Setting Yourself Up for a Career Change
Hello, and welcome to Episode 104 of the podcast!
I'm excited to have you join me today because we’re diving into a crucial topic for anyone considering a career shift: how to set yourself up for a successful career change.
Let’s face it—changing careers, especially mid-career, is no small task. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and even a bit daunting. Many people are eager to make a change but aren't sure where to begin. They may have a vague idea of where they want to go but haven’t mapped out the steps to get there. Without a plan, it's easy to get lost, feel scattered, and become stuck.
That’s why today, I want to guide you through the essential steps to create a strong foundation for your career change so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Treat Your Career Change as a Project
Think of your career change as a bold new project. When you approach it like this, the overwhelming task of switching careers becomes more manageable, and even enjoyable. Breaking it down into smaller steps helps you maintain momentum and stay focused on your goals.
Here’s a simple exercise to get started:
Exercise: Structure Your Career Change as a Project
Grab a pen and journal, or open your digital notes.
Jot down the key tasks involved in your career change. Don’t worry about every detail yet—just start mapping out the broad steps.
Steps might include:
Updating your LinkedIn profile
Finding a mentor
Researching internal job opportunities
Starting to look at what's available externally
By treating this as a mini project, you'll find it easier to make progress.
You might also want to create a dedicated space for your career change activities—a physical or digital area where you can focus on your next steps. And here’s a pro tip: keep your “why” statement visible in this space. This is your reason for making the change and the driving force behind your efforts.
Your “why” statement should reflect your motivation for the change. Is it to achieve more fulfilment, better work-life balance, or pursue a passion? Condense this into a clear sentence that keeps you going, especially when things get tough.
Step 2: Build Your Career Change Team
A career change isn’t a solo journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. Consider finding a Career Change Buddy—someone who’s on a similar journey or has already made a significant transition.
One of my ex-clients, Richard, was struggling to shift from accounting to sustainability consulting. By connecting with a former colleague, Sarah, who had successfully changed careers, he gained valuable insights and encouragement. The support from Sarah helped Richard build confidence, and it can do the same for you.
Involve your partner and family as well. Their encouragement and practical help can be invaluable in keeping you motivated and focused.
Step 3: Embrace Persistence and Determination
Changing careers in mid-life requires persistence and resilience. It’s not just about talent or education; it’s about your ability to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
When I started my business, I faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of my team and the flexibility to adapt, I navigated through the tough times and found new opportunities. Building persistence means staying flexible, ready to adapt, and taking care of your well-being.
Step 4: Cultivate the Right Mindsets
To support your career change, embrace these three key mindsets:
Responsibility Mindset: Take ownership of your career path.
Possibility Mindset: Stay open to new opportunities and believe in the possibilities available to you.
Growth Mindset: View challenges as learning opportunities and see setbacks as temporary.
These mindsets will help you build what I call Mid-Point Momentum, driving you forward in your career change.
Episode Recap
Treat your career change as a project with clear steps and a dedicated workspace.
Create your “why” statement.
Build a support team that includes a career change buddy.
Involve your partner and family in the journey.
Embrace persistence, determination, and flexibility.
Cultivate the Responsibility, Possibility, and Growth mindsets to create Mid-Point Momentum.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for listening today. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. Remember, the journey of a mid-career change is about personal growth as much as professional development. Keep your “why” visible and strong to guide you through the challenges ahead.
Bye for now!