Has a pandemic hangover left you feeling you want to do more with your life and your career? If so, you may be on the front end of a career change.

Contemplating your unknown future can trigger a flood of emotion. You might be angry, anxious or a little of both. Guess what, you are normal. This is a big crossroad.

Knowing where to start can pull you off the emotional rollercoaster and get you moving in a positive direction. Here are three tips to launch your re-invention:

Step into a Period of Focused Introspection

While your anxiety is warranted, it clouds your ability to navigate this transition wisely. Take some time to self-reflect. Curb your impulse to update your resume and scour the listings on job sites. There will be time for that soon enough. Right now, tamp down your cortisol levels and get some blood flowing to your brain.

Take a long walk, ideally in nature

Even if you are slammed with a long list of things to do, break away and make yourself a priority. Your career pays for everything in your life. It needs your attention. As you walk, breathe deeply. Let as much tension go as possible. Start calmly thinking about your situation. Mentally take stock of your assets. You first thoughts might be financial and that’s ok, but also notice your health, friendships, family, your living situation…anything you can identify that is stable. This will help you ground you.

Get Clear About Your Natural Talents

As change swirls around you, the one thing that remains stable is you and what you are gifted to do. Envision a talent suitcase that holds all of your core skills, acquired experience, knowledge, your values and your temperament. Now it the time to open that suitcase and get intimately familiar with its contents.

Define Your Past Identity and Your Future Vision

A career change requires an identity shift. You benefit by doing this consciously. It’s likely that a big part of your self-worth is wrapped up in your former role or occupation. It’s time to acknowledge the past and begin to design your future.

What you want to do and how you want to do it are both on the table. Traditional employment, contract employment or self-employment are options. You are the CEO of your career. If you have long dreamed of being your own boss, now might be the time. If you have yeaned to re-locate, more and more employers are ditching the requirement for you to come to the office.

Courage is the fuel that drives successful career changes. Follow a clear process and learn the psychological stages that accompany career transitions. Reach out for support from your champions and your sparring partners. Access all the resources at your disposal and step into a bright future, one you’re truly proud of.



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