{"id":6952,"date":"2023-04-03T12:51:51","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T11:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=6952"},"modified":"2023-06-19T12:53:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T11:53:29","slug":"getting-to-know-and-love-the-new-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=6952","title":{"rendered":"Getting to know and love the new \u2018you\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nOur role at work is often a huge part of who we are. We spend a lot of time at work and often feel our jobs are part of our identity. That\u2019s why changing career can seem like changing the \u2018you\u2019 you present to the world. If you feel the prospect of such a psychological identify shift is exciting but also a bit scary, you\u2019re not alone. Our resource Build your future with career confidence<\/a> will help you think through the process and navigate the path to the new \u2018you\u2019. You might even fall in love with who you\u2019ll become.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a Teacher and this is how everyone knows me \u2013 can I really change to be a Data Scientist?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Visualise the change<\/h4>\n

OU students often tell us they want to change career but have difficulty imagining themselves doing something completely different. Visualising by drawing a \u2018lifeline\u2019 is an activity on page 14 of Your Career Planning Guide<\/a>. It\u2019s a great way to see all the changes, highs and lows you have navigated in life so far and helps you realise you\u2019re capable of making this identity shift.
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\u201cI\u2019d love to retrain, but I\u2019m an experienced Accountant- how do I redefine myself in a new role?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What roles do you play?<\/h4>\n

The lifeline activity also helps you understand the different roles you currently play in life \u2013 perhaps student, professional, parent, carer, volunteer, household manager? Page 22 of Your Career Planning Guide<\/a> will help you think this through. Understanding that you\u2019re already successfully \u2018wearing\u2019 several roles will help you see your ability to make a career change too.<\/p>\n

\u201cOther people have taken the leap and changed career, but I\u2019m not as confident as they are \u2013 what if it all goes wrong?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Do I belong? Imposter syndrome and building confidence<\/h4>\n

Research shows 1 in 5 people experience imposter syndrome in the workplace. So if you feel like others will \u2018see through\u2019 your career change, remember that many very successful professionals feel the same way. The lesson? Don\u2019t worry about what others may think. You can do this.<\/p>\n

After working through the confidence, visualising and role audit exercises above, if you\u2019re still struggling with your confidence to change career, contact Careers and Employability Services<\/a> to arrange an individual careers consultation with our friendly and professionally qualified team.<\/p>\n

\"OUPenny Beecroft is an OU Careers and Employability Consultant specialising in supporting students in Wales. Penny helps students navigate their futures, figure out their goals and build their confidence through one-to-one careers consultations and by designing career learning events and resources for the OU. Explore the rest of the Careers Stories page for more articles from the Careers and Employability Services team.<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"\"Julie Emery is a Development Coordinator in the OU\u2019s Careers and Employability Services. She supports careers-related activity both within the service and across the University, helping students to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Explore the rest of our blog for more articles from your careers team.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Careers and Employability Services<\/a><\/h5>\n