Looking to switch career? At VB-Airsuspension, switching career is something you can do internally!
There may come a time in life where you wonder whether you are still 'in the right place', or maybe you no longer feel comfortable with your role or it does not suit your home life situation. If a job is no longer a good fit for you – for whatever reason – it makes a huge difference if you can discuss this openly with your employer. And, even better if your employer is in a position to provide you with a range of tools to help you through this process – with beneficial results for both employee and employer!
Jeff Straub, formerly Project Management Team Leader, made a successful internal career switch, and we were keen to hear about his personal experience.
Jeff Straub | Project Manager Business Innovation
Former Project Management Teamleader
Tell me... what was behind your decision to make an internal career switch?
After the Covid pandemic, my big hobby and passion for making music and entertaining really took off. I was getting busier and busier with performances and shows, which in reality meant I was working seven days a week. During the week, I had a full-time role as project management team leader where I was responsible for managing my team and running different projects. While at the weekends I was performing in three to four shows, all of which took a huge amount of energy and time.
With the arrival of our son Hugo, who is now nearly two years old, spending time with my family took on even more importance for me. As you can imagine, my work/life balance was completely out-of-kilter: it was all work, and nothing else. I was aware that I was missing out on spending time with my family, and wasn't able to rest and recuperate properly. As a result, I was becoming stressed and was continually tired. It was clear something had to change. What I wanted was to find a better work/life balance, so that I could spend more quality time with my family while still continuing to follow my passion for music without compromising my health and well-being.
How did VB-Airsuspension support you during this transition?
Working closely with VB-Airsuspension, we were able to come up with a new arrangement that is better suited to my current situation. They were very understanding and open to discussing my needs and wishes. We looked at different options together and, ultimately, found a solution that works for both sides.
VBA gave me the opportunity to stay with them in a pared down role. This meant that I could swap my full-time job for a part-time role that would give me more time for my family as well as my musical endeavours. Together, we looked at where my expertise and skills could be put to best use. As a result, I started working on a fascinating project in process engineering where I was involved in optimising processes and implementing new working methods.
These days, I work as an innovation manager in the Business Innovation department. This role allows me to use my creativity and strategic understanding to develop new ideas and projects that contribute to the growth of and innovation within the company.
Having the support of VBA was crucial during this period of transition. They gave me the space and flexibility to plan my work in a way that suits my life, and I appreciate that more than words can say.
What do you like most about your new role?
In my new role as innovation manager at Business Innovation, I am able to contribute my knowledge and experience to support the innovation team that is currently being put together. I am enjoying this challenge that gives me the opportunity to continue to use and develop the knowledge and experience I have built up over the years. It's inspiring to work with a team focused on innovation and growth.
What I value most of all is the freedom and flexibility the role offers. I have the space to bring my own ideas and establish new projects that will contribute to the future of the company. This freedom allows me to plan my work in a way that suits both my personal and professional goals.
Not only that, I also value being able to contribute to the development of the innovation team. It's motivating to see how my input and expertise are helping the team grow and be more successful. The combination of strategic thinking, creative solutions and teamwork makes this role a very rewarding one for me.
What tips would you give to others who are weighing up a similar move?
My advice to others who are weighing up their options and considering a similar move is to let your voice be heard and not to shy away from having this conversation. My experience at VBA is that reasonable efforts will always be made to identify an appropriate solution.
Before you go down this route, it's important to think carefully about what you really want and need. Ask yourself what motivates you, what makes you happy and where you want to be in your career and personal life. Write down these points and use them as a basis for your discussions.
A practical example: suppose you work in a busy, demanding role, but you have a passion for something completely different. Discuss this with your manager and see if there are opportunities to adapt your working hours, so that you have more time to pursue your passion or to integrate it into your role at VBA.
My experience with VBA is that an open and honest conversation can be very productive. I started the conversation with my managers, and together we looked at how my role and responsibilities could be adapted to be a better fit for my wishes and needs. The upshot was a new role that is better suited to where I currently am in my life.
So, don't be afraid to express your wishes and think in terms of what might be possible. There are often more solutions than you might think to begin with, and talking about it can be the first step towards a better work/life balance and being happier in both your work and personal life.
And, it turns out there are more options than it appears at first glance.
Thank you for your inspiring story, Jeff!
