provides a realistic, rational evaluation without emotion.

Stand out and be recognised

To become a recognised authority you often need to go through repackaging and refining.

Are you are a business owner, consultant, executive or transitioning from employment to self-employed, and you want to become a recognised authority? Then download our free to access Marketability Cheat Sheet today.

Andy T Cumming
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