Career Change Mindset

What's your reaction when you hear, "things are going to change"?  

Do you feel fear and anxiety? Or do you get a sense of excitement and optimism?  For many, change is viewed with concern and worry.  What will I lose? is often the first thought.  And yes, change does lead to some loss.  I should know. I lost my first job due to a massive change in the accounting industry when my employer Arthur Andersen went under with the Enron debacle.  

In the media at the time, we heard all about the loss - how 80,000 people in 90 countries lost their jobs and how the faith in one firm was lost forever.  There is another part to the story however that you didn't hear -how much was gained through this change.  

For me, the end of Andersen forced me to deal with a career I wasn't happy with.  It was a turning point for me, one that led me to the career coaching and radio hosting that I do (and love) today.  And I'm not alone in this experience.  Many of my Andersen colleagues have changed careers.  

It's not just Andersen either.  I've been working with a corporate client recently who wants their people to see the opportunities in an upcoming merger.  Over the last few months I've been coaching each team member to see how this change could be a blessing in disguise.  Yes, it's still a challenge to say goodbye to each other yet at the same time, it's exciting to explore new career paths and opportunities both within and outside the merged company.    

Change is the one constant we can count on in our careers.  The key is not to fear change but to leverage it to move your career forward.  Tomorrow, I'll be speaking to a group of Columbia University alumns about How to Successfully Navigate Corporate Change.  If you're in that group, sign up here! 

I'll also be sharing tips and ideas on leveraging change on my radio show "Making a Living with Maggie" today at 4pm EST/1pm PST on SIRIUS 112/XM 157.  Call in at 866-675-6675 and share your reactions to change and what concerns, fears are holding you back from moving forward.  Share your comments and career change successes here too.  I welcome your input and know that whatever change comes along together we can handle it!

 (Photo courtesy of Flickr)

Have you ever felt uninspired? Have you ever thought about passion and purpose only to feel as if you don't really have much of either? If so, you are definitely not alone. Many of my clients come to me for help uncovering their true aspirations. (To read my article on Finding Your Purpose, click here.)

The key is to recognize that 1) you DEFINITELY do have passion and purpose. It may only be a a little burning pilot light but deep within you there is a knowing of who you are and what you're in this life to become. And 2) sometimes you need a spark to fan that flame into a beautiful, blazing fire.

For me that pilot light was burning for my desire to sing. I love helping people with careers but part of me always dreamt of being a singer. I never thought it was something I could make a living at so I didn't sing at all. Until recently.

This the last of three guest posts on Believing In Your Dreams. This one comes from Kim Engler - my friend, colleague and vocal coach. She produced my cabaret shows (click here for a clip from my recent "Follow Your Dreams" show) and is the one who helped me find my voice. By day Kim is a media consultant, presently working in the fashion industry where she produces talent everyday. Here's a Q&A from Kim to help you believe in your dreams.

Q: What are the key steps to believing in your dreams?

A:
Practical willingness: self-inquiry and action based on what is appropriate for your life in the way it is right now
Encouragement: focusing on the practical reasons why your dream is possible and valuable