Sea Change or Career Change: Getting Off the Self-Imposed Hamster Wheel

Many of you have already lived the corporate life: Adrenalin-charged meetings, exhilarating presentations and major business deals signed on the dotted line – but also senseless re-briefings, over-cautious clients and business partners, bitter managers and frustrated colleagues. And let's not even talk about the overtime!

It was great while it lasted (most of the time, anyway), but now the spark is gone. You have already temporarily taken yourself off the fast track. Now it's time for you to start something new.

Deciding to make a major change in your life in seldom easy. In these instable times people are consciously putting their life’s dreams on the back burner in exchange for the steady income they receive at the end of each pay period or guaranteeing full-time care for their children.

Some people, however, still reach that point in their lives when they know they simply need to do something different. Although this realization can be extremely liberating, it seldom comes without some sense of apprehension, confusion and uncertainty.

If you are in the midst of this crucial decision-making process, here are some of the essential questions you should ask yourself as you begin to map out what YOU want your at-home career to look like:

Passion: What are you passionate about? Ask yourself what specific career move would enable you to apply your talents, skills, and abilities in a way that would not only positively challenge you, but also allow you to add maximum value to whatever professional situation you are in.

Sea change or career change: Do you really need to change your entire career orientation - or just the concrete job you are doing? Ask yourself whether you can possibly re-invent yourself within your past job description or if you need a whole new backdrop for the you at-home career.

What is your measuring stick for success: Forgot about what others expect of you! What do YOU need in order to feel your work is both meaningful and rewarding while also allowing you to fulfill your obligations as a mother? Ask yourself what symbolizes success for you - and what it will take in your at-home career to make you feel as though you have achieved those goals.

How much time do you have to succeed: What is a reasonable amount of time to allow yourself to reach that milestone that let’s you know you’ve made it? Develop a timeline, so you know how long you have to prove yourself. To yourself.

Bankroll: How are you going to continue paying the bills? Ask yourself if you will need an additional/supplementary source of income during your transition period. If so, where will is come from? Don’t forget: Plan B.

Kith & Kin: Will your friends and family rally around and cheer you on as you work towards your new goals? Or will they be doubtful, maybe even try to dissuade you from doing anything (they feel is) too radical? Ask yourself how much support you can realistically expect from the people around you - and how that may influence your perserverance.

Contacts? Contacts! Who do you know who has been in a similar position? Who do you know who has knowledge about the field you would like to enter? Who do you know who can refer you to a prospective employer - or future client? Ask yourself what resources you have - sites like this are a great place to start! - on your personal and professional contact list.

Stepping out on faith: Whether at the end of your decision-making process you decide to apply skills you've brought with you from you last job or begin an entirely new career, there are no guarantees. Ask yourself how firm you are in your conviction to stay the course - then go for it!

Whether you decide to take on this major transition in your life with the help of family or friends, or with the support of an experienced career coach, there is nothing more exhilarating than that first deep breath you take once you have made your decision, acted upon it - and begin to see how the new life you have created for yourself proceeds to unfold!

Article Source: http://www.articlesforwahms.com

Trina Roach is an coach and trainer. Originally from southeastern Pennsylvania, she now divides her time between Germany and southern New Jersey. In her coaching practice, Trina works with both corporate and individual clients. This includes successful work with many small business owners and entrepreneurs. Read more about Trina's work here: www.creating-tomorrow.com/blog. Contact Trina here: coaching@creating-tomorrow.com.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated