Training for a 5K running race is similar to a career change

In 2012 I had open heart surgery and I chose to do some sport in the open air. In 2015 I was challenged to switch from power walk to running. ‘Power walking’ was a safe choice…too safe. The thing is, I hate running. I can’t stand to listen to my own breath let alone run for hours and hours. What I do like, though, is the kick of dopamine at the end of the training, the results on the body and the sense of accomplishment afterwards. I accepted the challenge and I started running for 30 mins twice a week until, 6 months later, I was able to run my first 5k. Putting it into perspective, there are similarities between training for a 5k run (even for a longer run, if you wish) and a career change.

The need for preliminary requirements

I knew I had to so some sport for my health. Over the years I tried different type sports. This time I had some thought-through requirements. I needed something different and effective. I wanted to sport outside – despite the Dutch weather. At my own pace, not subdued to astronomical yearly gym fees, crazy timing and doubtful trainers. On my own, not in a group because it was a ‘me-time’. Similarly to a career change, preliminary requirements should be set in order to understand what we want from the next role and what not. A role in a different industry or same industry but different department. In a company or as an entrepreneur. Working from home or in an office. These requirements are fundamental to identify the new role and set the course of direction.

The need to choose the right gears

When starting with a new sport some people would buy all the necessary latest fancy equipment, just because it’s cool. In running what you really need is a good pair of shoes. They need to fit the type of runner you are – amateur or pro - and, ultimately, what you want to achieve. Choosing the wrong shoes means to experience blisters and all sorts of injuries. With a career change, once identified the role it’s necessary to research what is fundamentally imperative to make the switch. This might translate into a certificate, a diploma, a school degree, a software, etc. These tools will build the credibility as well as the expertise needed to pivot into a new role.

The need to adapt the process to me

I don’t particularly like running with the sound of the nature. Listening to me breathing while running is simply appalling. I adapted by creating a kick-ass playlist and listening to music while running. I don’t like super long runs. To me, sport should be intense and short enough to keep me in full shape. 5k means at least 30 mins workout; this ticked the box of intense and short. When changing career it’s necessary to understand what works for you as a professional in that specific role and what doesn’t. Do you need to quit your job now or wait to transition into the new one. What type of certification works best to your necessities – in person or on-line. Talking to professionals already in the role helps in getting the insights as well as figuring out how much work it takes to get there.

The need to feel safe

When I subscribed to the 5k I was scared. What if I had problems with my heart during the run? What if was too much for me and I could not finish it? I needed to feel safe.?As a result I choose a run held in the premises of the hospital where my cardiologist works. This put my needs to feel safe to bed. Similarly with a career change, the big what ifs are mostly around financial safety – what if I cannot make my ends – and employability – what if nobody will hire me. To overcome the first is necessary to make a thorough financial plan recording all expenses as well as other type of incomes, if any. ?For the employability is essential to put into black and white what skills are already acquired for the role, as well as additional certificates or diplomas required to do it. This will give the peace of mind that, no matter what, the qualifications for the role are there.

The need to have fun

If there’s no fun there is no point. As running is not in my cup of tea – still today – I enjoy the process, the amount of work to get it done and, of course, the results. When I texted my cardiologist about the run the reply was “knock’em dead and enjoy!”. The process to a career change, despite the bumps and the hold backs, is as important as the results because, in the end, through the process the necessary stamina will build and the results will show.

The need not to compare

When running comparing to the one(s) ahead or behind is never productive. You run at your own pace, they run at theirs. It’s not known how much time it took them to get there, how much they sacrificed, what they are running for. One thing is for sure, we all have to start somewhere. In a career change, comparing with successful professionals in the same role and getting dragged down because of the huge differences is usually a good recipe for giving up. On a different perspective; is OK to look at them to have a clear view what success in the new career looks like. To acquire the understanding on how to get there is part of the game.

What I learned in retrospective

• A career change is an addition to who we already are. It’s hardly a start from scratch.
• It’s useful to look at successful professionals in the same role to identify the path to where we want to go rather than getting stressed in comparing with what we don’t have yet.
• Having fun is part the process, otherwise there is no real satisfaction in doing it.

As a side note, after that 5k run I competed in other runs and trails and also trained for half a marathon. Pushing your boundaries is a way to discover who you can become in life and professionally.

In which phase of a career change are you?

“If you do only what you can do, you will never be more than you are now. I am trying to turn you into you” – Shifu

About Elena

Elena added the role of international career coach to her 2 decades of pricing and forecasting roles in American and Japanese corporations. Today she coaches career conflicted professionals to pinpoint their next career move and reach self-realization through 3 programs.

• “Job Landing Strategy?” to look for a new job in the same role and maximize the chances to be selected.
• “Twist your career into a new profession” to have a 360 degrees pivot into a new role.
• “Turn your strengths into superpowers” to up-skill and re-skill natural talents increasing confidence and productivity.

You can talk to Elena here and follow here for her bi-weekly posts on Linkedin.