Navigate Change
It can be difficult to make a change in your career and pursue what you’re passionate about. But, there are some steps you can take to make the transition easier. Here are five tips for making this transition:
1) Consider the Benefits of Pursuing Your Passion
If you are tired of your current career, think about some of the benefits of starting a new one. Although you may have to work more hours and make less money, you’ll feel better each day by doing something you enjoy. In addition, if you are passionate about what you do for a living it will likely be more rewarding than just going through the motions at another job.
Pursuing your passion does not mean you have to give up your 9 to 5 job. In fact, you might be able to work your current job and pursue a new career on the side. For example, you might want to become a teacher but continue working in an office setting while attending graduate school at night.
2) Create a Plan Outlining What You Want to Do
You know what they say. If you do not write your goals down, you’re more likely to never achieve them. Instead of letting your passion fade away, write it on paper and try to create a small plan for changing careers.
Also, think about what steps you will need to take to get to your final goal. For example, if you want to go back to school for a new career but don’t have the money, look at schools in your area that offer scholarships and grants so you can pursue your dream without spending too much money.
3) Be Open with Someone You Trust
Share what you’re feeling and thinking with someone you trust. This could be your spouse, a trustworthy friend or family member, or even a professional if needed. Sometimes we can get so overwhelmed and frustrated with the process of changing careers that we need an unbiased opinion on our feelings about what we’re going through.
Remember this journey you’re on is not just about changing jobs, it’s also about following your passion. There will be times when you feel excited and enthusiastic about your passion and times when you want to cry. The process is going to be a roller coaster of emotions, so make sure you have someone that will be in your corner for the entire ride.
4) Prepare Yourself Psychologically by Completing Small Steps Towards Your Goal(s)
Once you have finalized your plan, break your goal(s) down into a series of smaller steps that you can handle along the way. This is the best way to ensure that you stay on track and get closer to your end goal.
When you achieve one of your goals, you should celebrate. Reward yourself for your accomplishments. Take time to reflect on what you achieved and what you had to do along the way. There will be failures along the way, but learn from them and try again. Don’t give up!
However, it is essential that you don’t stop here; if you do, then this will be the beginning of giving up on your dreams. It’s important not to get complacent and keep working towards your larger vision.
5) Find a Mentor Who Can Help You on Your Journey
Finding a mentor that is already doing what you want to do can give you a boost and open up opportunities that might not be available right away. A mentor could help you with forming your business, offer places to obtain business financing, and even give you information about other people you should talk to as part of the process.
Some places where you can find a mentor are with your local Chamber of Commerce, business organizations in your area, and online business forums. You can identify mentors by people with similar paths or others that show interest in guiding you along the way.
You should be able to find a mentor that is not only willing to help with your passion but also someone who will keep information private and remain a resource for you.
If you’re looking for a way to make the transition from your current career into something that’s more in line with what you enjoy, then these five tips will help. They’ll show you how to take small steps towards achieving your goals and be ready psychologically when it gets difficult along the way. If all of this sounds intimidating and you want help enacting these principles. Please feel free to reach out to us!
Change does not need to be a “Four Letter” word. Making a change in your life is going to be tough, but it will be well worth it. It is a journey that most do not go on, but you will be different and navigate change in your life to make it so much better!
