As the summer sun shines and the scent of barbecue still lingers in the air, it can be difficult to drag yourself back to work during the early weeks of January.

Moreover, you might have spent one or two days contemplating if you will soon be heading back to the right job, and whether you can stick at it for the next 50 weeks.

 

 

The good news is that changing jobs is much easier (and a lot less scary) than you think.

But first…

Are things as bad as they seem?

Humans are prone to perceiving that the grass is much better on the other side. Before you decide to toss in your current position, it’s worth reflecting on what you love about the work you are currently doing, and where it may lead you over the coming months.

 

 

What was attractive to your current position in the first place? Has that changed? If not, what are you looking for? Is there scope within the organisation to achieve new career goals?

Is there something else in your life that might need fixing before you change your career? It might be your relationship, your living arrangements or your physical fitness. Have you had a mental health check-up recently?

 

If change is in the air, go for it!

Ask almost everyone who has changed their careers, and you’re likely to hear they are happy for the change. Sure, things might not be exactly as they had imagined, but they will have almost certainly gained new skills and expanded their networks.

 

 

Here are three pieces of advice from leading CEOs (courtesy of Fortune.com)

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Sarah Kauss
CEO and founder of S’Well

“If you’ve realised you want to be an entrepreneur, but aren’t sure if you have the skills to launch your business just yet, find a position that will allow you to gain those missing skills. There is unbelievably less pressure to learn on the first try or ‘before the funds run out’ when someone else is paying your way.”

 

 

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Matthew Salzberg
CEO of Blue Apron

“When you’re making a career transition, you should focus on what really matters—how to set yourself up for long-term success. In most cases this means getting your foot in the door, so you can be in a position where you can learn and grow. However, I’ve seen too many people coming from success in a different industry fixate on getting the perfect role, compensation, or an important title. If you can find a position at a great company, or with a great boss who will help you grow - ultimately positioning yourself for future success - jump at it and don’t sweat the details.”

 

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Anne Gordon
Senior Vice President of Marketing, Media and Communications
Philadelphia Eagles

“What skills do you possess that make you invaluable to your industry? Do any of those skills fit into other industries? Do you have skills and potential that are currently untapped in your present position? It’s possible that your skillset is appropriate for your current industry, but not your specific position. Delve into the possibilities of changing paths in that way, as well as a more dramatic industry change.”

 

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Food for thought, huh? Good luck for 2017!