Last-Minute Career Shopping: A Professional's Guide to Not Procrastinating on Your Dreams

'Tis the season of making lists and checking them twice, frantically searching for the perfect gifts, and promising ourselves we won't wait until the last minute next year. Sound familiar? As I was doing my holiday preparations this weekend (yes, I'm one of those last-minute shoppers), it struck me how similar this is to how many of us approach career transitions.

Picture this: It's December 23rd, and you're power-walking through the mall, desperately searching for "something meaningful" for your mother-in-law. You've had all year to plan, but here you are, stress-sweating in a festive sweater. Now replace "mall" with "job boards" and "mother-in-law's gift" with "career fulfillment" – starting to feel uncomfortably familiar?

Let me share some parallel "shopping strategies" I've observed in my 18+ years of corporate experience and as a Career Ownership Coach:

The "It's On Sale" Shopper

Holiday Version: "I don't know if Uncle Bob needs another electric tie rack, but it's 50% off!"

Career Version: "I don't love this new job offer, but hey, it's a 15% raise!"

Reality Check: Both might look good on paper, but neither brings lasting satisfaction.

The "Same Store, Different Year" Shopper

Holiday Version: "Well, I always get them a gift card..."

Career Version: "Well, I always work in corporate..."

Truth Bomb: Comfort zones are like your favorite holiday sweater – cozy but sometimes need updating.

The "I'll Know It When I See It" Shopper

Holiday Version: Wandering aimlessly through stores hoping inspiration strikes

Career Version: Scrolling LinkedIn jobs at 2 AM, hoping your dream career magically appears

Spoiler Alert: Hope is not a strategy (in shopping or career planning).

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Here's the thing – while last-minute holiday shopping might lead to some funny stories and questionable gifts, procrastinating on your career dreams isn't quite as amusing. That feeling of being stuck in a career that no longer fits is like wearing a Christmas sweater two sizes too small – uncomfortable, and everyone can tell something's not quite right.

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But here's the good news: Unlike holiday shopping, it's never too late to start exploring business ownership. And unlike finding the perfect gift for your impossible-to-shop-for teenager, there's a structured process to discovering the right entrepreneurial path for you that includes not quitting your current job!

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My Holiday Gift to You: Three Career Shopping Tips

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1. Stop Window Shopping Your Future

Instead of just dreaming about business ownership while scrolling through LinkedIn success stories, take action. Schedule a discovery call.? Consider it like having a personal shopper for your career transition.

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2. Check Your Career Shopping List Twice

What do you really want?

- Financial independence? ?

- Work-life integration? ?

- Control over your professional destiny? ?

- A business that aligns with your values? ?

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3. Don't Wait for the After-Holiday Sales

The best time to explore business ownership is now. Your future self will thank you, much like you thank yourself when you finish holiday shopping early (which I'm still aspiring to do... maybe next year!).

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Remember, while you might be able to get away with re-gifting that fruit cake, you can't re-gift your career satisfaction. Don't let another year go by, feeling stuck in a corporate role that no longer serves you.

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P.S. It's coming soon! In?'Strength,'?my upcoming book co-authored with?Kathy Ireland. I reveal how to turn limiting beliefs into career rocket fuel.?Join the waitlist now and get exclusive bonus content!