So 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