Latest / Create The Best Me / Never Too Late: Switching Careers & Finding Joy
Transcript
- 0:00Carmen Hecox: Welcome to Create the Best Me.
- 0:02Carmen Hecox: I am Carmen Hecox, a personal development coach, and I am so excited to be connecting with you today.
- 0:09Carmen Hecox: Whether you're listening to the podcast or joining us on YouTube, my goal is to help women navigate through midlife challenges with compassion, inspiration, and empowering conversations.
- 0:21Carmen Hecox: Each week we'll dive into thought-provoking topics, designed to build self-confidence, overcome invisible women's syndrome, and find the courage to create the best version of yourself.
- 0:34Carmen Hecox: I'll also be joined by expert guests who will share their wisdom and insights, so make yourself comfortable and let's embark on this journey together.
- 0:44Carmen Hecox: Well, hello there fearless midlife Trailblazers.
- 0:47Carmen Hecox: Welcome to Create the Best Me! If you are new here, I'm so glad you made it here.
- 0:52Carmen Hecox: If you are a returning listener, welcome back to the Want and only place where we encourage and empower women in midlife to pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest.
- 1:03Carmen Hecox: I am Carmen Hecox, your host and personal development coach.
- 1:06Carmen Hecox: Today we're exploring the topic that often goes undiscussed, but is incredibly significant, particularly for women in midlife.
- 1:14Carmen Hecox: The topic is career dissatisfaction and stagnation.
- 1:19Carmen Hecox: It's that feeling when you wake up in the morning and dread the work day ahead, or when Sunday evening rolls around and you're already feeling anxious about Monday morning.
- 1:32Carmen Hecox: If this sounds like you, trust me, you are not alone.
- 1:35Carmen Hecox: Now you might be thinking, is it normal to feel this way in midlife?
- 1:41Carmen Hecox: Is it too late to make changes?
- 1:44Carmen Hecox: Can I even do anything about it?
- 1:47Carmen Hecox: The answer to all these questions of resounding yes, and that's exactly what we're going to be delving into today.
- 1:55Carmen Hecox: First, we'll be getting to grips with understanding career dissatisfaction, what it looks like, why it happens, and why it's particularly common during midlife.
- 2:06Carmen Hecox: Next, we'll look at how reigniting passion in your current career, exploring strategies for injecting some excitement back into your work life without necessarily jumping ships.
- 2:19Carmen Hecox: But it's not just, about reigniting the passion, but feeling a deep desire for something new.
- 2:26Carmen Hecox: We'll also cover when to consider a new career.
- 2:30Carmen Hecox: We'll also discuss signs that might indicate it's time to start a fresh path and how you can start identifying what that new career will be.
- 2:41Carmen Hecox: Finally, we'll get practical and concrete steps you can take to transition smoothly into a new career We'll talk about everything from researching and upskilling to networking and making that exciting leap.
- 2:58Carmen Hecox: But before we jump in, don't forget to click the subscribe button so you won't miss any future episodes filled with useful and insights, tips, and discussions.
- 3:07Carmen Hecox: Now, without further ado, let's dive into the first segment, understanding career dissatisfaction.
- 3:15Carmen Hecox: I'll begin by diving deep into understanding career dissatisfaction, a pivotal starting point for this discussion.
- 3:23Carmen Hecox: So you might be wondering what does career dissatisfaction look like?
- 3:28Carmen Hecox: It's a fair question because it can manifest differently for different people.
- 3:34Carmen Hecox: For some, it might be a general feeling of boredom or frustration, like you're just going through the motions without any real engagement or in enjoyment of what you're doing.
- 3:45Carmen Hecox: For others, it could show up as a deep sense of restlessness or feeling of being stuck in a rut where every day feels like Groundhog Day repeating the same task over and over.
- 3:59Carmen Hecox: In some cases, it might be more severe leading to burned out or significantly affecting or mental health.
- 4:06Carmen Hecox: Symptoms of burnout include feeling exhausted, having a cynical or negative view of your job and feeling ineffective or unsatisfied with your achievement.
- 4:18Carmen Hecox: Career dissatisfaction can be triggered by various factors.
- 4:23Carmen Hecox: Maybe you're feeling unappreciative or undervalued, or perhaps there's a lack of career development or opportunities for progression.
- 4:32Carmen Hecox: It could also stem from a work-life imbalance, where your job is encroaching on your personal life and causes stress.
- 4:41Carmen Hecox: For some women in midlife this dissatisfaction can coincide with other life transitions such as children leaving home, which can amplify the feeling of restlessness or frustration.
- 4:55Carmen Hecox: Recognizing these feelings is the first step.
- 4:59Carmen Hecox: These emotions are entirely valid, and it's essential to know that you are not alone.
- 5:05Carmen Hecox: Many women in midlife experience these feelings and it's completely normal to want more from your career.
- 5:13Carmen Hecox: Now armed, with this understanding, let's consider how to reignite the passion in your current job before thinking about jumping ship.
- 5:21Carmen Hecox: Let's dive into the next segment of reigniting passion in your current career.
- 5:27Carmen Hecox: Now that you understand career dissatisfaction, let's explore ways we can spark that passion and satisfaction again, in your current job.
- 5:38Carmen Hecox: Sometimes dissatisfaction stems from being in a comfort zone for too long, doing the same task repeatedly, and not feeling challenged.
- 5:49Carmen Hecox: If that's the case for you, it might be time to look for new challenges within your role.
- 5:56Carmen Hecox: Can you take on a new project?
- 5:58Carmen Hecox: Can you learn a new skill that would benefit your work?
- 6:01Carmen Hecox: Or maybe you could volunteer for a task or responsibility outside your normal realm.
- 6:08Carmen Hecox: Professional development is another great way to reignite passion.
- 6:13Carmen Hecox: Maybe there's a course or training that you've been eyeing or a conference that really interests you.
- 6:20Carmen Hecox: Professional development can not only reignite your interest, but also improve your skills and make you more valuable in your role, potentially opening up new opportunities within your current career.
- 6:35Carmen Hecox: Then there's your work environment.
- 6:37Carmen Hecox: You might be surprised by how much your surroundings can affect your mood and productivity.
- 6:45Carmen Hecox: Maybe sprucing up your workspace, introducing more natural light or even finding a new spot could make a significant difference.
- 6:55Carmen Hecox: Finally, don't overlook the importance of communication.
- 6:59Carmen Hecox: If you're feeling undervalued or overlooked, it might be time for a candid conversation with your boss.
- 7:06Carmen Hecox: Perhaps they're unaware of your feelings and discussing your aspirations and frustrations could lead to positive change.
- 7:14Carmen Hecox: But what happens if you try these strategies and you're still not feeling the love from your current career?
- 7:22Carmen Hecox: That's what we'll explore next, when to consider a new career.
- 7:28Carmen Hecox: Let's talk about when it's time to consider making the big switch to a new career.
- 7:34Carmen Hecox: There are several signs that it might be time to consider this path.
- 7:39Carmen Hecox: Perhaps you've tried reigniting your passion, but no matter what you do, your heart just isn't in it anymore.
- 7:47Carmen Hecox: Maybe you're feeling chronologically stressed or dreading every workday.
- 7:53Carmen Hecox: Or perhaps you experience a persistent longing for something different, a yearning that just won't go away.
- 8:02Carmen Hecox: Consider the story of Melissa, a real estate agent who had been in the industry for over 20 years.
- 8:09Carmen Hecox: Despite her success, she found herself becoming more and more dissatisfied with her work.
- 8:16Carmen Hecox: She felt unfulfilled and longed for something that would make her feel more connected to her community.
- 8:24Carmen Hecox: After much introspect, she realized her passion laid in teaching.
- 8:29Carmen Hecox: She loved the idea of shaping young minds and found that this career path aligned more with her personal values and desires impact on the world.
- 8:42Carmen Hecox: For Melissa, her persistent desire for change and the clear direction she felt pulled toward were signs that it was time to consider a new career.
- 8:54Carmen Hecox: However, it is important to remember everyone's journey is different.
- 8:59Carmen Hecox: What worked for Melissa might not work for you, and that's okay.
- 9:04Carmen Hecox: Listen to your intuition, pay attention to your feelings of dissatisfaction and take time to explore what you truly want from your career.
- 9:15Carmen Hecox: Now, let's say you decide that a new career is indeed what you're yearning for.
- 9:21Carmen Hecox: How do you make that transition smoothly?
- 9:24Carmen Hecox: Let's delve into the steps to transition smoothly into a new career.
- 9:30Carmen Hecox: So, you decided to embark on a new career journey.
- 9:33Carmen Hecox: The prospect can be both exhilarating, daunting, but remember, every journey begins with a single step.
- 9:42Carmen Hecox: Here are some steps to help you make that transition as smoothly as possible.
- 9:48Carmen Hecox: First start with self-reflection.
- 9:51Carmen Hecox: Identify what you want from your career.
- 9:54Carmen Hecox: What are your passions?
- 9:56Carmen Hecox: What are your strengths?
- 9:58Carmen Hecox: What gives you a sense of fulfillment?
- 10:00Carmen Hecox: Consider taking a career assessment to help guide your reflection.
- 10:06Carmen Hecox: Secondly, do research.
- 10:08Carmen Hecox: Once you have an idea of the career you want to pursue, it's time to learn about it.
- 10:14Carmen Hecox: Talk to people in that field, read articles, books, join online forums or groups.
- 10:21Carmen Hecox: Understand the realities of that career path, the skills required, and how to get started.
- 10:29Carmen Hecox: Once you have a solid understanding of your new career path, it's time to start acquiring any new skills you may need.
- 10:38Carmen Hecox: This might mean going back to school, taking an online course.
- 10:42Carmen Hecox: Look for opportunities to volunteer or take on part-time work in your new field to gain practical experience.
- 10:51Carmen Hecox: Networking is another crucial step.
- 10:54Carmen Hecox: Reach out to professionals in your desired field.
- 10:58Carmen Hecox: Attend industry events and join professional groups.
- 11:02Carmen Hecox: Building these connections can open doors to opportunities and provide invaluable advice.
- 11:08Carmen Hecox: Lastly, create a detailed action plan.
- 11:12Carmen Hecox: Outline your goals and the steps you could take to reach them.
- 11:17Carmen Hecox: This could include timelines for learning new skills, saving money, or transitioning out of your current job.
- 11:25Carmen Hecox: Consider for instance, the story of Jackie, who was a successful corporate lawyer, found her heart was really in environmental conservation.
- 11:35Carmen Hecox: Jackie's first started by volunteering her legal experience part-time at a local environmental NGO.
- 11:43Carmen Hecox: This gave her an understanding of the field and helped her build a network.
- 11:48Carmen Hecox: She also started taking online courses in environmental science.
- 11:53Carmen Hecox: When she felt ready, she made the complete switch and is now an advocate for environmental policies.
- 12:00Carmen Hecox: Remember, change doesn't happen overnight.
- 12:03Carmen Hecox: It takes time, patience, and preservation.
- 12:07Carmen Hecox: But with the right steps, you can make that transition smoothly.
- 12:13Carmen Hecox: Now let's move on to our final segment.
- 12:16Carmen Hecox: Remember, it's your journey.
- 12:19Carmen Hecox: We've reached our final segment today.
- 12:21Carmen Hecox: Remember, it's your journey.
- 12:23Carmen Hecox: This part is crucial because it's about acknowledging and respecting the uniqueness of your path.
- 12:32Carmen Hecox: When it comes to careers, it's easy to compare ourselves to others to see their achievements or the speed at which they're moving and feel like we're falling behind.
- 12:44Carmen Hecox: Social media in particular can make it seem like everyone else has it all figured out.
- 12:50Carmen Hecox: But remember what we see online is often highlighted reels, not the full picture.
- 12:58Carmen Hecox: Take for instance the story of Sarah.
- 13:01Carmen Hecox: She was a stay-at-home mom for 15 years before deciding to start a career in interior design.
- 13:08Carmen Hecox: Her passion she had had for years.
- 13:10Carmen Hecox: She often found herself feeling inadequate when comparing her journey to those of her peers who had been working consistently while she was a stay-at-home mom.
- 13:21Carmen Hecox: But, she quickly realized that comparison was not only unhelpful, but also unfair.
- 13:29Carmen Hecox: Sarah's journey was unique to her and the experience she had as a stay-at-home mom was invaluable and shaped her design perspective, making her stand out in her field.
- 13:42Carmen Hecox: Remember, everyone's career path is different.
- 13:45Carmen Hecox: Some people find their passion early in life, while others might take a little longer.
- 13:51Carmen Hecox: There's no right or wrong time, only the one that works for you.
- 13:57Carmen Hecox: Whether you're reigniting your passion for your current career or branching into a new field entirely, remember that it's your journey.
- 14:07Carmen Hecox: Own it.
- 14:08Carmen Hecox: Trusted and know that it's never too late to pursue a career that brings you satisfaction and joy.
- 14:16Carmen Hecox: Let's wrap up this discussion and go over what we've learned.
- 14:20Carmen Hecox: Today we discuss how career dissatisfaction can arise and ways to reignite passion in your current job, when to consider a new career and steps for a smooth career transition.
- 14:34Carmen Hecox: Remember, whether you're reigniting passion in your current role or setting out on a new career path, the goal is to create a work life that you love, that inspires you and that helped you create the best you.
- 14:52Carmen Hecox: Today's transcripts and additional information about this topic can be found at createthebestme.com/ep021.
- 15:03Carmen Hecox: If you want more inspiration, I recommend you listen to episode 15 by heading on over to createthebestme.com/ep015.
- 15:15Carmen Hecox: If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.
- 15:21Carmen Hecox: Don't forget to come back next week.
- 15:24Carmen Hecox: because my guess is Lori Saitz, the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit, and the host of Fine is a 4-Letter Word Podcast.
- 15:34Carmen Hecox: Lori's experience is working with high achiever entrepreneurs and business leaders, helping them live a more peaceful and focused life.
- 15:43Carmen Hecox: She's also going to share some amazing tips and tricks, so you don't want to miss that episode.
- 15:50Carmen Hecox: Until next time, keep dreaming big, take care of yourself, and remember, you were beautiful, strong, and capable of creating the best version of yourself.
- 16:02Carmen Hecox: Thank you for watching, see you next week.
- 16:05Carmen Hecox: Bye for now!