"Career Change Means Joining a New Tribe"

By Cathy Goodwin

When telephone systems became automated, career programs taught operators to work in call centers. But when your career, business or relocation decision becomes more complex, you can find yourself joining a new tribe -- not transferring skills.

A client says, "I'm considering a teaching career." High school, elementary and college teachers all belong to different tribes. Each tribe requires different qualifications, applications and certifications. And each tribe calls for specific ways of dressing, thinking and talking.

Within college teaching, traditional universities belong to a different tribe than newer non-traditional organizations. Members rarely move from one to another and any move typically will be one-way. Corporate trainers who have similar skills belong to a different tribe altogether.

When joining a new tribe, your number one challenge is to learn how members gain acceptance. For example, public relations managers often have degrees in journalism rather than marketing. Some communities value your willingness to volunteer; others value your family background, lawn care or ownership of a horse.

And will you be proud to be admitted to this tribe? Will you feel good when you introduce yourself as a member? Will you resent or welcome tests, challenges and rules? In my experience, these questions predict success more effectively than mastery of core skills. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., author, speaker and consultant, works with midlife professionals who want to rebuild, renovate and revitalize their careers. "Ten secrets of mastering a major life change." http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html Website: http://www.cathygoodwin.com Contact: mailto:cathy@c... 505-534-4294