What no one tells you about career changes

And how to navigate them

Every career change or evolution is unique and very personal. Our identities, skills, needs, and circumstances are individual. As a career coach, I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I don't have a five-step recipe or a standard process for supporting my clients in pursuing their next big thing.?

Each of us has distinct needs requiring a bespoke approach.?

Indeed, there are steps in the journey that are common to everyone, and there are tools that prove helpful at certain stages. However, let's remember that the journey is yours and yours only. From my experience, four key elements have been present for those I've had the opportunity to work with, and each individual approaches these differently. But first, allow me to tell you what most people tend to overlook.?

When we talk about career changes, we often only see the end result, the final destination-- the victorious 'before-and-after' snapshot. But what often goes unnoticed and unspoken is what happens during the journey: the in-between, the chaos, the triumphs, the setbacks, the courage, and above all -- the personal growth.

Embrace the Identity Crisis

When it comes to our careers, it is inextricably meshed into our identity. It forms part of who we are. So, when we decide to take the plunge and go for a career change, we also choose to transform our identity. There's no way around it; you will have face-to-face encounters with your past selves, your present identity, and your potential future selves.?

A level of internal conflict and crisis marks this journey. That's entirely normal. In fact, it's part of the process. Embrace the discomfort, for it is simply a sign of transformation, and from transformation stems growth.

Changing careers, and hence our identity, isn't a cakewalk. It brings to the surface uncomfortable feelings and raises uncomfortable questions. But is it worth it? F**k yeah!. Why? Because these are the very questions and feelings that catalyze our personal and professional growth. So, even though the journey may be sprinkled with discomfort, know that it's not a sign of stagnation. Instead, it's a proof of your growth.?

So, my friends, take this as a call to action. Regarding career changes, let's not shy away from the identity crisis it brings. Let's instead choose to embrace it.

Get comfortable with uncertainty.

We humans are fundamentally creatures of routine and comfort. We're hardwired to seek certainty, cling to the familiar, and gravitate towards the secure. But existence is fundamentally uncertain; in a state of continuous flux. Part of this flux is the prospect of changing careers and evolving professionally.

Embarking on a path of career evolution is inherently an uncertain endeavor. You may have a concrete plan, distill your efforts, and gather your resources - all to make the transition as smooth as possible. But, uncertainty will still be around the corner.?

So, should this uncertainty detract us? Absolutely not. Uncertainty is not just part of the process but another catalyst for growth and exploration. Sometimes, it may involve taking calculated risks, leaps of faith, and simply hoping for the best. It may require us to let go of our tight hold on control and ease into the unknown.

More experiments, less intellect

Traditionally, the journey of career change has often been viewed through a purely intellectual and rational lens. But human beings are multifaceted, and so should be our approach to career change and evolution. We aren't simply thinking machines; we have hearts that feel and bodies that experience the world on a visceral, tangible level.?

Engaging all aspects of our being is critical in making informed decisions about the direction of our career journey. An intellectual process can provide a comfortable, logical answer. It can draw a clear, straightforward path to follow. However, this path may be based only on what makes sense on paper, overlooking the richness of our full selves.

Understanding with just our minds can give us a sense of security and assurance. But it is only when we sink our hands into our options and experiment that we understand our potential. Through such experiential learning, we get an up-close perspective of our possibilities and how we truly feel about them. It might take longer to achieve, but a bit of patience creates the way for a more sound and informed decision.

Enjoy the chaos?

Shifting careers can often feel like navigating unchartered territory. The process can be messy and overwhelming at times and emotional. Just know this is normal. It reminds us that our professional lives are a significant facet of our human existence, not just a mechanical aspect of our identity.

Is chaos a bad thing? Not necessarily. It might feel chaotic at some points, but remember, so is life -- and in this apparent chaos, there's a lot of order that only makes sense after you go through it.

When you ponder the uncertainty and apparent disorder, you'll realize that it's actually a phase of transformation, of realignment with your true passions and purposes. If you step back and view the whole picture, you'll see it's all part of a beautiful process. Yes, it can be scary but also enriching and exciting.?

Embrace the Process?

So, how do you navigate this seemingly turbulent journey? It's about embracing the experience and learning from it.

If you find your journey challenging, remember that support is available. As a career coach, I provide guidance and perspective – to help you make sense of the chaos and turn it into a transformative experience.?

Book a call, and let's explore your journey together.

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