The Career Change Moment of Realisation - What to Do Next

I've talked to people who do almost have a bit of an epiphany - after 'putting up with' a job that isn't right for a while or even some time, often working in a state that's quite future-focused and about climbing a work ladder. A moment seems to come where the blinkers are taken off and that person sees the situation for what it is - they don't want to be there, in that job, and they don’t have to be.

Then it seems all of us go off on our own tangents. We have this almost momentous moment of realisation, then this tends to happen:

• we sit with it and let it stew and can start to feel resentful for being in that situation, especially if we're not sure yet of what to do instead
• we very quickly decide to jump ship, in fight or flight mode
• we realise we don't want to be in that situation so go on a mad 'what can I do instead' panic-ridden quest
• we might even suppress the feeling as it's just too much to deal with, we're kind of aware that if we follow any of those thoughts further down the road it'd be too much of an upheaval, too big a journey to go on, so we stay in the crummy job.. often unsuccessfully

As far as I can tell, these reactions can derail a good career change, or make a career change take longer than it otherwise could.

So what should you do when you get that 'uh-oh, I’m not meant to be here' moment?

Appreciate the Moment

It might be hard to do, but try to be appreciative of the realisation. If you feel clarity, a strong feeling, then be grateful for that. Often we get so caught up at work we go on autopilot, or we switch off and go deep inside our own heads so we can just get through the day. If you've had a moment of clarity that makes you feel present, be glad for it

Succinctly and Honestly Pinpoint the Hates, Then Use Them to See Your Loves

Get a notebook, or open a blank word doc or email on your computer, and jot down why this situation isn't working, what are you lacking? what is it that doesn't feel right? what's the straw that broke the camel's back? have you decided you can't face being desk-bound? is it the bureaucracy of your workplace? do you have nothing in common with the people you work for or with?
Flip all these 'don't wants' around to the things you do want, and try to be as specific as you can. what kind of people would you love to interact with? if you don't want to be sat at a desk, what would you rather be doing - no matter how far-fetched. Tree climbers become tree surgeons!

Open Up to Supportive People

This could be a coach, or good friends you know who will encourage you. sometimes you never know who will give you a boost when you share your dream with them - if you're at a party or social gathering and you sense someone to be a positive person, open up to them. Share them with us at Careershifters, you can email me direct at sab@careershifters.org if you want to do it anonymously/not for the website

A Focusing Exercise

Something I’ve found really useful to do is start a 'what I love' or 'dream career' scrapbook or a private blog. A blog can be easier to do, especially if you work mostly at a computer. Every day, find at least one thing to add to your scrapbook or blog that enthuses you about any possible new career paths you might be considering. This could be an image of someone doing the work, an interview with someone doing the work, a video, and also add inspiring quotes that will motivate you to keep going. Every time you look at this scrapbook or private blog it should make you feel more authentic, more 'the real you', and motivated. You might start off having a few career areas or ideas, but in time as you source more and more content you'll start to intuitively move towards certain things more than others.  If you diligently do this every day, finding something new to add, you will become more focused, enthusiastic and ready for the new career. It also helps you to get committed.

More often than not this can create enough momentum to get you going, rather than feeling stuck and resentful in your current less-than-fab job.