Embracing the Power of Career Change
Ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m still not sure what I want to be when I grow up” - and you’re well into adulthood? If so, you’re not alone! In fact, you’re in good company. More and more people are realising that the path to fulfilment and success doesn’t always follow a straight line. And that’s okay.
If you’re feeling uncertain about your work life or wondering if you’re in the right role, it’s time to give yourself permission to unapologetically explore the idea of a career change. The truth is, it’s never too late to pivot, experiment, or dive into something new. Whether you’re contemplating a total career overhaul or just a shift in direction, the fear of "what if" can be powerful - but so can the freedom of "what’s next."
Let’s break down why the idea of career change doesn’t have to be daunting - and how embracing it can open doors to a more fulfilling, purpose-driven future.
Your career path doesn’t need to be a straight line
The days of having a single, linear career path are long gone. The modern workforce is more dynamic than ever, with careers evolving, expanding, and sometimes completely transforming over the course of a lifetime. In fact, it's not uncommon for people to change careers multiple times over their lives, often discovering new passions and strengths they didn’t even know existed. I have!
In today’s world, career changes don’t signify failure or indecision - they represent growth. You’re learning more about yourself, your interests, and your potential as you go along. So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “Is this it?” or wondering if there’s something more, it’s simply a sign that you’re ready to explore. Don’t let the pressure to have it all figured out hold you back from following the breadcrumbs that lead to something new.
The fear of the unknown vs. the freedom to explore
One of the biggest hurdles people face when considering a career change is fear - the fear of failure, fear of starting over, or fear of the unknown. It's easy to fall into the trap of imagining the worst-case scenario: what if you’re terrible at a new job? What if you waste time or money? What if it doesn’t work out?
Here’s the thing: not knowing is not the same as not being ready. Sometimes, not having all the answers is exactly what makes the journey exciting. Think about the last time you tried something new - whether it was a hobby, a trip, or a personal challenge. The initial uncertainty likely gave way to moments of discovery, growth, and sometimes even joy. The same goes for a career change.
The freedom to explore means allowing yourself the grace to fail and learn along the way. It means putting the pressure to have everything figured out on hold, and instead, focusing on creating a space for experimentation and growth. If you don’t know exactly where you’ll end up, that’s fine. What matters is you’re moving forward and learning more about what truly excites you.
Your vocation is a journey, not a destination
A big misconception about career changes is that they need to be about finding the one true calling - the singular role that aligns perfectly with your soul and purpose. While that might be true for some, for many of us, the “perfect job” is a moving target, or even a myth. The idea of a vocation is often more fluid than we realise.
Think of your vocation as a journey - a winding path with twists and turns that will likely span years or even decades. Along the way, you might find that what you thought you wanted at 25 is not what you need at 35. That’s okay. Your career is an evolving reflection of who you are at any given time.
What if the purpose of your career isn't to find your true calling, but to create it - through exploration, experimentation, and recalibration? Every career shift, every leap of faith, and every twist in the road is a chance to refine your vision, to sharpen your skills, and to find deeper meaning in the work you do.
The skill of reinvention
One of the most underrated aspects of a career change is the ability to reinvent yourself. If you’ve already built a successful career in one field, it may seem daunting to “start over.” But here's the truth: you bring a wealth of experience, transferable skills, and insights to any new role. Your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and navigate the challenges of your previous career will serve you in any future endeavor.
What feels like “starting from scratch” is actually reinvention in action. And reinvention isn’t just about learning new skills—it’s about reimagining yourself, your potential, and what you’re capable of achieving. You’re not the same person you were when you started your current career. You’re smarter, more resilient, and more adaptable. These qualities will serve you as you step into something new.
Passion follows action - not the other way around
One common myth people often buy into is that they need to find their passion before taking any action. But in reality, passion often follows doing—not waiting around to be struck by an epiphany.
Taking small steps toward something new can help you uncover your interests and passions along the way. You might discover that you love an aspect of a new role that you never considered before. Or you might realize that what you thought would be your “dream job” isn’t as fulfilling as you imagined. Either way, you’re learning and evolving.
Instead of waiting for a “passion” to hit you like a lightning bolt, try taking action. Volunteer for new projects, sign up for courses, or shadow someone in a field you’re curious about. The more you experience, the more you’ll learn about what excites you. Passion often reveals itself when you show up and engage with the work.
You’re not alone - the mid-career pivot is real!
One of the most reassuring aspects of considering a career change is that it’s incredibly common. People often make major career pivots well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s - and they do so successfully. In fact, many people find that their most rewarding career chapters come after they’ve taken that leap into something new.
With the rise of online learning, remote work, and the gig economy, there’s never been more opportunity to experiment with new career paths. The “midlife crisis” may be less of a crisis and more of an exciting call to action. The idea of “staying in your lane” no longer applies when there are so many ways to carve your own path.
If you're still not sure what you want to be when you grow up, that's more than okay - it might be exactly where you’re meant to be right now. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to have everything figured out, embrace the unknown. See it as an exciting opportunity to reinvent, explore, and grow.
Ready to explore what's next? Coaching is a great way to get started and gain momentum toward your next big move.