Changing my Career Path

There is nothing like being comfortable on a career path I selected for a long term, and then deciding that time for a change is now.

A few months ago I reached the conclusion that the best next step for me is to make a career change. I thought it will be an uphill and long search and I was not far from the truth; however, I flattened the slope after a couple of steep bursts.

At first I made a dream board with things I dreamed of doing and furiously looked for openings that matched those dreams. Teaching was one, being a public servant was another one and opening a business of my own was yet another before the idea or retirement stopped me dead on my tracks.

Retirement.

I needed to take that in one more time. What does it mean? What will I be doing with my time? But most importantly, will I be able to afford it?

I did not linger for long on that thought. It was too blurry and unappealing. Instead I continued looking for the available openings and writing more ideas on the dream board. I was doing all this in a void, all by myself, other than my husbands’ and daughters’ advice. That did not work nor did it feel right. I applied to several positions and I did not hear back from more than one: rejection.

Then I understood that I need to reach out for help. I opened the “box” of friends and colleagues from previous jobs and started conversations. It was the best idea – and you are probably thinking “duh”, but when you are in the middle of it you may not think of it at first. I didn’t.

Yes! And I received help! Starting with reviewing and drastically updating my resume and continuing with a series of why, when, who, and what are your dreams. It was the best push and it was in the right direction. I went through four or five versions of the resume, a couple of mock interviews and a few sessions of recording myself answering various questions that an interviewer might ask. I even reached out to one of my engineer friends who is a photographer and who took a few headshots for my new resume. They are amazing! I like the woman I see in those pictures.

The next help was the almighty Internet (did you know that one of the most beautiful women in the world came up with the idea that the internet is based on but never, or almost never received credit for it – Hedy Lamar?). I found “WorkitDaily” and other sites (a google search away) that gave me not only tips on how to present myself correctly and thoroughly but also improved my opinion about myself. The simple act of answering those questions made me think about all my strengths, qualities, skills and accomplishments. I am sure that so many of us take ourselves for granted and forget so many of the things we did to be who and where we are today.

Lastly, I started calling and emailing my friends.

The End.

P.S. I found my dream job and I am sure you can find yours if you are looking and even if you are not; if you find yourself in a comfort zone, start asking yourself questions and start updating your resume – it will open new horizons for you!