"I Want To Change Careers But Have No Idea Where To Start"
Most people trying to change careers start in the wrong place: they jump to the end of the process.
Here's what that looks like:
Rewriting your resume and updating LinkedIn
Searching job postings for titles that might fit
Wondering if you should stay in corporate or leave to start a business
All of these start with the outside world—what exists, what's available, what to call yourself, etc.
So do you see how these actions limit you to the obvious options? And keep you focused on what you've already done vs where you WANT to go?
If you want a career that fits you, you have to start with YOU, not someone else's box to contort yourself into.
This is why I advocate a bottom-up approach to career clarity, starting with who you are at your best, what you like and are good at, and what’s most important to you.
You want “fulfillment,” “flexibility,” “freedom,” “financial independence”?
So does everyone. But your definition and someone else’s probably look very different.
So we want to define what those things look like to you in your day-to-day.
Once you’re clear on those elements, then you get to play around with the combinations and permutations.
Don’t worry about what to call it yet. There are so many options that you just can’t see right now.
The elements may lead to an obvious career path, but very often they lead to something bespoke and uniquely you.
Often the answers are right there in front of you. You just can't see them until you step waayyyyy back, let go of the assumptions about your career you think you have to accept, and get honest about what you truly want.
When people do this work right, they often find they don't even need to worry about their resume or LinkedIn or even most of the traditional job search nonsense. Because the opportunities find you.
Read next:
“But Caroline, I have NO idea what I want to do next.” I got you. How To Change Careers When You Don’t Know What You Want To Do
Feel you have to start over or take a pay cut? How To Change Careers Without Starting Over Or Taking a Pay Cut
Even if you're ready to start, knowing how to move forward can still feel daunting.
You just need the roadmap that gives you the confidence, clarity, and concrete steps to get there.
Take the first step and get my free 4-step roadmap: Take Back Your Life and Design a Career with Purpose.
Author Bio:
Before becoming a coach, Caroline worked in management consulting and financial services. She's made it her mission to help people grow, contribute, and get wherever they want to go.
She’s also a tennis fanatic, aspiring Minimalist, FIRE (Financial Independence and Retire Early) enthusiast, and Aloha Spirit seeker 🤙. She loves to share stories from her unconventional life and career focused on freedom, creativity, fun, health, family, and community. If she can do it, you can, too.
The life and career you want is truly possible once you have the roadmap. Take the first step by downloading her free guide.
