3.
Not ready. Allow yourself more time before you make your move.
Hey, it's totally fine to need more time! It is important to be completely confident when making a career change or any big change in life. If the thought of making a career or business shift sounds interesting, but you are feeling unsure at the moment...trust me, you are not alone! Take some time to reflect on your goals and your non-negotiables, before making a drastic decision that you may regret later. Remember, a career change is a major transition that requires careful consideration and planning before you take the plunge into a new direction. I urge you to take a step back my friend. Pump your brakes, sit with your ideas, do some research, and trust your instincts. Everything that is meant to be will be in time. You are in control of your timeline and your career path. No need to put pressure on yourself. Enjoy this in between time because when you are ready to make your move, watch out world! 5 Steps Towards Career Clarity...1. Begin to research the career options or business roles you are eyeing, so you can learn more about each. Make a list or spreadsheet to keep track of what information you uncover. If you decide something is not for you, cross it off your list. Your goal should be to narrow down your ideas to as few as possibly while you research your options. 2. Network and don't be afraid to ask for help! Take a look at your inner circle, your professional contacts, and even friends of friends to see who may already work in a field that interests you. Connect with these contacts and ask for introductions. Embark on informational interviews to gather info from the inside that you may not otherwise uncover by searching online. Through these conversations, people may be willing to give you info on how the field or the company itself is doing. You may learn pros and cons of this line of work, as well as more connections or introductions along the way. 3. Take a deep dive inward and examine your “why.” You never want to make a big change for any external factors, so be sure this is a move that will benefit YOU. Why do you want to change careers? Will this move make you happier longterm or short term? Is this an emotional change or a strategic one? Thinking about the why behind this decision and really diving deep into your feeling around this change will help you become more confident and certain of this new endeavor. 4. Look into the financial investment these career shifts may require. Have you thought about if this new role will require additional schooling, certifications, or training? If so, do you have the financial means to embark on this additional education? If you are leaning towards possibly opening a business, be sure to do some financial planning as far as the start-up costs, materials/equipment, fees, loans, etc, that opening this business may entail. Oftentimes, looking at the financials can help build out a timeline of when this investment makes the most sense for you. 5. Take your time! Remember, changing careers is a big decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Don't rush into it unless you are truly ready. The more confident you feel in your decision, the more excited and courageous you will feel as you take on your second act!ACTION ITEM TO FOCUS ON:Keep a running list of your "second act" ideas. Try journaling daily to get your thoughts out on paper. Write down what you want your future to look like. After a few weeks, reflect back and look for patterns of any ideas or aspirations that you write down often. This may help you see your second act options more clearly.BONUS PRIVATE PODCAST LINK:Listen to this private podcast episode I recorded for you.Listen HereHOW I CAN HELP YOU:Hey there! I’m Shannon Russell, certified Career Transition Coach, YouMap® Coach, and host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast. I help women who are feeling stuck and unfulfilled in their careers pivot towards a "second act" that produces a balanced life of abundance. My mission is to support YOU as you produce your best life. If you are at a crossroads in your career or ready to launch your a business, I've got you.I can help you make your next move towards a career you love through my Second Act Membership Program (on-going membership-join monthly/yearly) or my Second Act Accelerator Group Coaching Program (6 month program).Book a discovery call with me, and we will discuss which option is best suited for you and your needs. I can't wait to connect with you more!Remember my friend,You are on your way to produce a career that fulfills you, brings you joy, and leads to your best life!