Change is a fascinating thing to face.
I don’t know that I’ve thought much about the affects or depth of change until now. Not sure I’ve ever considered how I felt about change until I had to face the prospect of what I face today.
A significant career change (among other things… but that’s for another day).
As someone who has been in the same career for 20 years, the thought of transitioning to a new field is both exciting and intimidating. While I’m a sucker for new opportunities, the fear of the unknown and the possibility of failure are REAL. I’m sure I’m not alone. I’m sure what I feel is normal…
the fear
the doubt
the uncertainty.
But despite all of this, I know it’s never too late to make a change and explore how the path to living out my passions might be found on a map I’ve yet to explore.
So… as I explore, I thought I’d bring you with me, my friend. (you’re welcome)
And since transparency has always been a high value in this space, you’ll get to see all of it… the good… the bad… the comedic interlude… all of it. And maybe… hopefully… amidst the mess of my wrestling you’ll find a nugget that encourages you to try something that scares you. I have a dear friend that used to tell me, “Do it scared.”
So… that’s what I’m doing. I’m doing it scared.
In fact, here are a few fears with which I’m actively wrestling. And overcoming feels like an endless exercise in resilience:
- Fear of the unknown: “What does the future hold? Can I find a job in a new field? Can I translate the skills I’ve developed in the non-profit space to a new environment?” Feeling anxious about these is likely normal and maybe even worse than reality. So, to combat the fear I’m working to do my research and try to gather as much information as possible about this new field and the job market. Project & Program Management appear to be solid segues into the corporate space. So, that is where I’ll focus first.
- Fear of failure: “This feels too risky. What if this doesn’t work out? At least I know the non-profit space and it’s common pitfalls. What if I can’t be successful in this new field?” This fear of failure is especially daunting for me. Maybe because I’d been in my previous career for a long time and built up a certain level of success. So, today I’m reminding myself that failure is a natural part of life and an opportunity for growth. When I consider the story I want to tell on the other side of this, I don’t want fear of failure holding me back from trying something new.
- Fear of being too old: “Have I missed my opportunity? Is it too late for a career change?” Let’s face it. I’ve invested two decades in my previous career. But I’m compelled to remind myself it’s never too late to learn and grow. The previous 20 years hold the potential to be a set up for the next 20 years. And I believe the best is ahead.
- Fear of financial insecurity: “Is my inexperience in a new field a financial liability? Will I have to accept decreased salary just to break in?” Breaking into a new field often means a decrease in salary, at least initially. And that feels scary. Yet I strive to remind myself that I can do anything for a season if it’s worth it in the long run. Especially if the work offers more than just a great salary.
So, as the new year gets off to a running start, I’m in the throws of some of the biggest changes I’ve ever experienced. The career change is but one.
If you’re into journaling, here’s the question I explored with my journal today…
What would my previous leadership say to my future employer about what I offer to their organization?
I wonder…
