Why Pausing to Check Your Assumptions Is Essential in a Career Transition
Contemplating a career transition is both exciting and daunting. It’s a time filled with possibility, but also uncertainty. One of the most important steps you can take before making a leap is to pause and check your assumptions. Too often, unexamined beliefs and expectations shape our decisions-and can lead us astray if they’re not accurate or relevant to our current situation.
The Hidden Power of Assumptions
Assumptions are the stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible, what’s required, and what’s likely to happen. They’re often based on past experiences, cultural norms, or even outdated advice. For example, you might assume that changing careers means starting over at the bottom, or that your skills won’t transfer to a new industry. These beliefs can limit your options and create unnecessary fear.
But as career experts point out, many assumptions go untested and unchallenged. They can quietly steer your decisions, sometimes without you even realizing it. Pausing to identify and examine these assumptions is a crucial step in making a thoughtful, intentional career change.
Why Pausing Matters
When you pause to check your assumptions, you create space for reflection and clarity. This process helps you separate fact from fiction, and opens the door to new possibilities. Reflective conversations-whether with yourself, a mentor, or a coach-allow you to explore what’s really driving your desire for change, what you value in your work, and what you might be overlooking4. Instead of rushing to action based on gut feelings or fears, you give yourself the chance to make decisions that align with your true goals and needs.
How to Check Your Assumptions
Write Them Down: Start by listing your assumptions about the career transition you’re considering. For example: “I’ll have to take a pay cut,” “I’m not qualified for that role,” or “I’ll lose my professional network.”
Test and Validate: Ask yourself: Is this really true? Can I find evidence to support or refute this belief? Consider talking to people who’ve made similar transitions, or even trying out aspects of the new role through freelance work, volunteering, or informational interviews.
Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Recognize that some assumptions are just old stories or fears. For example, the idea that you have to “start over” is often not true-your skills and experience are valuable and transferable.
Reflect on Your Motivations: Use this pause to clarify what’s truly important to you in your next chapter. What are your values, interests, and non-negotiables? This self-awareness will help you make more intentional choices.
The Payoff: Smarter, More Confident Decisions
By pausing to check your assumptions, you avoid making decisions based on outdated or inaccurate beliefs. You open yourself to new strategies, see more opportunities, and reduce the anxiety that comes from uncertainty. Most importantly, you give yourself the best chance to design a career path that’s both realistic and fulfilling.
In a world that often rewards speed and decisiveness, taking a moment to pause and reflect may feel counterintuitive-but it’s one of the wisest moves you can make during a career transition. Before you leap, take a breath, check your assumptions, and step forward with confidence and clarity.