“The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter into one of the most creative periods of my life” – Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs – a Pioneer, a Visionary, an Innovator and a Prodigy. The man who co-founded the remarkable Technology Giant APPLE and turned it into the mammoth that its today. Amidst a power struggle, he was shown the door in 1984, relieving him from major responsibilities. Contrary to how a normal person would handle the situation, Jobs did not sulk into despair. Instead, he went on a journey of self-discovery and acquired the virtues of patience and honed his management skills.
He utilised the break to develop the computer company NeXT. Also, he helped to develop the visual effects industry Pixar. Like a Phoenix, he rose from the ashes and built an empire.
While it sounds like a fairy tale, no one would certainly know the depth of efforts Jobs took to reform and transition himself as a person and an Entrepreneur. Starting over involves undaunted vigour since it takes more energy than doing it for the first time.
Of course it’s not easy to turnover things in a day; nevertheless I suppose a few feats will help to hold the nerve and make the transition seamless. Some pointers:
- Learn as much as you can, Acquire new skills :
While on the break, apprise on topics related to your field. Check for updated requirements and fill in the gaps. Also, try to learn something new in your line of work that adds value.
- Don’t expect things to take a drastic turn, have the patience :
All good things involve time, so have the patience to start slow and grow gradually. Cherish the little accomplishments and move forward with positivity.
- Polish your Existing skills :
Enhance your existing skills and don’t let it fade. Check for niche topics that will make your role in the organisation worthwhile.
- Be ready to face the Generation gap :
If you are set out to work after a considerable gap, prepare mentally for the fact that there will be a considerable generation difference and gelling in will take some concerted efforts.
- Network effectively :
Utilise the boon of networking to find the right job. A person with better insight about your skillset has greater chances of referring you for the appropriate role.
- Seek help :
Never shy away from asking for help. The support you require might come in the most unexpected of forms; there is nothing wrong in asking for it.
As C.S. Lewis said “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream’’. Knowing your strengths, setting your priorities right, staying focused and being persistent will ensure a better chance of success. If you had the conviction to start your Career once and succeed, there is little doubt that you can echo the same and establish your credentials yet again.
You may also want to read other articles written by the author: ‘Stop limiting yourself‘, ‘Doing what you love – hobbies and passion to opportunity‘, ‘ Maximise your productivity to unleash your potential‘, ‘Be your own boss‘, ‘Broaden your intellectual horizon‘, ‘Career metamorphosis – Expert to beginner’, “Importance of networking for success in your career“.
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish – I am a commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry and handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard. After gaining considerable knowledge and success during my tenure, I decided to focus my attention on other areas of interest. Now, a doting mother of a one year old, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting.
An avid reader and poetry enthusiast, my love for writing started while at school and my dreams have borne fruits after motherhood. I strongly believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of each beautiful day.
(The author is a guest blogger at Her Second Innings. The opinions expressed are those of the author.)
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