I talk with many people on a weekly basis about career change, some I am able to help, others gain valuable insights and a selected few are invited to be part of Leavers to Leaders and we work together for 7 to 12 months to plan their next future.
The ideal time to start thinking about a job change is before you’re feeling completely burned out or suddenly out of work.
It’s smart to start planning your next career move at least 12 to 24 months in advance. For those in the military do not wait the last two years or the last 35 days!
That way, you stay in control of your options and avoid making decisions out of panic. Once you’re unemployed, it’s much harder to steer your career on your own terms. Sadly you are no longer in control.
I’ve had 10 successful career so far in 10 completely different industries. I now see two more careers ahead of me before I hang my boots. Every Wednesday, I meet with people who are leaving the military and although every one of them is unique and different, here are some of tried & tested methodology that has worked for many of my clients:
✅️ Keep Your CV and be Visible
Don’t wait until you need them! I get about 100 new Linkedin requests a week from people (Mostly military) whose career are coming to an end. Update your CV and LinkedIn every few months. It’s much easier to capture your achievements while they’re still fresh in your mind.
✅️Stay Connected
Reach out to old colleagues, attend events, or just check in with people in your interested field. You never know where your next opportunity (or bit of advice) might come from.
✅️Know What You’re Good At
Take some time to reflect on your strengths and what you enjoy. These transferable skills are your ticket to new opportunities—even in a completely different industry.
✅️Do Your Homework
Curious about a new field? Read up on it, talk to people who are already there, and see what skills or experience you might need to make the switch and the impact of Ai in that industry.
✅️Invest In You
Whether it’s a short course, a workshop, or just reading a good book, keep sharpening your skills. The best investment has always and will always be you.
✅️Set Your Sights
Just like a SUSAT – Adjust & think about where you want to be in a year or two, then work backward —Set some small, clear goals to help you get there.
✅️Check In With Yourself
Every so often, ask yourself how you’re feeling about your work. If you are a mid-career, the choice is yours to plan your next 20 years.
In the end, if you notice you’re losing energy or motivation, that’s your cue to start planning—not panicking.
Samuel T. Reddy
#career #CareerGrowth #careertransition #military #leaverstoleaders #Commonwealth
About Samuel T. Reddy
Samuel T. Reddy is passionate about seeing the best in leaders. He is a visionary global leader, leadership advisor, author, researcher and an impact enterpreneur based in the United Kingdom. Samuel is a multi award winning member of the British Armed Forces, an International Bestselling author of the book Leavers To Leaders, which has reached an Amazon #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Australia and Canada. He is the CEO of TriAtis Global, a UK based international learning and development organisation specialising in career & leadership development in 3 continents to keep Leaders relevant, rigorous and responsive. He is an Inspirational Keynote Speaker on various topics including the ‘3 L.O.S of Leadership’ & the ‘Leaders Operating System’.