The Pursuit Of Balanced And Purposeful Life
A career change later in life is no longer the unconventional, taboo concept it once was. We hear about such shifts daily, be it listening to a podcast from a sales trainer turned entrepreneur billionaire, reading about how a mother went from changing diapers to starting a multi-million business, or our parents telling us they’ve decided to take their newfound hobby to the next level.
As I spend more and more time working with clients, helping them make changes in their lives and careers to fit their passions and interests, I see two primary reasons for making such a move emerge consistently. They want to create more balanced lives and find purpose in what they do.
The Catalyst
One of the few silver linings of the pandemic was the shift in our relationship with work.
Many of us shifted from an emphasis on making money and holding a grand title to participating in something we were passionate about โ the gain in wealth and status was no longer worth the loss in one’s mental health.
Given that the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over the course of their lifetime, why shouldn’t we try to make those hours more meaningful?
The pandemic placed us in new settings and offered unique opportunities we were previously unaware of. A number of them have been constant companions we never had the time to address.
For example, the Work-From-Home (WFH) format. Initially, we were skeptical about WFH’s sustainability and its influence on our productivity and the quality of work. However, as we were forced into it by the pandemic, we realized that it can indeed work and that it does for countless individuals. WFH offers a tool for establishing a work-life balance that we wouldn’t have otherwise developed.
The pandemic also revealed the true colors of corporate employers. The shift to remote work strained workplace relations, especially in an increase in unrealistic expectations by employers. Workers became more aware of this and had more time to reflect on themselves and their careers. Preferences and priorities shifted. Employees worldwide began to emphasize their mental well-being, often instead of prioritizing climbing the corporate ladder.
We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher
on our own โTo Doโ list.
– Michelle Obama
The Work Change
Recent surveys have revealed that nearly 50% of US workers want to make a career change (complete or partial).
The main reasons stated include:
- Work-life balance
- Flexibility
- Company culture
- Personal/Career growth
Many people no longer want to work just for the paycheck. They seek a more meaningful way of applying their skills and time. They want their work to make a difference, to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Steps To A Work-Life Balanced Life
If changing careers is on your mind, something in your current environment may be out of balance.
Before making any changes, it is good to consider all available options and possible outcomes.
I have listed below a few initial steps to take and questions to explore as you start the process.
- Consider if your dissatisfaction is with the employer or the career. Sometimes the issue may lie in your superior and not in the field as a whole.
- Consider where you want to be in 10 years. Visualize your future. Do you see yourself working in the same field or doing something very different?
- Consider if the decision to change is based on money. The decision for a career change should never be based on money alone. If you take on a career you don’t enjoy, you will end up in the same dissatisfying situation in a few years. Money will bring temporary satisfaction, but the discontent will resurface. Find the source of your dissatisfaction.
- Consider if this is an emotional or impulsive decision, as opposed to one based on your current reality and needs. Sometimes, minor frustrations combined with burnout can trigger a desire to change careers.
โItโs all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between
work and friends and family.โ
– Philip Green
Conclusions
Changing a career or even moving to a new job can be a scary and stressful experience.
Yet, if done with careful consideration and planning, it can be an incredible experience.
I have changed careers many times in my lifetime. It has helped me broaden my horizons and become a more competent and confident person. I love seeing my clients transform their lives to become better versions of themselves. Life transitions can help us become more resilient and confident individuals.
If you would like to explore your reality in a safe and judgment-free environment, please get in touch with me. I am offering aย free 1-hour discovery session for new clientsย with no strings attached. Let’s work together to get you on the road to becoming the best version of yourself.
I am here for you!
