In part 1, I talked about learning to code, with the goal of changing jobs. Mission accomplished! What now?
At the beginning of 2021, I began taking my desire to develop my career more seriously. Subsequently, I spent lots of time in front of my computer, researching career tracks and programming languages. After months of coding, drafting, and even more coding, I finally got a new opportunity! In September, I went from working as a support designer to a front-end developer!
Now that I’ve made the switch, here’s what I learned about changing jobs.
FIVE LESSONS FROM CHANGING JOBS.
- The things you don’t like about your old job will probably still be there. The coworker that used to annoy the living daylights out of you won’t pester you as much, if at all! However, there will be a new coworker who will also mystify with their incompetence. It’s a lesson I’m adjusting to every day: if the main goal of the job is leaving dumb, useless people, know that every village has their idiot. Brace for impact, because somehow, he gets behind the wheel a lot somehow.
- The things you do like about your old job will probably still be there, too! The cool boss? Probably still there! When you like the company you work for (like I do), you’ll likely just switch departments (like I did). Because the company culture lends itself to consistency, your next supervisor will probably have a lot of the traits of your previous one! To boot, you may leave a job with a sense of bittersweet at saying goodbye to old teammates. Have no fear! Chances are, with a level-up, you’re gaining a new set of teammates that are just as fun (or at least, as good at their jobs). Lastly, if you’re doing things the right way, you’ll always find yourself in a position with work that’s challenging, but fun. Bonus points if you find the work rewarding!
- It’s not going to be easy every day. You should always feel challenged. Maybe not crushed, but if you can’t come out of a job feeling like you learned something, the job was a waste of your valuable time on this earth. If you’re staring a problem in the face with no clue what to do, this is an opportunity. Take it, and use it well! Also, write it down in a journal. The next time you get asked in an interview about a difficulty you overcame at work, you’ll have something to reference!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or make mistakes. While there’s still a long way to go, toxic workplace environments are on their way out of the mainstream. Likewise, the idea that you enter a job with the ability to do everything perfectly is following out, too! As a result, intimidation about a lack of understanding shouldn’t be an issue. Ask questions, follow up for clarification, and get a walkthrough if something gets done wrong. All of these things will make you better at the job and a stronger employee!
- Imposter Syndrome is real. Fight it. Literally find a victory all the time. You made it this far. That wasn’t by trickery or witchcraft (and if it was, teach me your ways, village bruja). You are strong, smart, and capable. Your best was good enough. You deserve to be here.