Three Foundations for a Successful Career Change
Sometimes, there comes a time in life when you need a career change. When what you're currently doing isn't working for you, you need a change, or you're finally able to follow your dreams. If the purpose is sound, the underlying reason speaks for itself.
However, getting started isn't as easy as it might sound. And before you hand your notice in, here are some tips to help prepare for when you make the jump, so this next chapter of your life can be your most successful yet.
Start with the End
New beginnings are like new relationships; they're fun, exciting, and motivation is going to spur you on. But what happens when you hit a bump on the road? Or things go off plan, and you need to make a detour? Life is rarely straightforward, and things can and do change.
It makes sense to tackle your career change with the final ending. What is the end goal, the ultimate dream? What are your aspirations? If you were to wake up tomorrow and be doing your dream career, what would be the pinnacle of success for you? Because that is what will keep you going. That's the push you need when things get tough. The end goal. Know it, keep it in sight, and make it the foundation of every decision you make.
Declutter
Not necessarily a physical declutter— but if clearing your space helps you focus, in which case, go for it. This is mental clutter. The bits that get in your way. The fears, the hesitations, the truths you're not admitting.
There is always something holding you back and your mind is likely a labyrinth of past mistakes, future what-ifs, and everything else that comes with major life changes.
Write these thoughts down, give it space, and work through it. Some of your fears may be telling you that you can't do it. If so, ask why. Don't accept it at face value; ask yourself what could happen if you can do it. Again, write this down, map it out, and make sense of anything that is bothering you. If you can find your calm in the storm or the path through the mental challenges, you're already halfway there.
Commit
You need to commit wholeheartedly and give it everything you have.
This will look different for different people. Not everyone is coming from the same starting point or with the same advantages.
Let's say you need to pursue further education for your career change, maybe healthcare, or finance. The first step to committing might look like finding out what courses you need to take. You might need a women in finance training program to get you started, or you might need to go back to night school around your current employment to gain a nursing degree.
Commitment starts here. It is through making conscious decisions and not giving up, to give it the time and energy it deserves, and see it through wherever it leads you.
It's not easy, it won't always be fun, but if you can start your career change by focusing on these three things, you'll give yourself a better foundation to make your dreams a reality.
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