A common reason my clients come to me for help with their career transition is they feel “Stuck”. They know they want to take the next step in their career and life but have no idea where to start.
They have experienced success in their life in the past and they are actively working on their next career chapter through activities such as:
- Attending career events
- Searching online for new career possibilities
- Working their resumes, LinkedIn pages, and other online sites
- Getting new certifications, education, and training
- Networking
So then what’s the deal? Why are they stuck? The answer lies within! The culprit? That dialogue going on in their own heads.
- What if I am no longer relevant?
- What if I pursue a new career and I don’t like it?
- What if I can’t earn what I earned in the past?
- What if I commit to something and it doesn’t work out?
- What if my age is a factor and no one is willing to talk about it directly?
- What if I try and start my own business and it doesn’t work out?
- What if I am not willing to put in the same amount of time I did with my career in the past?
These questions and others can be absolutely paralyzing.
How can you make a decision and move forward in your life with these concerns whirling around in your head? The answer: Change the dialogue in your head.
Stop the “What if” questions and let go of the FOMO (fear of missing out) mindset. None of us has a crystal ball telling us how the future will play out.
Start by clarifying what your minimum standards for your new career and life, things like:
- Minimum earnings you are willing to accept
- Career choice standards: things like hours you will work; how far will you commute…. etc.
- What are you passionate about and would be willing to put the time energy and effort into?
- Who do you know that can help you with advice, introductions and support?
I also recommend that you begin with short term goals. What will you accomplish this week?
For example: you can set a goal to contact 3 people you know and write a preliminary list of your actual monthly expenses.
That’s it!
If possible, discuss your week with someone whose brain you trust. This is crucial since so many people feel isolated during this transition and having someone to talk to and process with makes a world of difference.
