اردو(Urdu) English(English) عربي(Arabic) پښتو(Pashto) سنڌي(Sindhi) বাংলা(Bengali) Türkçe(Turkish) Русский(Russian) हिन्दी(Hindi) 中国人(Chinese) Deutsch(German)
Monday, December 9, 2024 12:48
Glass Skin Makeup Finding the Balance – Population Growth and Water Conservation Enabling Tomorrow: Unveiling Pakistan’s Digital Sisterhood Initiatives Mariam Malik – A Promising Squash Player Women’s Mental Health in Pakistan Muscle Spasms: Causes and Management Benefits of Adding Fish to Your Menu The Art of Table Setting for Formal Dinners Mastering the Morning Rush: A Guide to Effortless Dressing for Work Fun Activities for Chilly Winter Evenings Enhancing Facial Features with Precision and Grace Editor’s Note Dysfunctional Family Dynamics and Women Glow from Within by Nourishing Your Skin with DIY Skincare Elixirs Managing Glass Waste: An Eco-Friendly Approach Meal Planning for Beginners Mental Detox – A Break from Social Media Positive Psychology – Minimizing and Maximizing Preventing Parental Burnout Recipes Sister Zeph :A Saint of Education for the Underprivileged Strategies for Reducing Energy Consumption in Pakistan The Chimera of Freedom of Speech: India’s Suppression of Women Journalists in IIOJK Women of Conflict: Life and Struggles of the Women of IIOJK Editor's Note March 23, 1940: Reminiscing the Past For a Bright Future Accelerating Gender Equality through Economic Empowerment Investing in Women: A Catalyst for Progress Navigating Trials and Triumphs of Military Life The Iron Lady (Poem) Isra Arif: An Aspiring Pakistani Watchmaker Rethinking the Educational Landscape and Pakistani Women Eliminate Paper Clutter and Organize Your Life Digitally Fashion to Filters: Impact of Social Media on Body Image 12 Ways to Navigate the Professional Landscape Balanced Diet in Pregnancy Relaxation After Workday – a Need or a Want DIY Face Masks for Radiant Skin Recipes Editor's Note Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade A Powerful Potrayal of the Indomitable Spirit of Women Empowerment Rise of Women-led Health Startups Within Pakistan Achieving Harmony: Prioritizing Women’s Mental and Physical Wellbeing Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Inspiring Journey to Becoming a Lieutenant Colonel To Daughters of the Nation Overcoming Challenges and Fulfilling Aspirations Beyond Boundaries: Improving Female Mobility in Pakistan’s Public Transport Networks Career Transitions: Navigating Change and Reinventing Yourself Teaching Empathy and Social Skills to Kids Dietary Fiber: Why It Is Beneficial for You Composting: How to Reduce Food Waste at Home Spring 2024: A Fresh Makeup Palette fot the Season Ahead Editor's Note Challenges of Motherhood for Working Women My Beloved Daughter A Walk Down the Memory Lane: UN Mission in Congo Everlasting Memories Unlocking Women’s Potential Through Skills’ Development Arooj Bashir A Comb of Lies: Female Targeted Disinformation Ovarian Cancer – Its Symptoms and Prevention Building Resilience and Grit in Your Children Minimalist Lifestyle: There Can Be More with Less Healthy Aging and Lifestyle Choices What Makes Reading Most Relevant Today Editor's Note SIFC Broadens Women-led Tech Horizons Womenomics and Pakistan: Analyzing Female Labor Participation in Pakistan’s Economy MINUSCA–The Voyage of a CIMIC Peacekeeper Debunking Weight Lose Myths Importance of Understanding & Managing Screen Time in Childern Zero Waste: Single-Use Product and Waste Management Lifestyle with Her Breathing is Exercising Navigating Chaos with Chai and a Smile Style with Her Acne; Breaking the Break–out Cycle Overnight Roast Leg (Parsi Style) Editor's Note Burgeoning Divorce Rate: Analysing Trends and Causes Marriage: The Second Time Around An Emblem of Merit & National Representation (Tête-à-tête with Brigadier Helen Mary Roberts) The Military Move Cord Blood Awareness Month: Celebrating Potential and Progress Freelancing: Cruising Against the Flow The Art of Becoming Your Child’s Best Friend Rediscovering Pakistan Skincare Guide for the Monsoon Season Slay All Day Recipes A Mother Reborn; A Feminist History of the Partition of Pakistan The Educational Reforms that Shaped the Pakistan Movement Impact of Independence on Pakistani Women From Plate to Waste:Making Meals Matters Sentinel of The Sky Academia or Appetite Tooth to Teeth Celebrating Pakistan’s 77th Independence The Rhyme of Resilience How to Carry a Minimal University Look Hyperpigmentation; The Bane of Pakistani Skin Dr. Shaista Lodhi In Session I am at The Crossroads of academics & future prospects Recipes Editor's Note The Unseen Battlefield: Where the Spirit of 1965 Must Rise Again Melodies of Patriotism: Noor Jehan and 1965 Indo-Pak War The Spirit of September Iron Ladies that Inspire Generations: In Conversation with the Mother and Wife of Captain Saad Bin Amir Shaheed Balancing Work and Motherhood Profile Optimization for Online Work Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Teenage Girls Water Conservation: To Give is to Receive Child Neurodiversity: Accepting and Supporting Differences Exosome Therapy and Hair loss Surviving Workplace Rumors: A Guide to Staying True to Yourself Recipes Editor‘s Note Women of Substance Serving for Global Peace Empowering Peace: A Personal Narrative as a Female Peacekeeper in a Conflict Zone Bridging Divides My Experience as a UN Peacekeeper Understanding the Basics of Breast Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know Prioritizing Mental Health: Essential Self-Care Practices for Women Resilience: Navigating Life’s Challenges and Adversities The Zero Waste Challenge: How to Set and Achieve Your Waste Reduction Goals Secrets to Smarter You as the New Parent of Your First Child The Resilient Women of Today‘s Pakistan Empowering Women in E-Waste Management Status of Women in Islam Manicure& itsBenefits Chicken Tikka Tacos Editor's Note Eliminating violence against women in Pakistan Iqbal’s Concept of Khudi and Modern Women Empowering Rural Women in Pakistan: Revitalizing Art and Culture Through Digital Tools Empowering Women for a Greener Future: Education and Capacity Building in Climate Solutions Reading as Self-Care: The Advantages of a Good Book for Women’s Mental Health Women in Tech: Navigating the New Frontier of Digital Empowerment Winter Garden Retreats: Designing Outdoor Spaces Overpopulation at the Cost of Maternal Health Layering Like a Pro: How to Stay Stylish and Warm in Winter Art of Balance: How Women Are Navigating Career and Family Life Heel to Toe Bliss Recipes
Advertisements

Hilal Her

Career Transitions: Navigating Change and Reinventing Yourself

April 2024

From an acorn that burgeons into an oak to a caterpillar that metamorphoses into a butterfly, change presents itself as, perhaps, an only constant. This principle of change is deeply ingrained in human nature as well. It is in our very nature to evolve and seek out new horizons, redefining the boundaries of our potential in the process.



Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly common for individuals to shift their career trajectory in order to discover their true potential. Career transitions, often viewed through a lens of scepticism, may be mistaken for a lack of focus or a flighty disposition. Unfortunately, this stirs a fear of limiting opportunities for oneself, often causing people to abstain from scripting their own narratives of change. In Pakistan, where a woman’s societal obligations are mostly limited to being a daughter, wife, sister or mother, deviating from these expectations can be particularly challenging. Yet, women in Pakistan are increasingly becoming a part of this evolutionary journey. 
A growing number of influential women are actively pursuing career transitions, thereby empowering themselves and serving as inspiration for others. Dr Sania Nishtar’s journey from the corridors of hospitals to the realm of politics is one of the many examples of a successful career transition. A cardiologist by training, she made her mark in global health leadership and showed by example a profound commitment to humanitarian service. It was this unwavering dedication that propelled her transition into the political arena, where she orchestrated national strategies for poverty alleviation and social protection. Her journey is emblematic of the transformative power of career transitions. It is an example for those who find it impossible to redefine their professional identities. All that such a transition requires is a vision for change, and the courage to pursue it against all odds, reinventing oneself for the greater good. 
To navigate change effectively, one must first embrace the philosophy of a growth mindset — the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. One doesn’t need to be born with a talent to pursue it; it is a journey fraught with challenges that require resilience in the face of setbacks and a willingness to adapt to the new environments. In Pakistan, it is a common adage that everything has its own time. As adults, women are often expected to focus solely on raising children and dedicating themselves to domestic life. Support for women seeking new paths is scarce; very often the message is that there is no room for new learning or change but also limits their opportunities. Moreover, there is a significant lack of educational spaces for adults and professionals aspiring to learn new skills from the ground up.
Supportive Network
To follow philosophy of growth mindset, one pivotal step is finding a supportive network of friends, family and colleagues who instil within you a desire to find success. Our lives are full of naysayers, but it is the positive voices that you need to look for and make a part of your journey towards success. This is not to say that there will be no criticism on the way. There will be plenty, and it may propel you into dark moments, but to start the journey with the mental preparedness to fight criticism is necessary. 
Introspection
Self-discovery is crucial for career transitions. It is both the process and the outcome. Embarking on a career transition is not merely about seeking new opportunities, it is a profound exercise in self-assessment. This introspective journey demands an evaluation of one’s strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing one’s strengths allows for a strategic approach to career planning, leveraging these assets to excel in new roles. Conversely, acknowledging weaknesses is equally important. It helps in identifying areas for improvement and skill development. Self-awareness ensures that career moves are not just changes, but strategic advancements that align with one’s capabilities and goals. Through such an introspection, not only does one find strengths and weaknesses, but also connects with their inner self, leading to one’s reinvention. 
Mentorship
Seeking mentorship is another important phase in navigating career change. It is like having a guide when you are lost; someone who knows the way and can help you find your path. They have been where you are and know what it takes to get to the other side. Seeking mentorship involves researching and connecting with individuals who have successfully transitioned, understanding the strategies they employed, and the obstacles they overcame. This research is not a mere academic exercise; it is a quest for practical wisdom. It is about finding those who resonate with your aspirations and are willing to invest in your growth. Mentors can offer advice, share their experiences, and help you avoid common pitfalls. The mentor mentee relationship is a symbiotic one, where both parties benefit. The mentor experiences the satisfaction of shaping the future, while the mentee gains a compass to navigate the complex terrain of career change.
Setting Realistic Career Goals
Career transition is not just moving from one phase of life into another. It is a reinvention of the self which results from introspection. In this process of reinventing oneself, you are not just embracing a new image, but setting new aims for life. To do that, one needs to start by setting realistic goals that serve as stepping stones towards a larger vision. It begins with identifying what you truly want to achieve, whether it is a career change, learning a new skill, or improving personal wellbeing. These goals must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For instance, instead of vaguely aiming to ‘create a client’s network’, set a goal to ‘contact ten clients for the business by the end of week’.
Making an Action Plan
After determining goals, the next step is to put the plan into action. This means creating a detailed plan and breaking down the goal into smaller, manageable tasks. It could involve scheduling regular training sessions, enrolling in a course for a career change, or setting aside time each day for personal development. There may be a dearth of career counselling workshops in Pakistan, but this should not be an excuse to lay back. There are a number of relevant online programs that can literally be counted on the tips of our fingers. Just a few taps here and there, and we land with anything we need. The key is consistency and commitment to the plan.
Transitioning into a new career is not borne out of lack of commitment. Although this may be a general stereotype that women in Pakistan face, they need to assure themselves that it is not true. Reasons behind such changes are varied and complex, and navigating a career transition effectively lies in knowing from the onset that the decision is not deep-seated in indecision. One may need to transition career to pursue a long-held dream that was deferred by life’s demands or familial responsibilities. Sometimes, a career may be chosen at the crossroads of opportunity and necessity. In such cases, stability is chosen over passion, but to choose a field under any kind of pressure is to walk in shoes that never quite fit. It is only so far that you can walk in a biting shoe. Sometimes, it is about seizing an opportunity that arises, even if it means stepping into an unfamiliar field. Sometimes, and most importantly, it is a step to find happiness, which may or may not be a part of the current job.

A career transition necessitates a combination of self-awareness, strategic thinking, networking, and resilience. Make a personal investment, leverage your network, and approach the journey with determination and lucidity. Whatever the reason, change is an arduous climb, and it brings with itself fears of failure. All you need to know is that if change is calling, it is never too late to heed its call and empower oneself. 


Email:[email protected]