– Le Matin

As we navigate throughan unprecedented health crisis with emerging economic repercussions, someprofessionals see this as a perfect time to consider career transition, whileothers cling tightly to their current roles.

Is it really wise to mapout a new career plan when the future remains uncertain?

Let’s explore whatJihane Labib, founder of Coachinglab, ICF-certified PCC coach, and EMCC SeniorPractitioner, has to say.

Can a Crisis Be aTrigger for Career Change?

The current situation isnew and different from anything previously experienced by individuals,societies, or nations on a global scale. While the crisis is primarilyhealth-related, its ripple effects are deeply social and economic.

Such disruptionnaturally prompts:

• New questions
• Reevaluations
• Shifts in behavior

Some professionals seethis moment as a chance to rethink their career path. But career change isn'tsimply about quitting a job — it’s often a deeper existential inquiry:

• Does my current work truly support my life     fulfillment?
• Does it help me build a healthy, connected     environment?
• Can I ensure my physical, financial, and     health security?

Depending on how aperson responds to these questions—and their level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction,this crisis may serve as a catalyst for transformation, or not.

Is It Risky to Plan aCareer Change During a Crisis?

Here's a key point:Planning a career change doesn’t mean quitting your job immediately.

Career transitionrequires:

• Vision
• Preparation
• Timing

On average, a successfulcareer shift takes about three years, assuming the person is equipped withadequate resources.

What kind of resources?

Readiness for Change

It's not enough toimagine change; you must be prepared to live it, including the emotional upsand downs that come with it.

Financial Stability

You’ll need to managecash flow and cover current expenses while possibly funding your new venture orpath.

Family & Support System

What impact will yourdecision have on:

• Your spouse?
• Your children?
• Your time, income, and shared     responsibilities?

Purpose of Change

Be careful not to changejust for the sake of change. Ask:

• Does this new direction align with your values     and goals?
• Is it likely to bring you balance and     fulfillment?

Some people pursuechange out of conflict (e.g., poor management, toxic teams). These areimportant—but reconversion alone won't solve everything.

Required Skills

You must assess thecompetency gap:

• Hard skills (sales, finance, digital tools,     etc.)
• Soft skills (resilience, networking,     adaptability)

Take, for example,someone who has spent 10 years in a support role, with no experience in salesor client management. Suddenly launching a freelance business could poseserious challenges—especially if there's discomfort or pride around moneyconversations.

👀 How to Gain Visibilityon Your Options

Before you leap, askyourself:

• Which sectors are growing or evolving     post-COVID?
• Which ones are becoming obsolete?
• What does the future of work look like?

Do your research andreflect carefully.

RecommendedDecision-Making Tools

To clarify your path,consider these tools:

1. Skills assessment – Understand your strengths     and potential.
2. Personal market research – Identify industries     that are thriving or evolving, and see how they align with your interests.
3. Business plan development
4. Support from a specialized career coach

The Three Costliest Mistakes in Career Transition

1. Copying someone else’s path
        Each person has a     unique context, resources, and values. What works for one might not work     for another.
2. Underestimating the inner work
        Successful     transitions require personal growth, new skills, psychological support,     and financial planning.

Failingto prepare for the change = Withproper tools, mindset, and planning, your dream can become reality