Embracing Career Change: Your Guide to Navigating the Unknown

Change can be exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when it comes to your career. As an intuitive career coach, I’ve guided many professionals through the crossroads of change. Here’s how to know when it’s time, how to manage the fear, and how to make the shift successfully.

Knowing When It’s Time for a Career Change

The simplest way to gauge readiness is this: when the pain of staying is greater than the pain of changing, it’s time to consider a move. If your heart no longer sings when you’re at work, it’s a signal. The universe often nudges us back toward alignment with our true path, so it’s better to take proactive steps than wait for a change to be made for you.

Managing Fear and Anxiety Around Change

Fear is natural, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. I advise my clients to separate fact from fear. Ask yourself, “What exactly am I anxious about?” Then assess whether that worry is rooted in reality or assumption. For instance, fearing you’ll have to start from scratch may be unfounded—many people leverage transferable skills for lateral or even upward moves.

Often, fears masquerade as facts. If it feels difficult to be objective, seek insight from a trusted mentor or coach. Their outside perspective can clarify the difference between real obstacles and imagined ones.

Choosing Your Next Career Path

When burnout strikes, it’s often because we’re not operating from our true purpose. I help clients uncover their next career steps through a process of Soul Search, Research, and Job Search:

• Soul Search: Define the nine elements of your ideal career—from the skills you want to use to the environment where you thrive. Be specific. For example, “work-life balance” may translate to working from 9 AM to 2 PM to be available for your children after school. Clarity helps guide decisions.
• Research: Explore possibilities by engaging with professionals already in the field. Their real-world insights can reveal whether the role matches your expectations. Plus, these conversations help you develop the language to describe your ideal job.
• Job Search: Equipped with clarity and real-world information, your job search becomes more focused and effective. My clients often impress interviewers with their thoughtful and deliberate approach—a standout quality in the hiring process.

The Role of Mentorship in Career Change

Having a mentor can provide crucial guidance. Look for someone who has successfully navigated a career change. I have been through several and my clients appreciate that I walk the talk.  Approach a potential mentor with genuine admiration and curiosity—not to “pick their brain” but to understand their success. Ask, “What does it take to succeed in this field?” or “What advice would you give someone starting out?”

Navigating Financial Barriers to Change

Balancing finances, education, and personal responsibilities is possible with strategy and support. When my mom pursued medical school while raising three children, it was a family effort. Support systems make a difference.

If you’re juggling work and education, find ways for one to benefit the other. During my graduate studies, I aligned my academic projects with my job, providing value to my employer while advancing my own learning. It’s about finding synergy between the two.

Starting Your Own Business: Side Hustle or Full-Time?

I launched my coaching business while maintaining a full-time job for four years. This approach offered stability and allowed me to reinvest in my business growth. I also incorporated coaching into my corporate role, enhancing my value to the company.

However, be sure to check company policies—some roles may restrict side businesses, while others encourage them. For example, Martha Stewart’s company welcomed entrepreneurial spirit, believing it made for better employees. The key is finding the right environment for your goals.

Embrace Change with Confidence

A career change can feel daunting, but it can also be the most rewarding decision you make. By approaching the process with clarity, support, and strategy, you can transition into a role that aligns with your purpose and passion. Ready to say yes to change? Let’s navigate it together.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance through your career transition, learn how it works to work with me , buy my book or join my upcoming retreat.  Let’s chart the course to a fulfilling career you love.