The Change Curve nurture series

Change. It can be daunting. Especially when it comes to your career. 

But as we know, the only constant in life is change – it’s how we deal with that change that truly makes a difference. 

Over the next few months, we are running our Get Ahead of the Curve nurture series to help you identify how and when you're ready to make a change. If you find yourself on the Curve - in your career or beyond - look no further. We'll be speaking to the experts, as well as people who have done it themselves, on knowing when to make a change and, most importantly, on how to do it.
 
The Curve 

In the 1960s, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross designed the Change Curve to explain the stages we go through when grieving the loss of a loved one. But the Curve can also be applied when making decisions around your career.

Whether you are making a transition in your professional or personal life, the way humans deal with change follows a pattern of emotions. These are:

•    Acceptance
•    Decision
•    Uncertainty
•    Doubt
•    Fear
•    Certainty
•    Confidence

These emotions form a Curve, and it can be helpful to visualise this when making key decisions. Over the next few months, we will be releasing helpful tips and advice on each step of this journey: 

Acceptance: I’m not happy in my current role

Perhaps you feel like you’ve come to a crossroads in your career. Maybe you’re not satisfied with your current role, and you can’t put your finger on why. Or perhaps you’ve peaked, and you’re looking for another mountain to conquer. 

Decision: I’ve decided I will make a change

Maybe the time is right for you to make a change, but you’re just not sure where to go next. Perhaps you’re excited. Nervous, even. You know it’s on the horizon, and now it’s in your hands to make it happen.

Uncertainty: What is this new role? 

You’ve landed on your next career choice. You may have even decided to retrain as a financial adviser. But with a great decision comes great uncertainty – what is a financial adviser? What does it involve? 

Doubt: I don’t know if this will suit me

You’ve done your research, and a career in financial advice is a good one. But now you’re thinking that it might not suit you. You’re already on an established career path - why waste the skills and experience you already have?

Fear: I’m not good enough

We know what you’re thinking: You’re too old. Or too young, for that matter. You have no experience in financial services. Perhaps this career path isn’t right for you after all. 

Or is it?

Experimentation: I’m starting to see results

You’ve conquered your fears and decided to take the plunge. It’s not easy, and there are challenges along the way. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know. You have the transferrable skills, the motivation, and the attitude to launch your new career, and you’re starting to see results.

Certainty: I never realised I would be capable

And just like that, your decision to change has worked! You can look back over your Curve journey and feel proud that your decision was the right one.

Confidence: I’ve got a successful future ahead of me

Hard work pays off, and nothing worth having comes easy. But you’ve done it – you’ve gotten ahead of the Curve, and now you’re on an upwards trajectory. You feel confident in your career, and your growth will only continue. 

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John Maxwell

Sounds familiar? 

Think about your current career path. 
•    Are you happy with on current career trajectory?
•    If you find yourself on the Curve, where are you?
•    What steps can you take to move from Acceptance to Confidence?