Changing careers: how I’m working through a career change with confidence.

I'm in a new season professionally, and honestly, as much as I enjoy my newfound freedom, I'm still finding my feet in this new space.

I've been running businesses for over 15 years. I started with a small Film & TV production company and went on to build a successful recruitment and training company. Starting and growing a business is a challenging feat that plays to my sensibilities around independence. Among many things, it's driven by structure. I'd start each year with a clear plan, key performance indicators (KPIs), and a tank full of energy to nurture my team and relationships that would lead to the realisation of my vision for the business. When you're at the helm, the feeling of being "switched on" rarely leaves you, which, if mismanaged, can lead to burnout, which I could smell in the atmosphere for myself.

I activated my decision to sell my business at the start of 2020. It was time to try something new. I say activated because the process of disengagement started long before I pulled the trigger and took action. And the process of merging a business and unpacking yourself from it lasts far longer than the 30-180 day notice period you may need to give an employer.

And it's that unpacking that continues today. It took two years for me to exit my recruitment business fully, yet the habits and mindset I built around it are taking longer than I considered to unpack. Starting the year without my usual vision, plan, and KPIs to instead flow in the direction the year takes me feels alien. Getting used to having space in my calendar (and my mind) and resisting the need to fill it is hard. Letting go of the hustle in favour of working on the value and impact I can make with a small group of clients takes practice, and choosing to work in a space and way that inspires and energises me can feel like I'm slacking off.

When you're transitioning careers, whether that's making a move from employee to entrepreneur (or visa versa) or switching industries, a business or a job, in addition to the obvious things to consider - your finances, developing your offering, defining your audience, expanding your network and building relationships etc. - I invite you to go inward as designing a career you enjoy starts internally. Consider and lean into the habits, mindsets and lifestyle you want to leave behind and create anew. Here are some questions I've asked myself along the way:

1. Where did you learn that being productive had to look like XYZ?
2. Who told you the ability to switch careers came with an expiration date?
3. What if it all works out?
4. How do you want to feel in the new space you crave?
5. What will that look like?
6. What will you be doing differently?

As for me, I've stopped trying to get used to being uncomfortable in this new season of my life. I am where I am, and I'm happy. My new consultancy business, All Things People & Talent, is thriving. And I'm learning to show myself grace as I transition and focus on the habits, mindsets and lifestyle I want to create. I would like to invite you to do the same.

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