Life and work that’s more like you
Hello I’m Denny Nesbitt and I help mums to change career. More people than ever are changing career, recognising that life is too short to be unhappy. A large number of these career changers are mums. We’re having children later in life, after climbing the corporate ladder, and find that those careers we worked so hard at no longer work for us. For mums, more than anyone though, career change is not straight forward. I have been through this process and understand that we must design our career around our life, not the other way around. I help mums design and build careers that are flexible, fulfilling and use their skills. If this is something you crave, you’re in the right place.
March 24, 2024As most of you know I’ve been diving deep into the world of mums and career change, through the book that I’m writing and have stumbled across a truly intriguing group – the accidental career changers!
Picture this: women who didn’t set out with a grand plan to switch careers but found themselves doing just that, almost by accident. As someone who was unhappy at work for years but had no idea what to instead, I was a little bit in awe (dare I say jealous) of these women who seemed to change career with so much ease that they didn’t realise they had done it in some cases!
As I chatted with them, I realised there’s a lot we can learn from these accidental adventurers.
Roll with the Punches
One of the biggest lessons from these accidental career changers is to roll with the punches. Life throws curveballs, right? Whether it’s a sudden layoff or a chance encounter that sparks something new, these women didn’t shy away from change. Instead, they embraced it, recognising that sometimes the best opportunities come when we least expect them.
Trust Your Gut
Ever had a gut feeling nudging you in a certain direction? Well, these ladies sure did. What I found fascinating is how they trusted their instincts, even when the path ahead seemed uncertain. They listened to that little voice inside, took a leap of faith, and ended up discovering talents they didn’t know they had.
Stay Flexible, My Friend
Flexibility is key – that’s the mantra echoed by these accidental career changers. They weren’t married to a specific career trajectory but were open to exploring new avenues. Whether it meant trying out different roles or industries, they remained flexible and adaptable, which opened doors to unexpected opportunities.
Keep Growing
These women were lifelong learners. They were constantly picking up new skills and these skills opened new worlds to them, or new ways of thinking. And you know what? That thirst for growth propelled them forward in their careers. It also made them stand out to employers who would approach them with opportunities.
Grow your network
I know a lot of us don’t like that term, but the accidental career changers usually had wide networks across different industries and professions. Opportunities came to them because of this. Employers would reach out to them knowing their potential and their transferable skills, regardless of whether they had worked in a certain industry before.
So, there you have it – the fascinating world of accidental career changers. Their stories remind us that sometimes the most remarkable journeys begin with a simple twist of fate. This doesn’t mean we should leave our career changes to chance, but I do think we sometimes have to trust in the process and not force things too much. Be open to trying new things and meeting new people, because you never know where it might take you.
Denny x [...]
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December 7, 2023Gosh I worried so much about what other people thought in the early days of my career change.
I was convinced that my friends would think I was crazy, or even selfish, to give up my well-paid corporate career.
I remember being in floods of tears when I told a mere acquaintance my idea, and she poo-pooed it.
And I recall dancing around the issue with older relatives, who I imagined would question my need to be “happy in my job” as if that was a foreign concept.
The reality is that most people did not throw confetti for my bold move. And some were downright rude and hurtful about my choices.
If you’ve decided to take the plunge but you’re worried about how your move will be perceived, then here’s some advice to help you stay the course and ignore the naysayers.
Own your decision, like a boss
First things first, wear your decision to switch careers like a snazzy accessory. Confidence is contagious, and it’s hard for others to doubt you when you’re rocking your choice with style.
Spill the Beans on Your ‘Why’:
When Aunt Sue raises an eyebrow at your career pivot during Christmas dinner, take a deep breath, and spill the beans on your ‘why.’ Share your dreams, motivations, and the sheer passion propelling you into this new adventure. People are more likely to cheer you on when they know the story behind your career caper.
Get some wisdom from the wise
Seek out other people who have changed career successfully. They can share with you how they overcame the views of sceptics and inspire you with their stories of how they can say “I told you so” now.
Develop a rhino hide
Let’s face it; not everyone will be on the cheerleading squad. Some might even throw a little shade your way. Develop a thick skin, like a rhino hide, and let those negative vibes bounce right off you. Remember, it’s your journey, not theirs. Deep down they are probably wishing they were as brave as you. Remember that.
Build your tribe of career rebels
Surround yourself with fellow career rebels who get your struggle and share your dreams. Connect with them at events, join online hangouts, and build a tribe of supporters who’ll be your backup dancers when the sceptics start their routine.
Turn criticism into career fuel
Not all feedback will be a round of applause, and that’s okay. Take a moment to sift through the comments; if there’s some constructive criticism in there, use it as fuel to become an even more fabulous version of yourself. But otherwise let it spur you on so you can watch them eat their words later.
In the grand scheme of things, opinions are like emojis – everyone’s got one. So, put on your shades, keep your focus on the prize, and dance to the beat of your own career-change soundtrack. After all, this is your show, and you’re the star! 🚀✨
Need a career change mentor? Then contact me for a FREE working mum SOS. 30 minutes to chat with someone who’s been there and can help you stay motivated. Book a meeting time here.
Denny x [...]
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November 6, 2023So you know you want to change career and you’ve got some solid ideas, but the fear of making the wrong move is holding you back.
You’re worried about looking silly if it doesn’t work, jeopardising your family’s stability and maybe even ending up back at square one. Take a deep breath, because you’re not alone, but there’s a way to navigate this journey with confidence.
Embrace the uncertainty
First, it’s ok to not have it all figured out. Try to see the uncertainty as part of the journey and an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Trust that you have the resilience to handle any bumps along the way and see them as learning opportunities.
Weigh your options
Create a pros and cons list for each potential career path you’re considering. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each option, taking into account factors such as job prospects, required skills, potential salary, and work-life balance. This can help you make an informed decision based on practical considerations. If you need an objective view on this, then a career coach, like me can help.
Try before you buy
As much as possible, try to get a feel for your contender careers before you make the leap. Talk to people who are working in your areas of interest about the bad days in their job as well as the good. See if you can shadow them at work or get an unpaid internship. Yes, mid-life career changers can do internships too. You may even be able to do some casual, part-time work, in your new career alongside your current job so you get a real feel for it before making the leap.
Involve your family
Discuss your career change aspirations openly with your family. Share your hopes, fears, and plans with them. Involving your loved ones in the process can foster a supportive environment and ensure that everyone’s needs and concerns are considered. Together, you can create a solid support system.
Consider the Risks and Mitigate Them
Identify the potential risks and challenges that come with your career change. Create a decision-making matrix that weighs the likelihood and impact of each risk. Develop a contingency plan that addresses any financial concerns or potential setbacks. Having a backup plan can provide you with a sense of security and peace of mind as you embark on this new journey.
Remove the pressure
Try not to think of your next move as a forever thing. The reality is that your career is probably going to change again after this move. My reality was that after leaving marketing, I started off life coaching, then career coaching, then working as a careers’ adviser in a university and then becoming more of a careers’ teacher. Along the way I’ve done careers’ research, writing and I’m employed part-time by a business accelerator program. I’m still a coach but there’s so much more under the umbrella of helping people love their work that I do, and will do in the future.
If I had known that in the beginning, it would have scared me sh1tless! So instead of thinking about forever, think about the next reasonable and interesting step. As long as you can pay the bills, and you’ve got the support of family members who will be impacted the most, there’s no pressure for it to be perfect.
If you need help making your next career move (notice how I said next and not right or perfect) then contact me for a FREE working mum SOS. 30 minutes to focus on what you need to make your career change happen. Book a meeting time here.
Denny x
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“I believe Denny has an incredible gift as a coach. She is very gifted at helping to home in on what you want to do and work out the steps that will take you there.”Demelza Sutherland
“Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and for all your support and patience. You are amazing. You care and it shows. Thank you. ”Ana Laura Lasso