How I completely changed my career
The catalyst for me to completely change my career direction was the fact that I felt that I wasn’t doing a good job.
Now, I know I am a good worker. I know that I can deliver my KPIs and I can do the standard day to day work that is expected of me, in any given situation. BUT I could feel within my body that I was not in it and when you are not in it, how can you be performing at your optimum - I felt.
This realization alone was a hard pill to take, from someone who always wanted to please, do well and not let anyone down let alone feeling incapable of performing (hello old limiting belief systems around being dyslexic) it was hard to look myself in the mirror and acknowledge that things are just not fitting.
So. I started planting the seeds in transitioning my career. I didn’t have a clear idea on what I wanted to do and I didn’t know for sure what exactly that looked like but what I did do, was use what I did not want to do and filter down from there.
I knew marketing and communications, for me, had had its day. I had been working in it for over 10 years and the last few of those I was merely cycling around in similar roles with little progression and the eagerness to climb the ladder I had once felt was non existent.
I knew that I wanted to be around people, work with people and be in an industry that was focused on learning and development.
I knew that, from previously mentoring marketing graduates I had a knack for it. I was good at it and people seeked further mentoring from me merely from their peers recommending me.
I knew my strengths and knew them well.
I was good at building relationships, engaging with people, working on promotional campaigns and events, and organisational skills. And I did have a strong work ethic even though at the time I was feeling lifeless.
With understanding this about myself and really knowing how to present myself as an expert, I started to look for roles that fit my skill set and values. I was determined not to take another side step, as tempting as it was.
How did I I do this? I started to look on linkedin, who was working in a role that encompassed what I was looking for. I looked into organisations that I felt suited my values and researched what type of roles they had. I started the traditional job searching techniques and stayed up-to-date with opportunities.
After doing all the research and applying for a few roles I decided that a University felt like the right fit for me. It was taking me out of the private sector which I felt I needed to do and going into a student focused environment - which felt like a great fit for me.
I networked, I connected with people in the industry, I spoke with previous colleagues who had worked in a university, I connected with a friend of a friend who was working in a university and I found out everything there was to know about the industry and what they look for in an applicant.
I then started applying for roles and ONLY roles that matched my needs. I visualised working within a University environment. I imagined when driving to my current role, I was driving into the Uni car park. When I went to the bathroom, I imagined walking into the Uni bathrooms, I visualised driving home from a day working at a Uni and the thoughts and feeling I would have from a good day's work. I journaled about the type of role I was looking for and seeking.
After 6 months, I found the role of Project Officer, Student Engagement.
It wasn’t until I was deep in this role, working day to day, that I realised, I was doing a really good job. I connected with students with ease, I run and grew the representative program like it was my baby and I knew in my body, I found the right fit for me at that time.
Until recently, I had the pull again to move onto my next step - this one was a progression. And now I see myself in a complete career transition from marketing and communications to now a Career Adviser at Uni. I am doing the exact work, every day that lights me up. At 34 I have finally found what I want to be when I grow up.
And, this is one of the reasons, my why, the passion behind the work I do in my business and with my clients. I have been through a career transition and come out the other end, on top. And to be honest, the process of transitioning my career came naturally to me, I simply knew what to do and what steps to take. The process itself was not easy, at times it felt hard, impossible and frustrating (especially with the surface of my limiting beliefs and having to do the work to level up but this kind of realization doesn’t come without its challenges which equates growth) but I knew what steps I needed to take at every stage. Career and confidence coaching is something that comes naturally to me and I am so grateful I have found my passion and purpose. I can relate to those feelings of cycling around in similar roles with no real career destination and the urgency to get out. And let me tell you, the work to transition, move or progress it so worth it.
For me, right now I feel that the combination of my day job work and my business suits me perfectly. Until I feel the pull to take my next step (I have a feeling it will be more within my business - wink wink).