Navigating Career Pivots: The Importance of Courage Before Clarity.

If you're a woman contemplating a career pivot but feel it's too late or you're unsure what your next step should be, this message is for you. I understand this feeling deeply; at 37, I transitioned from a successful recruiting career into coaching. This is a journey I've supported countless clients through as well.

What you need to know is that when you start to recognize that there might be more you want to offer, more you want to do and enjoy in your career, and different people you desire to serve in new ways, you'll feel overwhelmed. You might feel lost, unsure of where to find information or how to discover that next 'job.' This mental spin can lead to feelings of anxiousness, overwhelm, and even defeat.

Hear this, it's not your fault and it's totally normal! Why? We've been conditioned to view our careers linearly: get an education, find a job that matches, climb the ladder, and retire. But what happens when you wake up and realize you want to create meaningful experiences for people, help others with specific challenges, write a book, start a new business, or pursue any other passion and a clear linear path isn't available to you? Or you don't have the 'qualifications' to jump straight into it? Your brain will freak out, because you'll enter into the territory of the unknown, a destination your brain doesn't like to frequent, one that triggers danger and fear. I see it all the time...

Consider these real examples from some of my clients:

• Transitioning from sales to creating meaningful in-person gatherings and experiences for people to connect and build community.
• Shifting from a corporate PR role to assisting people with managing the needs of their aging parents.
• Moving from recruitment to writing a book or helping women with their hormone health.
• Starting a small batch food business.
• Building a consulting firm to provide design support to manufacturers.

At first, without an obvious path in sight, it might seem like your only options are to start over at an entry-level job with a pay cut, or to launch a business from scratch, both of which can feel daunting and unrealistic from where you stand now, with the ideas of career progression you've been conditioned to adopt. This perception often leads to inaction, stifling dreams and ideas because the path seems unclear or too challenging. You might tell yourself that your dreams are 'silly' or buy into others telling you so.

The truth is, your aspirations are not silly; they're innovative. Just because others can't see your vision doesn't mean it's invalid. The path to realizing your dreams and creating a career that you feel passionate about, often unfolds as you walk it. Look at figures like Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble. They didn't have a clear path to their success; they believed in their big dreams and took action despite uncertainty and naysayers.

Whether consciously or not, they knew something that many others don't... they knew that courage comes BEFORE clarity, not the other way around. They acted on their dreams without having the full picture, embracing the discomfort and uncertainty of the journey. Clarity doesn't come from waiting, thinking your idea to death, or getting another degree; it comes from listening to your inner voice and taking steps toward what you want to do and allowing the picture to build.

You don't need to have everything figured out from the start, in fact, very few people do! Begin by identifying what you love, what you want to offer to the world, and who you want to serve. Start small, and let your path unfold from there. Focus on what you enjoy and start finding ways to do it now. Let go of the how and the when, and just focus on the what!

Let's be honest about one thing here, for Type A go-getters, it's challenging to be patient and allow things to unfold. You'll need to get intentional with yourself about letting go of control and leaning into surrender. But, if you're serious about change, about leaning into your purpose and answering the calling you feel within, start taking different actions. Ask yourself, what's one small step you can take, today?

If you're unsure where or how to start, or don't feel like you can get there alone, reach out and ask how I can support you on this journey. The first step is believing in your dream and taking that courageous leap. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.

Grab a time to connect with me ?? https://calendly.com/marisa_hohaia/exploratorycall