All too often, we talk about getting a better job, climbing the corporate ladder, chasing that big promotion, bringing in the megabucks – all the standard indications that our career is heading in the right direction.
Onwards and upwards, as they say!
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Sometimes we forget that not everyone is trying to climb the career ladder. Some people are downsizing their careers so that they can have a better life.
I’m not talking about people going into retirement. I’m talking about people consciously choosing to downsize their work responsibilities or the amount of time they spend working.
I know in these tough economic times, with people losing their jobs or having problems finding employment, downsizing comes with a highly negative connotation. And quite rightly so, in cases where downsizing and redundancy are thrust upon us against our will.
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Reasons for downsizing can be deeply personal, such as recovering from cancer, having a major health scare, or an accident that leads you to re-examine your life. I’ve seen several friends over the years change their lives for health-related reasons. As a result, they are now healthier and happier.
I myself have had to go part-time due to being diagnosed with a chronic illness and no longer being able to work 5 days a week. It certainly wasn’t something I was planning, but working only 3 days a week has helped with my health.
Other reasons could be wanting to spend more time with family and young children, or to simply step back from the rat race and take some time out for yourself to relax and unwind. Downsizing may involve a sea change or a move out of the city to enjoy a more tranquil life.
The reasons for a lifestyle makeover are as varied and unique as each individual.
If downsizing your career sounds appealing, here are some thoughts to take into consideration.
Making the decision
If you have a partner, talk through your ideas with them. Make sure you get their input and discuss the situation openly and honestly before making a major decision that will affect everyone.
If you are single, weigh up the pros and cons of making your decision. It may help to speak to a trusted family member or friend.
While you may go through a period of uncertainty while making the decision (which is totally normal), once the decision is made, you will be able to move forward.
Related content on simplifying your life –
- 7 Ways to Simplify Your Life
- 7 More Ways to Simplify Your Life
- 5 Websites to Help Simplify Your Life
Expect some resistance
You may get some resistance from the people around you.
Some of your family and friends may not understand your decision. In a culture where people are often measured by their level of career success and accomplishment, you may get grief from those around you for deciding to take time out.
Discuss your plans with the people close to you calmly and rationally. If they fail to understand or support you after you have shared your plan, you may have to accept that it is their issue to come to terms with.
Related posts – Making a Big Change in Life – Be Prepared for Resistance
Stop competing with people
If downsizing your career means bringing in less cash, you will need to ditch the ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’ mantra.
Personally, I hate this wasteful and stupid concept of competing, so regardless of what your career holds, it is a good mindset to be free of.
Comparing and competing with other people will generally see you drowning in credit card debt, not to mention being surrounded by expensive stuff you don’t need or use.
Related post – Does it Feel Like Everyone is Moving Forward in their Career – Except You?
Make peace with the fact that you might not have a choice
Unfortunately, some people have to downsize due to situations out of their control.
Getting sick and having to either stop working or dramatically cut your hours springs to mind. This sort of change can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Having to give up your career can feel devastating.
Be incredibly kind to yourself in this situation. Process your grief. Treat yourself with love and compassion.
Work out your finances
If you are planning to downsize, you will need to consider your money situation.
I’m not for a moment saying you can’t downsize without having a lot of money tucked away.
As patients who have recovered from a life-threatening illness will tell you, there are more important things than having a lot of cash.
Yet you have to be realistic. You’ll need to be able to pay the bills on time and have some money for leisure activities and having fun.
The key is in the word ‘some’. How much money you decide you need to change and maintain your lifestyle will be completely up to you. You might be pleasantly surprised by just how little money you need to live on to be happy.
Books that can help you with your career and making career changes –
- Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One by Jenny Blake
- The Squiggly Career: Ditch The Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis
Downsizing your career
When it comes to our careers, we all have to make decisions on which path we should take. If downsizing your career is what you want or what you need to do, go for it. Blaze your own trail and design your own future.
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