Have you ever woken up dreading the day ahead?

Not because of a temporary setback but due to a deep, persistent feeling that you're not where you're supposed to be professionally?

This was me back in 2018.

Have you felt something similar?

Many of us face this career crossroads, torn between the comfortably numb and the vague allure of what could be.

Surely there’s something out there for me …

I explore here how to know when it's time for a significant career change.

How to recognise the signs that suggest you're ready for a leap, and what you can do about it.

Understanding the Challenge

Like me, you might be tuning into the fact that something’s not right at work. There can be several reasons for this:

Feeling Stuck: You can feel this way when personal growth stops and work no longer challenges you.

Misalignment with Values: This could, for example, be a disconnect between your job and your core values.

The Dread Factor: A consistent dread or lack of enthusiasm about your job clearly signals that something needs to change. And …

Lack of Interest: Finding yourself envying others' careers could indicate that your interest lies elsewhere.

Of course, these feelings not only impact your professional life, but they can also spill over into your personal wellbeing.

The challenge in your career became the challenge in your life.

Sound familiar?

What can we do if this all seems on the mark?

Before diving into the deep end of a career change, laying the groundwork is vital. This preparation work involves several key steps:

Reflect on Your Desires: Take time to understand what you truly want from your career. What excites you? What do you want to spend your days doing? What are you drawn to? What could you be drawn to?

Evaluate Your Skills: Assess your current skills and how they could transfer to a new field or role. Focus on the things you are good at and that you enjoy doing.

Research and Plan: Start to research the fields or roles you're interested in. Understand the entry qualifications required (if any) and plan how to acquire them.

Seek Professional Guidance: I found that a career coach can provide personalised advice, keep you on track and help you navigate the transition smoothly and effectively.

From my own experience and from the work I do with my clients, I know that each of these solutions will help make your ‘leap’ seem much more like a series of steps.

Personality and Skills Assessments: Tools like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder can offer insights into your ideal career fit. These paid tools are much better than the free online versions. If you seek professional help, you will see that in most career coaches include extensive assessments in their work with you.

Networking: Engage with professionals in your desired field through platforms like LinkedIn or via industry-specific events.

My own journey to career coaching was a big leap.

Visiting New York City, I experienced a transformative 'Manhattan moment'. I resolved to no longer endure a job that failed to bring me joy.

That day, I created my ‘line in the sand’.

On my return, I crafted a transition career plan from civil engineering management to career coaching—a field that felt like a calling.

By leveraging my network and pursuing additional training and qualifications, I prepared myself for the leap.

With the support of a career coach, I made the transition to what at the time felt like freedom and liberation. I’m still nostalgic 5 years later for what I did.

Today, I’m rewarded as a career coach, helping others take their own transformative bold leap.

Common Questions or Objections

Making a career change, particularly a big leap, is often met with questions and doubts. Let me address some of the most common concerns you might have and dispel the myths that might be holding you back:

Isn't it too risky to change careers now? While there are risks, strategic planning and preparation can significantly mitigate these. Also, consider the risk of not making a change …

How do I know if I'm making the right decision? Working with a career coach can provide clarity and confidence in your decision-making process.

What if I fail? Remember, every experience, successful or not, contributes to your growth and understanding of what you want from your career.

Conclusion

Deciding to make a significant career change can seem daunting, but it's also an opportunity for profound personal and professional growth. 

With the right approach and support, you can transition to a career that brings you fulfilment and joy.

If you're contemplating a big leap, remember that you don't have to do it alone—a career coach can be an invaluable partner in your journey.

Call to Action

Feeling ready to explore the possibilities of a career change but unsure where to start? Book a free Discovery Call today, and let's navigate your career transformation together.