How Taking A Break From Your Norm Can Trigger Career Change

By Sab

Have you been trying to work out what your new career should be for some time? Have you researched ‘jobs out there’ but not found anything that floats your boat? Now what?

Stop Searching and Instead Stay Open

Sometimes inspiration can strike in the strangest of circumstances -- often when you’re not even thinking about career change. Put reading career books and re-writing your CV to one side. Instead focus on enjoying life, and being open to inspiration when it comes.

  • A friend of mine had her idea come to her when she was painting her flat. Whether it was the meditative action of painting the walls, or the fumes, the idea struck her for her new business which she then went on to create.
  • In this article a conference organiser had her light bulb moment when at a friend’s wedding. She is now a wedding planner for UK-based couples wanting to marry in France.
  • In this success story video, while David McGeachie was out of work he was asked to help find a tenant for his friend's flat. It turned into his new career as a tenant finder and lettings manager.

Do Something Different

What links these people is that their moments of inspiration came when they were doing something different. For example, my friend’s day to day work was as a PA, and whilst doing some decorating she had her business idea. So doing things (anything!) outside your usual day to day experience can help you get a different perspective and may bring you a light bulb moment.

Of course, you can’t plan these moments when inspiration strikes. But you can be open to opportunities that may come your way, keeping an open mind to work areas that you could do.

If trying to hunt down your next career niche through reading books, researching, or networking hasn’t really worked so far, allow yourself some time to let go of the hunt. Try out all kinds of things to bring variety into your life, and stay open to ideas you may have as you do so. Hopefully this will help you get unstuck!

What are you going to try out or do differently this month? Let us know in the comments below!


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