When I was embarking on my career change, I had several ideas for differerent kinds of services I thought I wanted to provide. Services that, based on my passions and values, seemed like a great fit.
After researching the basics of each, my critical early step was to test the waters by experiencing them for myself. In one instance I found someone who had the type of business I was considering and spent a day with her helping hands-on with a client project. In another instance I found two pro bono clients that offered to let me practice what I was learning.
In both examples, I learned that these two areas were not a good fit… and most importantly, why they were not a good fit. On paper, each seemed like a great fit. Once I immersed myself in the actual day-to-day tasks, however, the misalignment became crystal clear.
If you are embarking on your own career change, I encourage you to let experience be your best teacher as well. Whether a few hours or a few days, trying out a career you are considering can be an important step in your journey.