 The years in the trenches as a parent/caregiver/spouse, especially when you are the default person in charge, has a way of overwriting all previous programming. Raising kids, running a household, being a caregiver, is only accomplished through the magic of daily repeated patterns. Days and weeks can feel like the same reel playing over and over, stuck in a loop! Our brains rely on autopilot, because it uses less energy than actually thinking. And 2, 4, 6, 10+ years later you may find that you have morphed into a completely unrecognizable person that has lost traction in their career and no longer knows what you want!
It is completely normal to default into looking for that next step in the career pathway that you set in motion when you rolled into adulthood. It makes the most sense. You received training or went to college and did the thing for 10, or 20 or more years. Even if you are coming back from a GAP it makes sense to pick up where you left off. Or does it? What would happen if you paused to consider.
If the answer to these questions is no, it is time for a new perspective on your career. And to get there you first must STOP and consider the possibilities. Dare to Dream! Hold up. I can already hear your objections. Maria, I don’t have time for this dream job stuff. I need a job NOW - I do not have time to do this dream job stuff!!! I have a family to support. I can’t start over! What if I am not good enough? I am too old. I am afraid. When you give into that voice in your head and hurry or settle into your next ‘thing’ whether that is because it is what we know, it is safe, forcing a FIT — there is a good chance you will end up right back here 6-12 months from now. Beat down, broken, and looking for another THING. Pushing you further and further away from living that life by design. Or worse, you are going to grit it out and increase your stress and trigger that cascade of things (disordered sleep, high blood pressure, poor eating, loss of connections, anxiety/anger/depression, you know this spiral) that lead to health problems and decreased healthspan and a decreased life span. This scenario is certainly not part of your dream future! When we build our life by design, defining your career is a big piece of the puzzle. A career pivot is not just about landing your next job or launching a new venture. It's about taking deliberate steps that move you closer to the life you want to live – now and in the future. Do you choose to soar? Here are some tips on how you can open your eyes to the possibilities.
It is FINALLY your time to redefine yourself and consider where you are going in your life and how your career can support that vision. Work to live your life by design! Are you committed to taking the next steps? I am happy to collaborate and excited to share in your journey.
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 Are you standing at a career crossroads, wondering if it's finally your turn to build the fulfilling career you've always dreamed of? If you've spent years putting others first and now feel underemployed, underappreciated, or underpaid, you're not alone. My short career break turned into a 12 year career GAP after taking time to raise my 3 children and battle several rare and chronic diseases. When I was finally free to resurrect my career I felt completely lost! And let's face it, my brain was thinking all of the things. How do I look for a job? What if I'm not qualified? No one is going to want me after a 12 year ‘break.’ Of course it was anything but a break. Here is what I wish someone had told me. Dare to Dream Take a moment to really think about what you want to do! Understand Your Desires and Non-Negotiables It's time to put yourself first. Engage in self-reflection to define your true desires for both your career and life. Align your career goals with personal values and passions. Define your non-negotiables such as corporate culture, hours, pay, location, etc. You must define what you want before you try to go out and land it! Set Your Intention for This Journey Mindset is 90% of a career pivot! Define the timeline and steps for your career transformation. Identify potential sources of resistance to change and introduce strategies to overcome them. Foster a mindset shift towards positive transformation, recognizing that change is a powerful force for growth and fulfillment. Create Your Personal Brand Yes, you are a brand. And now that you know exactly what you are seeking in this next career pivot, you need to get the word out. Write your unique value proposition and then align all of your brand assets including your resume, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio. Learn how to articulate who you are and what problems you solve for elevator pitches and interviews. Start to Lay Your Career Search Path Whether it's a job, a job combined with a side gig, or the beginning of an entrepreneurial venture, start laying the framework for your desired career path. What pieces need to be set up first? Create a plan and break it down into weekly action steps. With a clear understanding of your desires, strengths, and a well-defined framework, you are ready to go out there and build your career. If you're ready to take the leap, grab your FREE "5 Steps to Monetizing Your Brilliance” workbook. And if you're truly ready to move now, connect with me for a one-on-one conversation. Click here to access my calendar. You’ve done the grind, you’ve done the time, it is time to live your life by design! |
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