How to Make a Career Change 101

So here you are. You’ve been thinking about making a change, but every time you get close to taking the next step something pops up that makes it feel like ‘not the right time’.

I’m here with some sobering news. It will never ever feel like the right time!

As a career coach, I have heard every excuse under the sun when it comes to reasons people are afraid to take the next step in their career journey. From global pandemics, the economy, kids, the weather, traffic, workload, to being afraid of technology – there is no limit to the things which stand in the way of people venturing out on their own or changing career direction.

Starting a new journey, new business, or new career can be scary. But I’m here to ask you an important question.

What is the absolute worst thing that could happen?

 Let’s just say you take the plunge and start your business. You resign from your current role, give the new business absolutely everything you have and… it all falls apart. What would you do then? Probably go back to doing exactly what you’re doing while you read this. So surprise! You’re already living your worst case scenario.

Now that we’ve cleared up there’s no real reason to be as afraid as you might be, let’s look at a step-by-step of some things that will help you get to where you want to go.

1.    Write Down Exactly What You Want

If you’ve been dreaming about making a change or starting your own business, odds are you have a pretty good general idea of what you want. An important step in taking things to the next level is getting super specific. Take some time by yourself and write down exactly what it is you want your dream working life to look like – from what you want to earn, to everyday tasks you’re happy to do, to the impact you want to leave on the world.

2.    Whip Up A Pro/Con List

Now that you have a great idea of what it is you want, we’re going to do a pro/con list about where you find yourself right now. The goal here is to figure out whether you can get to your goals in the same role you’re in, or whether it makes far more sense to bite the bullet and start something new. On your pro/con list, make sure the compare each item to the first list you made. Does the work/life balance of your current role match up to what you want it to be? No? Then to the ‘Con’ side it goes.

3.    Time to Focus

We’re halfway there! Now that you know what you want and whether you can get it where you are currently or not you have a direction. Next step is to focus up. If you’ve found that what you want is a new career direction or business, this is where developing a laser focus on your next steps is going to help. Break down your goals in terms of size, and then by timeline. I.e. If your overarching goal it to have a business which supports you financially in 12 months time, what needs to happen today in order to make that happen.

4.    Be Nice to Yourself

This journey isn’t going to be all sunshine and cashflow. A major component of navigating a career change or new business is staying positive, and staying kind to yourself. In your darkest moments where you’re going to want to give up – your own inner voice will be the voice that keeps things on track, and make sure motivation trumps negativity.

5.    Be Careful Who You Listen To

These days it seems the only thing more common than an opinion about politics, is an opinion about everything else. Everyone will have some kind of thought or piece of advice when they hear or see what you’re trying to do. Some will be kind, positive and supportive, while others will opt to be voices of deterrent masquerading as ‘realists’. Stay very clear on the people whose advice is valuable to you, and the opinions you will allow to enter your mind. No one will care more about this new venture than you, so take all advice with a grain of salt and don’t be afraid to tune out everything else!

As William Henley wrote, “I am the master of my fate.” You are the captain of your ship, the author of your book, and the teller of your story. You can decide where to go, what to do, and most importantly what dreams to chase.

Making a career change can be daunting, but not making one can be far worse. So start small, work with a good career coach, and just begin!