My story of career change…
Some of you may know my story of how I transitioned my career, but may not know what went into my decision and how I made my way in my new career.When I was a Career Counselor, I played a very specific role in helping college students and recent grads figure out their career path and helped them to get their first job. Yes, a big focus of the work I do now is still related to Career Development and Job Search – what changed in a big way is How I do that, Who I do that with and the scope of What I do with each client.
How did I discover all of that? It started with Taking Inventory
I started noticing that the
tasks that gave me the most energy included the one on one connection with individuals I was helping, especially when I was able to see the same student on an ongoing basis. At the time, as Associate Director, I was in a leadership role that took me away from the 1-1 interactions. I wanted to bring that 1-1 focus back.
I wanted to expand. The nature of my work at the University was very specific to career and did not allow much expansion into the personal lives of those I served. I understood that the whole person is the one seeking help, and I wanted to be able to address ALL areas of one’s life as it pertains to career and beyond.
So…I started exploring what type of work I could do that allowed a bigger picture focus while remaining engaged 1-1 with clients. I started doing some research and having conversations with people and that is when I discovered Coaching.
Once I had a better idea of where I was going, I Took a Big Leap
When I discovered Coaching as a career choice, for me to fully dive in and be in the type of role I wanted, it meant starting my own business. Oh Boy! I had never even thought of myself as a business owner! I knew nothing about business; I was terrified of “selling myself” and even being visible to the public. I knew this was a big leap and started thinking ….. “If I Could do this, how would I” Starting from that place helped me create solutions and actions around my concerns and fears. I also knew a strength of mine is Learning – and boy did I use that one in a big way!
To make this new idea be very real for me, it was time for my Commitment Step
I made several commitment steps throughout my transition. The first was enrolling in a training program to become a coach; the second (at around the same time) was hiring my own coach. Both were financial investments, something my frugal self does not take lightly. J To make these financial commitments was really a commitment to myself – to my path, my growth.Once I committed, it allowed me to ride the ups and downs, twists and turns that are part of change and transition. And I had many…. Some days I wondered “what am I doing, I don’t know how to…..” then other days I was so excited by all the possibilities and positive feelings I had while doing the work. I soon realized that there will Always be ups and downs and need to Trust. Trust myself and my abilities and Trust the process.
In my 12 years as a coach and business owner, I Re-evaluate constantly
I look at what is working, what is not; what I love doing, what I’m ready to let go of; what new projects I want to create and what I want to change. Formally I do this at the end of every year. Informally I do it whenever it is needed or insight strikes.I hope my sharing some of my story helps you to take your own inventory, big leaps, commitment steps and evaluation. We get one life and my hope is for everyone to be living his or hers to the fullest!
