Career Transitions: Why Your Non-Traditional Journey is Probably Better (And How to Own It)

Are you in a career transition? Maybe just a new phase of life, or maybe you just feel stuck and not sure what to do next?

Looking ahead can be uncomfortable and uncertain, but looking back, it all makes sense as each step prepares you for the next.

You might need to embrace a non-traditional career journey. Think about it: Are you where you thought you'd be? Most will probably say no, and that's often for the better.

So, how do you check in with yourself or navigate what’s next? Are you doing what motivates you? Are you bringing excitement to everything you do, including your own growth?

Effective communication and self-awareness are key in navigating your career journey. Understanding your strengths, acknowledging areas for improvement, and articulating your unique value can make a significant difference. Don't be afraid to ask others what they see in you etc...

Identify What You Love

What do you love to do? Name them, even if they aren’t what you’d find on a job description. As you grow in life and age, a lot of those loves change or evolve. Self-awareness helps you recognize these changes and adapt.

Learn to Tell Your Story

Many career switches start with, “but… I don't have or know...” Many roles have aspects that can be trained, so take them with a grain of salt. What's very attractive and important is the uniqueness you bring from your previous roles. Instead of apologizing or making excuses, lean into your strengths. Help companies understand how your skills can elevate the team. Communicating your story effectively requires knowing your strengths and being honest about your journey.

Own Your Strengths

This is the story everyone wants to hear! Career switching isn't about applying to a thousand roles and hoping for one “yes.” It's about experimentation and tuning into what you really need as a person. Self-awareness allows you to recognize your true needs and motivations. Let's face it, we aren't the same person we were 5 years ago or 25 years ago...

Use every interaction to improve your positioning. If you get the chance, ask the interviewer, "What haven't you found in your existing candidates yet?" Probe for what's vital but beyond the job posting to refine your approach. You may even learn that some companies can't articulate it themselves and do you really want to be there if they cannot? Good communication here means asking insightful questions and listening carefully to the answers.

Recognize the Journey

You know where you've been, and you have an idea of where you want to go, or you think you do. But that middle step? That's the toughest part. That's also where the right culture and manager are pivotal. They'll make the most of your existing talents while keeping an eye on where you need to go next.

When I have been true to myself, I have found exactly what I needed. And I’ve tried to stay open to how the journey can take me places I could grow. Being self-aware allows you to stay true to yourself and communicate your needs and goals clearly.

Don't look at this as a single step from one title to another. It's a journey where you're moving in a new direction, open to everything that comes your way. Just find the right people (or company) to go along with you.

Here are some practical tips for navigating it all.

1. Network Actively: Build relationships within and outside your industry and keep them! Attend events, join professional groups, and connect on LinkedIn.

2. Update Your Skills: Take courses, earn certifications, or attend workshops to stay current and relevant, maybe even read some books of your where your interest is. There are many options beyond these ideas.

3. Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insights into your desired field. Communicating openly with mentors about your goals and challenges is crucial. You'd be surprised how many are willing to help and how each conversation can help you for the next.

4. Stay Resilient: Rejections are part of the process. Learn from each experience and keep moving forward. Self-awareness helps you handle rejection constructively.

5. Reflect Regularly: Periodically assess your progress, goals, and what truly motivates you. This reflection requires honest self-awareness and the ability to communicate your evolving needs and goals.

My personal journey has been filled with unexpected roles and growth opportunities. Every role has prepared me for right here, right now, and how I can grow.

You'll find you exceed what you thought you would when you are open to growth, change, and some risk. Take a moment and look at a photo of yourself from a few years ago... you then wouldn't have really known you now. Are you glad you took some risks? Do you wish you'd take some more? 5 years ago, could I have really thought and predicted where I would be right now? The answer is no. This photo from just a couple years ago reminds me to keep showing up as me but be open to how I change and grow or need too.

Stay open. Embrace the journey. Let your unique story guide you to the next exciting opportunity.

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