Respawn: A Guide to Career Transitions

With decades of experience, I’ve worn many hats - from customer service to operations to partnerships to product management. As a mentor, I have spoken to hundreds of people looking to advance or pivot their careers and many more recently who have been laid off. I have pivoted, I have advanced, and I have even been laid off. In this episode, I will share some sage advice and key pillars to help you through any of these scenarios.

Embarking on a career transition is more than just a job change; it requires taking personal stock and evolving your thinking. This journey often involves a deep inner dialogue about how you wish to feel at day's end, how you desire to allocate your time, and how these choices intertwine with your long-term aspirations. The urge for change is not always driven by the allure of a higher title or salary but by an inner voice urging you to achieve and experience more. At times, however, it is ushered in without our asking; job loss can be hard to navigate.

First, Process Your Emotions

The journey through the emotions of job loss is akin to navigating a tempestuous sea, with waves of disbelief, anger, sadness, and, eventually, acceptance crashing over you. This tumultuous period challenges not just your professional identity but also your financial security, casting shadows of stress and self-doubt. Yet, amidst this storm lies a silver lining—a chance for profound reflection and personal growth.

The first step in this journey is to confront and articulate your feelings. Recognizing the breadth of emotions you're experiencing is essential. It's natural to feel a mix of anger towards the situation, sadness for what's been lost, and fear about the future. Allowing yourself to feel these emotions without judgment is crucial for emotional processing and healing.

Leaning on a support network during this time can be incredibly beneficial. Whether it's friends, family, or mental health professionals, sharing your experiences and emotions with others can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer new perspectives. These conversations can be a lifeline, reminding you of your worth beyond your job title.

A significant milestone in processing job loss is being able to discuss your experience openly and without bitterness. Practicing how to articulate what happened can help you gain control over your narrative. It's important to reach a point where you can say, "I was let go," without a surge of negative emotion. This doesn't mean ignoring your feelings but rather accepting them and not allowing them to overshadow your professional worth or dictate your future conversations.

When talking about your experiences at the company, strive for neutrality and professionalism. This is especially important in interviews or networking situations where you might be asked about your previous employment. Reflect on your contributions and achievements with pride, and focus on what you learned and how you've grown. This approach not only demonstrates resilience but also keeps the conversation forward-looking and positive.

As you navigate through these emotions, you'll find opportunities to reassess your career goals and identify your strengths. This introspection can illuminate paths you hadn't considered, opening doors to new opportunities that align more closely with your aspirations and values.

Moreover, this period of transition can be a powerful catalyst for personal development. It offers a unique pause to reflect on what truly matters to you, both professionally and personally. With time and self-reflection, you can emerge from this experience with a clearer sense of direction and a more profound understanding of your capabilities and what drives you. After reflection, you may find that you want to return to the same work, perhaps you want to change your industry, or you may even want to do something different altogether.

In the end, working through the emotion of job loss is not just about finding a new job; it's about rediscovering yourself and your place in the world. It's a journey that can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and a more fulfilling career path, marked by resilience, growth, and an unwavering belief in your own potential.

Then, Understand the 'Why'

The next step in any significant career change is a deep, introspective look at your motivations. Ask yourself: What exactly is driving my desire for change? It could be a range of factors - dissatisfaction with the organizational culture, a desire for a new professional challenge, or a lack of alignment with your current values. Perhaps it's a yearning for a different work-life balance or a pursuit of a long-held passion that's been on the back burner. Sometimes, the need for change comes from an unexpected source, such as a layoff - even in times like this self, self-reflection is still very important.

This self-reflection requires radical honesty. It's easy to cite external factors like salary or job title, but the real reasons are often more intrinsic. You may be seeking more creative freedom, leadership opportunities, or a role that aligns better with your personal interests and strengths.

As you consider your transition, it's wise to dip your toes into the waters of your new interest. If you’re considering a switch to a different industry or role, find ways to experience it firsthand. This could mean volunteering for projects in your area of interest, shadowing someone in the role you aspire to, or conducting informational interviews with professionals in that field. Such experiences can offer invaluable insights into the realities of the new role or industry you're considering. They can also help in networking and understanding the skills and qualifications that are valued in that field.

Consider how this career change aligns with your long-term life vision. Think about where you want to be in five, ten, or twenty years. How does this change contribute to that vision? Consider not just your career but also your desired lifestyle, relationships, and how you want to spend your day-to-day life.

Understanding the 'Why' behind your desire to switch careers is a critical tep. It’s about more than just escaping a current job situation; it’s about moving towards a future that is more aligned with your personal values, interests, and life goals. This clarity of purpose will guide your decisions and actions during the transition and provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation as you navigate toward your new career path.

Next, Assess the 'What'

This stage is pivotal for understanding where you want to go. You'll be able to start by identifying your ultimate goal. Is it career advancement, personal fulfillment, work-life balance, or something else? Try to be specific about what success looks like for you.

Then, critically assess your current trajectory. Ask yourself: Is my current job or career path steering me toward my ultimate goal? If the answer is no, it’s time to consider what changes are necessary.

Reflect on how your present choices will shape your future. Imagine your future self – will you have regrets or feel pride based on the decisions you're making today? This exercise isn't just about foresight; it's about being honest with yourself regarding your current satisfaction and future aspirations.

Once you have a clear vision of your goal, break it down into actionable steps. What skills do you need to acquire? Are there specific experiences or roles you should seek? This roadmap should be as detailed as possible.

I would also like you to be realistic about potential obstacles. Some might be external, like market conditions or family responsibilities, while others might be internal, such as fear of change or self-doubt. Recognizing these challenges is the first step in developing strategies to overcome them.

Approach this self-assessment with the curiosity of an explorer. Be open to discovering new aspects about yourself and the world of work. This might mean experimenting with new roles, industries, or even educational paths. Just to let you know, this exploration is not a linear process; it might involve some trial and error, and that's okay. The goal is to gather enough information and experiences to make an informed decision about your career transition.

Finally, be ready to pivot as you learn more about yourself and your desired field. Your initial goal might evolve as you gain new insights and experiences. Stay flexible and adaptable to these changes. Remember, career transitions are often about exploration and growth as much as they are about achieving a specific outcome.

Assessing the 'What' in your career transition is about understanding your deep-seated aspirations, realistically evaluating your current path, mapping out a plan, acknowledging and planning for challenges, and staying open and adaptable to new discoveries and paths. This thorough self-assessment forms the foundation upon which a successful and fulfilling career transition is built.

Enact The Five Principles

Principle One: Stay Ready

This principle encompasses honing the right skills, cultivating mental acuity, building a strategic network, and meticulously refining all your career-related documentation.

1. Skills: In the ever-evolving realms of tech and gaming, staying ahead means continuously updating your skill set. Identifying which skills to develop can be a challenge. Utilize tools like ChatGPT to analyze multiple job descriptions in your desired field. This can reveal common required skills and technologies, helping you target your learning efforts effectively.

2. Mental Acuity and Resilience: The tech and gaming industries are not just about technical prowess; they demand mental sharpness and resilience. It's about being able to quickly adapt to new challenges, think critically, and bounce back from setbacks. Cultivating these qualities is crucial for long-term success and growth.

3. Network: A vast network isn't enough; it's about forging connections with people who can significantly influence your career path. Focus on building relationships with mentors, industry leaders, and peers who can provide insights, opportunities, and support.

4. Career Documents: Considering the significant time you spend at work, your career documentation deserves dedicated attention. I advocate for a regular update schedule – refreshing your resume, portfolio, or website once a quarter. Spend an hour a month on one of these, rotating each time. This minimal effort can significantly impact how you represent a major part of your life. Your resume is your personal billboard and should be concise, clear, and reflect your skills and experiences. Include quantifiable achievements. If you spearheaded a project that boosted user engagement by 30%, highlight it! Customizing your resume for specific roles and companies can greatly enhance your prospects.

Here are some resources for you:

Principle Two: Learn How to Talk about Yourself and Your Experiences

Mastering the art of self-presentation is crucial in navigating and preparing for new opportunities. How you talk about yourself, your skills, and your experiences can significantly influence others' perceptions and open doors to potential career paths. This process includes refining your elevator pitch, utilizing tools like large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT to enhance your resume, and reshaping the narrative around your professional identity.

Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch is a concise, compelling summary of who you are, what you offer, and what you’re looking for. It’s not just for job interviews; it’s for networking events, social gatherings, or even casual encounters that could lead to professional opportunities. A strong elevator pitch captures your essence and professional prowess in a way that resonates with your listener and leaves them wanting to know more about you.

To craft an effective elevator pitch, focus on these key elements:

Who You Are: Start with a brief introduction that includes your professional background and key strengths.
What You Do: Highlight your expertise and the value you bring, focusing on accomplishments rather than just job titles.
What You Want: Be clear about your career aspirations or the types of roles you’re interested in.

Using ChatGPT for Resume Building and Skill Descriptions

Large language models like ChatGPT can be invaluable tools in articulating your experiences and skills, especially when transitioning to new roles. These models can help you craft compelling descriptions by providing varied language and structure to express your professional journey more dynamically.

Tips for Using ChatGPT Effectively:

Be Specific: Provide ChatGPT with detailed information about your experiences, skills, and the kind of roles you’re targeting. The more context you give, the more tailored and effective the suggestions will be.
Ask for Variations: Request different versions of your resume points or skill descriptors. This can give you a range of options to choose from or inspire you to blend elements from several suggestions.
Map Skills to Roles: If you’re targeting a specific role, ask ChatGPT to help align your existing skills with the requirements of that role. For example, if you’re transitioning from customer service to a community management role, focus on skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy.

Reframing Your Professional Identity

A person I mentored viewed themselves as "just a customer service person" and would use that phrase out loud to describe themselves. This self-perception not only limited their own view of their potential but also influenced how others perceived them. To shift this narrative, we worked on recognizing and articulating the broader impact of their role. Customer service involves a range of valuable skills, including conflict resolution, empathy, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure—highly transferable skills valued across many industries.

Strategies to Reframe Your Professional Identity:

Identify Core Skills: Break down your previous roles into core skills and achievements. Focus on the impact of your work and how it contributed to your team or company’s success.
Use Positive, Impactful Language: Instead of diminishing phrases like "just a" use language that emphasizes your contributions and capabilities. For example, "In my role in customer service, I mastered conflict resolution and customer satisfaction, significantly contributing to the company’s retention rates."
Connect the Dots: Show how your background prepares you for the next step in your career. Make it clear how your past experiences have equipped you with a unique set of skills that you can bring to your new role.

Learning how to effectively talk about yourself and your experiences is a powerful tool in navigating career transitions. By mastering your elevator pitch, utilizing technological tools like ChatGPT for resume enhancement, and reframing your professional identity, you position yourself as a compelling candidate ready to take on new challenges and opportunities.

Principle Three: Be Willing to Say Yes

This principle emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, especially those that stretch you beyond your usual boundaries.

Embracing Challenges: Often, the most transformative opportunities are the ones that catch us by surprise. Throughout my career, embracing unexpected projects has been a gateway to uncharted territories and new experiences. It’s about cultivating adaptability and a zeal for continuous learning.
Nurturing Your Network: Actively engage with your professional network. Schedule lunches, coffee dates, or meetings not just to expand your connections but to deepen existing ones. Remember, the goal is to give more than you receive. Building a strong, supportive network is invaluable for career growth.
Do Things Scared: If a new task or role intimidates you, that's a sign you're on the right track for development. Fear often accompanies the learning process; embrace it as a signal that you're pushing your boundaries and acquiring new skills.
Strategic Growth: As you step outside your comfort zone, it's essential to be strategic. Document your achievements and ensure that your efforts align with the core skills required for your desired career path. This approach ensures that even when you diverge from your primary path, you're still accumulating relevant and beneficial experiences.
Balancing Yes with No: While saying 'yes' opens doors, knowing when to say 'no' is equally important. Decline tasks or projects that don’t align with your goals or values. This discernment allows you to focus your energy and time on opportunities that truly benefit and serve your career aspirations.
Viewing Your Career as a Rock Wall, Not a Ladder: This perspective acknowledges that sometimes, to reach new heights, you may need to climb down or sideways before you can ascend further. Taking a position that seems like a step back or sideways can actually be a strategic move that opens up a more direct route to your ultimate goals.

Embracing opportunities, especially those that push you beyond your comfort zone, is crucial for professional development and career advancement. This principle involves engaging wholeheartedly with challenges that come your way, cultivating a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning. Building and nurturing a supportive network is invaluable, not just for the opportunities it can open up but for the depth of relationships and insights it can provide. Courageously stepping into roles or tasks that intimidate you signals personal growth and a commitment to pushing your boundaries. Being strategic about your career moves ensures that each step, even if it seems lateral or backwards, is in service of your broader career goals. Finally, mastering the art of discernment—knowing when to say 'yes' and when to say 'no'—helps focus your energy on the most meaningful and beneficial opportunities. Viewing your career as a rock wall, rather than a ladder, embraces the reality that sometimes, strategic moves in any direction are necessary for ultimate success, emphasizing the journey's dynamic and multifaceted nature.

Principle Four: Managing Perception

Even the most productive and capable employees can find their career progression hindered by perception issues.

Importance of Perception in Career Advancement: As highlighted in "Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't," career growth is not solely based on performance. The way others perceive you is critically important. It’s essential to actively shape and manage your professional image to ensure it aligns with your career objectives. This means not only excelling in your role but also making sure your accomplishments and potential are both visible and acknowledged.
Crafting Your Professional Brand: Your professional presentation goes a long way in shaping perceptions. Consistency in how you communicate your skills and ambitions is key. It's not just about your physical appearance or how you speak; your digital presence is equally important. Platforms like LinkedIn and other social media should accurately reflect your professional goals and image.
Demonstrating Commitment to Growth: Continuous learning is a powerful way to show dedication to your career. Engaging in professional development, whether through courses or certifications, signals to employers and peers that you are invested in staying at the forefront of your field.
Expanding Your Circle of Influence: Don’t limit your interactions to your immediate work circle. Often, your most valuable allies and advocates can be found outside your direct work environment or even outside your organization. Cultivating relationships with a broader range of colleagues can enhance your professional perception across a wider network.
Navigating a Compact Industry: Remember, industries can be smaller than they seem. Reputation and word-of-mouth travel quickly. Managing how you are perceived within your industry is crucial, as impressions made can have far-reaching impacts on your career trajectory.

Principle Five: Seize the Opportunity

This underscores the synergy between thorough preparation and seizing opportunities.

Anticipate and Prepare: Constant vigilance on industry trends and admired companies is key. Understand the challenges these companies face and contemplate how your unique skills can address these issues. Adopting this forward-thinking stance can place you at a significant advantage when opportunities surface.
Patience and Persistence: The journey to the ideal opportunity can be a marathon, not a sprint. Maintain patience while persistently pursuing your goals. Continuously hone your skills, broaden your network, and remain actively involved in industry developments. This consistent effort keeps you primed for opportunities when they arise.
Resilience and Self-Care: The path to career advancement, especially in dynamic fields like tech and gaming, can be long and demanding. Resilience is vital, but so is self-care. Ensuring that you are mentally and physically well is crucial for sustained success. Remember, a well-rested, healthy individual is more prepared to capitalize on opportunities.
Swift Action in Tech and Gaming: In the fast-paced worlds of technology and gaming, job openings can come and go rapidly. It’s imperative to be prepared to act quickly when such opportunities present themselves. Having your resume, portfolio, and other relevant materials constantly updated and ready to go means you can jump on these opportunities the moment they appear.

Conclusion

Drawing from over twenty years of leadership across various roles and being a mentor to so many, I've shared some of the insights and strategies that have helped to guide me and others in career transitions, whether it's a pivot within your current industry, a jump into a higher level role, or a daring leap into something new.

Remember, a career transition is more than a mere job switch or a step up the corporate ladder. It's about fundamentally redesigning your lifestyle to align with your deepest aspirations and values. This process begins with internal work - understanding the 'why' behind your desire for change and assessing the 'what' in terms of your goals and aspirations.

We've delved into the importance of staying ready, embracing opportunities that come your way, and the critical role of managing perception in your career advancement. We've also highlighted the need for resilience, self-care, and the readiness to act swiftly in dynamic industries.

Your career transition journey is unique to you, but the principles we've discussed in this episode are universal. They're designed to guide you as you navigate the complexities and challenges of changing careers, helping you to align your professional path with your personal aspirations.

Whether you're considering a small pivot or a major leap, remember that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Keep learning, keep evolving, and most importantly, stay true to yourself and your goals. Until next time, keep reinventing yourself and remember, in the game of careers, you always have the power to respawn.

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Resources Adendem

For those in the video game industry or those who want to work there, here is a list of some resources below. I will continue to add to this list as resources are made aware to me.