July may seem an odd time to be writing about beginnings and endings, but events in my own life have prompted me to think about such concepts. Why you may ask? Times have been changing in the Abraham household. My eldest daughter ensconced at Edinburgh University; my son A levels finished has headed off for a year working in New Zealand (for a rugby playing Brit arriving in NZ good news that the British and Irish Lions acquitted themselves so well, an overall victory or heavy defeat would have made for an interesting reception!); and my younger daughter returning from work experience in a couple of South Indian hospitals to commence her A Levels in a new school. Chapters of their young lives are ending and new exciting new chapters open for all of them. Endings are undoubtedly emotional as each chapter of your life shapes who you are, and are filled with memories and experiences.

Similarly, a new phase of your career, regardless of it being an internal move/promotion or, joining a new organisation to further your career and enhance your skills and knowledge can be a sad time (at the same time, it should be a happy time!).With all this introspection I did reflect on what we leave behind – in your personal life memories, shared experiences and friendships that will endure. In your career do consider carefully what your legacy is to the department or organisation you leave. In our hurry to advance and develop do not forget the here and now, excel and contribute today to enable the future to open up. The colleagues who developed you, the team members you supported, the project that you led that delivered benefits, the business you assisted to sell benefitting the shareholders and the IT project that did not go as well as expected!  In all aspects these and other factors enable you to develop an enjoyable and satisfying career. What is for sure, role changes mark a major step in your lifeand career. Though it may be with sadness we leave one company or role, it is with excitement that you take on the next position which you expect to align with your career plan.

Beginnings should be met with great enthusiasm – why change otherwise? For my family members who are beginning at a new school or embarking on life beyond school, it generates nostalgia, but with equal measure and more, excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. Similarly, when advancing along your chosen career paths, it can be uncertain what steps that you need to take, but the likelihood is it is necessary. We here at ABPM understand that ending your time in one career role can be tricky, but we know how exciting it is to begin another. Borne of our experience as career advisors and recruiters we anticipate and are prepared for the questions you may have; don’t get me wrong some of our answers may surprise you or not be what you want to hear but we aim to provide constructive advice based upon our knowledge of the market, opportunities and the many other careers that we have supported over the years.  Do reach out to us and we are on hand to try and assist.

Rej Abraham Managing Director