My Framework for Career Change

I am often asked for a step by step guide on how to change careers. And I often say that – while I do have a framework for career change (see below) – there isn’t an exact step by step guide for choosing what to do next that will work for everyone.

I designed and iterated my approach to support those of you who want to change careers but are not sure what they would like to do next. This is a very different state of being from knowing what you want to do and pursuing that specific goal.

Not knowing is often painful and can leave you spinning in a vicious circle of insecurity and discouragement, which in turn can create confusion and keep you from clarity and action. 

Over the years, I created a framework for career change that can help people break that vicious cycle and move towards healthier and more purposeful action. Here’s what it looks like.

We begin with slowing down and (re)connecting with your own Wisdom. You don’t have to know what you want to do, but opening up that “Wisdom space” allows you to hear your own deeper guidance. Whether we work together 1:1 or with a group, part of that reconnection is experiencing relational safety and support.

Step 2 is all about turning your thoughts and attention towards what you love, are good at, have already accomplished, etc. In other words, moving from I am not enough to Here’s what lights me up and I can contribute!

Photo by Hide Obara on Unsplash

Of course, there isn’t only the “inside,” but a whole world out there. And let’s be real, a number of you reading this feel insecure because you experienced something hurtful or downright toxic at work. Or maybe you feel lost because you have relied so much on what other people thought you should do, and you are not sure how to find your own way.
So Step 3 of the framework for career change is about shifting the way you relate to the world outside: from you vs. them, or from feeling you have to twist yourself into a pretzel to fit in, to leaning into interconnection, openness, and learning to recognize and co-create healthy professional dynamics.

At this point, I will have invited you to take some action, mostly with people you know and within the group (if you are part of a group program). Now we move into action in the world. Step 4 is when you learn how to interact, research, explore, and look for information and what works for you. I have plenty of resources to guide you – but you have to get through the discomfort and get on the court!

Did I mention I have a gated site (separate from my library of resources) with plenty of recorded videos and extra written content, extra resource lists, and more to help you out? 

At this point I pass the metaphorical baton over to you. Think of Step 5 as a bridge you will cross to position yourself where you belong: as the captain of your own ship. This is a time to get present to your vision and values, to deepen your connection to your own Inner Wisdom, and to embrace the importance of living a life that is aligned with your values.

Next (Step 6 of the framework for career change) we will solidify what you need to continue to take action, including tips, systems, and processes to keep yourself in the game and through the inevitable ups and downs.

If you are in my Group Program to Change Careers the last step (before the celebration) is to bring it all together: we will cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s to make sure you have what you need to continue your journey. By Step 7 every Career Changer is usually at a different spot: some already transitioned, some have a plan, and some are deep in their research and explorations. Timing is a very personal thing, and something I say all the time is that it’s important for you to trust your own timing.

Do you have questions? Leave a comment – and I will get back to you. Or reach out directly to connect.

Are you ready to Repurpose Your Purpose?