16 Career Changes

SUCCESS PROGRESS LEGACY

After studying these topics, you will benefit by: Identifying various methods of increasing training and development Committing to life-long learning and the practice of professionalism Naming the various changes in employment status that can occur in one’s career

After studying these topics, you will benefit by (cont.): Demonstrating appropriate behaviors to exhibit when embarking on a new job search and when leaving a position Describing the opportunities, benefits, and resources to become an entrepreneur Integrating professional behavior into your life plan

CAREER CHANGES Career changes should be welcome because they mean you are accomplishing and updating your goals.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Training: learning new skills Development: enhancing existing skills Be aware of key duties within other departments Increase your knowledge and understanding of the company mission and strategy

TOPIC SITUATION Destin TOPIC RESPONSE: Should Destin attend? Why or why not?

CONTINUAL LEARNING Continual learning: the ongoing process of increasing your knowledge in the area of your career Formal learning: returning to college to increase knowledge, improve skills, or receive an advance degree Informal learning: reading career-related magazines, newsletters, Internet research, or informational interviews

CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS Natural to desire a job change Reasons for change include: Acquired experience Higher salary Improved work hours Increased responsibility, status, and power A perceived decrease in stress Desire for different work environment and/or colleagues

NEW JOB SEARCHES Inform others of your desire for a new job only if: Increased education Moving away Mastery of job skills Secure a letter of recommendation Keep job search confidential if your desire for new job is not based on any of the above

JOB SEARCHES Conduct search during non-working hours Display grace and style Remain positive When asked about job search, keep explanation brief and simple Not appropriate to share details about potential employers or status of job search

CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS Changes in employment status include: Promotions Voluntary terminations Involuntary terminations Lateral transfers Retirement

PROMOTIONS Promotion: moving to a position higher in the organization with increased responsibility Steps toward getting a promotion: Begin behaving and dressing for the desired position Secure copy of job description for desired job Develop new skills Watch and learn from others

PROMOTIONS When you are promoted: You will receive: Thank former boss An increase in pay A new title New responsibilities Thank former boss Never gloat Try not to reinvent the wheel Ask for and accept help from others

TOPIC SITUATION Rachel’s Opportunity TOPIC RESPONSE: Based on everything you have learned in this course, what additional activities can Rachel do to position herself for a promotion?

VOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS Voluntary termination: leaving your job on your own (new job or retirement) Do not quit your job unless you have one waiting Be professional and do not burn bridges Letter of resignation: written notice of your voluntary termination Two weeks’ notice - Typed Provide final day - Be positive Sign and date letter

Sample Letter of Resignation February 1, 2018 Susie Supervisor ABC Company 123 Avenue 456 Anycity, USA 98765 RE: Notice of Resignation Dear Ms. Supervisor: While I have enjoyed working for ABC Company, I have been offered and have accepted a new position with another firm. Therefore, my last day of employment will be February 23, 2018. In the past two years, I have had the pleasure of learning new skills and of working with extremely talented individuals. I thank you for the opportunities you have provided me and wish everyone at ABC Company continued success. Sincerely, Jennie New-job Jennie New-Job 123 North Avenue Sample Letter of Resignation

VOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS Do not behave or speak negatively Leave in a manner that makes the company want to rehire you Remain professional Turn in keys, name badge, company property Do not take or destroy company property Take only personal belongings Preserve confidentiality

TOPIC SITUATION Audrey Leaving a Job TOPIC RESPONSE: If you leave your employer on a bad note, what steps can you take to correct the situation?

VOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS Exit interview: when an employer meets with an employee who is voluntarily leaving a company to identify opportunities to improve the work environment Questions regarding former position, boss, and work environment Goal is to secure constructive input on how to improve company Share opportunities for improvement Do not get personal Remain professional

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS Involuntary termination: when you lose your job against your will Involuntary terminations include: Firing: terminated for poor performance Layoff: result of company financial issue Restructuring: company change of strategy

TALK IT OUT If you were laid off, what are the first three things you would do, and why?

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATIONS Work recall: employee is called back after being laid off Furloughs Employees take unpaid work days Required Not due to poor performance An effort to save financial resources Use time wisely

THINK ABOUT IT What is the best way to use your time during a furlough day?

OTHER MOVES WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION Lateral move: transferred to another area of company with the same pay and responsibilities Demotion: a decrease in job title, status, and pay Retirement: employee voluntarily leaves company and will no longer be working

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Entrepreneur: someone who assumes the risk of succeeding or failing in business through owning and operating a business Reasons people become entrepreneurs: Would rather work for themselves Want more control of work environment Want more income Have lost their jobs and are unable to find another

TALK IT OUT What type of business would you like to own? What steps do you need to take to make this dream a reality?

CAREER SUCCESS Do not change jobs too frequently Those with healthy careers rarely stay in one job Keep résumé updated Doing so keeps you motivated to: Take on additional responsibilities Increase knowledge, skills, and abilities Be prepared for career opportunities

Keep focused on your life plan and consistently display professionalism so you will be positioned for a lifetime of workplace success.