Last week, I shared insights on managing career changes and sustainable growth. Yesterday, to my surprise, my former client Julia contacted me, and I thought her story fits perfectly with my message to you this week. (Since I changed Julia’s name, she is okay with it 😊).

 

Julia initially pursued a career in finance on her father’s advice and her company's owner, thinking she would climb the career ladder within a single industry. She worked hard and was successful, but after a few years, she felt increasingly unfulfilled and longed for a more creative and dynamic environment. That's how she ended up with me. It took some time, and it required a lot of courage, learning, and reorientation – but now, 1.5 years later, she is a specialist in digital marketing with a broad smile and shining eyes. Just yesterday, we talked on the phone, and she told me that although it initially felt like starting from scratch, which led to feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt, she has never been happier and more enthusiastic – because she is doing something that brings her joy and makes her feel like she is pursuing her dream and doing something beautiful and valuable.

 

Why am I sharing this? Well, how many of us are stuck in jobs that pay the bills but don’t fulfill us at all or anymore? Counting the hours and minutes, waiting for the day to end – but that’s not how work should be! It should be meaningful and fulfilling, with struggles and challenges that we overcome because it all makes sense and because the work ignites us and makes us happy.

 

That’s why I want to motivate you: Instead of seeing your career path as a rigid ladder, try to see it as a colorful picture – colorful and full of possibilities like my favorite painting 😊.

 

Things don’t always go as planned – and certainly not as expected. So keep in mind:

 

🌱 Consider diverse possibilities: Think out of the box – diversify your skills, experiences, wishes, and dreams, and view your holistic, diverse expertise.

 

🌸 Pursue a dream: Dedicate your time and effort to developing your skills in this direction. Take courses, attend workshops, network with professionals to ensure that every possible and necessary resource is acknowledged and utilized.

 

🌞 Understand the right timing: There are times of rapid growth and times of slower, reflective phases. Use these slower times to reassess your goals and refine your skills.

 

🌼 Celebrate progress: Celebrate every small accomplishment that brings you closer to your future endeavors. Recognize that the skills and knowledge acquired in one role can be used in a new context.

 

🌻 Seek advice and support: Seek advice and support. Look for mentors and coaches who encourage, guide, and strengthen you.

 

🌟 Enjoy the big and colorful: Take time for new things when the old no longer serves you. Celebrate change and growth and maintain a positive attitude – because what we practice grows stronger!

 

Don’t wait for the perfect moment, make it perfect! Let’s explore your path together.

 

#CareerGrowth #CareerPlanning #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerCoach #CareerChange #SylwiaKainCoaching