ADVICE FROM A CAREER COACH
I believe that it is absolutely necessary to tap into your creativity if you are even considering a career change.
Career changes come about for several different types of reasons but they all have the same outcome - you have to pivot into something different than what you are doing now. While a lot of people find that terrifying, I see it as the ultimate opportunity to do something that makes you truly happy. It’s the chance to do something that fulfills you in a way your old job didn’t.
Short answer: A LOT
Longer answer: A lot of overwhelming decisions based on working on… your work.
TL;DR: It’s a longer-than-you-would-like-completely-frustrating-at-times-but-totally-worth-it-process
Lemme break it down for you with a little thing I like to call The Five I’s. This is 100% arbitrary by the way. I could have picked literally (in the real sense) any letter and forced them into this handy exercise, but today felt like an “I” day… so here ya go:
Introspection: This is where you need to grab a glass of your favorite beverage, find a quiet comfy spot and really dig deep. This is where you need to ask yourself the BIG questions. The what is important to me and why? questions. The will that really make me feel fulfilled? questions. The what gives me a sense of purpose? questions. The what do I value? questions.
Inspiration: Once you’ve taken the time to dig deep into your grey matter and your heart valves, it’s time to let inspiration, the A-Ha’s and Oh Really’s, hit. This is where you draw up a list of all those new-to-you possible careers based on what you decided was important to you during the Introspection phase.
Investigation: Now it’s time to find out if those careers really line up with your ideals, like in real life. This is where you get out there and do some field research. It’s time to experiment with a new skill, volunteer in a new role, research what your day to day would genuinely look like, talk to people to already have the gig you think you might want. Basically, this is the tough but fun stage. This is the work you gotta do on your work. The key here is to be comprehensive and to do the thing with intention. The key to it all? Keep a w-i-d-e open mind. You never know what opportunity will come your way!
Interviewing: Alright, so now you have to actually get the gig. This is going to mean ‘rewriting your narrative’ - which is a fancy way of saying you have to prove that you can do the job. This means showcasing your transferable skills on your LInkedIn profile, your resume and your website. It means being able to explain to potential employers why they should give you a shot. This may mean spending some time filling in skills gaps from your old career to your new. It will mean networking your ass off and getting someone to personally vouch for you.
Indulge: The last “I” is the best “I.” It’s now time to indulge. To simply bask in the awesomeness that is your new career, full of challenges, growth and fulfillment. You worked hard to get here. Enjoy the hell out of it!
Are you thinking of possibly changing careers? Check out my free workbook below to help you get started:
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You decided to make a career switch? Let’s all take a minute to acknowledge that that’s a huge decision. I don’t have to tell you that you’ve got a bit of work ahead of you, but it is worth it. I promise. I also don’t have to tell you to just stab at this thing in the dark. You just can’t go off all willy-nilly. You need a game plan.
