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midlife career change: thinking outside the box

April 29, 2016 by

Many 50 something people have had it with their jobs. What once was interesting and challenging has now become burdensome. You long for a change, but fear the consequences.

Who will hire an older worker? What do you want to do next? Where can you go? And who will match  your salary and benefits? These are legitimate questions that require creative solutions. Though eager for a change, you want to control the outcome. You want something better for yourself, not worse. But you fear you will regret your moves.

Unpleasant work is at least familiar. With new work you don’t know what lies ahead. It’s unlikely at 50 or 60 that you will find a job posting that sounds like it’s exactly made for you. But at first that’s what you might do…look at job listings.

Maybe that kind of search is how you began your career. But it’s rarely how you will progress now. The hard truth is that the opportunity you seek isn’t out there. You have to design it. And most people hate to hear that. They want an easier way. Surely you’ve earned it. You want people to call you with an opportunity.

Of course there are still government and private jobs that are listed online. But even those require making connections and becoming noticed. And you wonder, do they already have someone in mind for this position? How do you become that someone?

Olivia has climbed her ladder successfully and is paying the price for it. She is stressed, overweight, has high blood pressure, her marriage is rocky and she finds little time for family or friends. With achievement at work comes more responsibility, greater expectations, higher stakes. Olivia wishes she could disappear sometimes, but doesn’t even take her vacation time. Who would carry the ship when she is gone? If they mess things up, she’ll have more to clean up when she returns. It’s not even worth it.

Once you have reached the top, it’s hard to back down. That’s not the way it works, or is it? What if it was customary to switch gears, change priorities, walk away and care less for the title and salary and do more of what you want?

Even after working for years, many of us don’t know what we want. You know you don’t relish what exists, but have little idea of what’s possible. And you have lots of doubts about your ability to reinvent.

Reinvention can be a lonely road. Thinking about something new while you are struggling with huge responsibilities is daunting. You wonder if it’s easier to suffer through your career until the magic date of “retirement”. But then you’re faced with another transition. What will you do with yourself then? Better to figure out your path as early as possible and act on it, than live an unauthentic life. And it’s never one path, but many.

“The only place where your dream becomes impossible is in your own thinking”

Robert Harold Schuller

Gathering together all your lessons learned, your self knowledge and your courage, it’s time to have a serious talk. What’s the cost if you go on like this 10-20 more years? Do you wait until your later years find true satisfaction? Some options are to make things better where you are, get a side gig you love or make a switch.

Figuring out the basic essentials you require to live a satisfied life and tapping into your curiosity can lead you on a journey of investigation. What do you enjoy? If you didn’t have to work, what would you do? What skills do you want to share? Who needs your help? What environment calls you? Getting these answers gives you a direction.

Once you have a direction you can find others who share your interests, whether it’s groups, institutions, associations. Go out and meet those people. Learn how they are contributing. Start involving yourself. An attitude of possibility, positivity and puzzle solving will serve you as you enter your transition.

Write your own job description. Be brave, uncensored, honest. Then find ways to carry it out. It may not come in a package with everything tied up in a box. Instead, think outside the old boxes. Find new ways to live differently. Head in a new direction that builds on the past but doesn’t replicate it.

“Thinking will not overcome fears but action will”

William Clement Stone

Ready to start?

Discover your target
Where’s the community?
Learn from them
Start to engage
Create your own opportunities

Leap onto the path and see you there!

Filed Under: Career Transitions, Life Design, Self Knowledge Tagged With: , ,

career exit strategies, making a plan, part 2

November 30, 2014 by

Two buses on highway in motion blur

“You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don’t need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don’t need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free”

This chorus from the 70’s Paul Simon song “50 Ways to Leave your Lover” playfully talks about a very painful process: leaving a relationship. Perhaps you wish you could have 50 Ways to Leave your Current Job. About the only way above you can seriously use is “Make a New Plan”…

Your uncovered answers from last month to what you care about, what gets you in flow, and when you are at your best lead you to some clues regarding how you want to be spending your time. But often, we don’t believe we can earn money at something we truly love. You think: if only I could, if only it wasn’t so hard or impossible or unrealistic. If it feels so good, it can’t be right.  Says who?

The pain of not following your dreams makes everyday life very dissatisfying. Not being true to yourself saps your wellbeing.

“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself”

Shannon L. Alder

What are you waiting for? You know people who waited and lost their opportunities through illness, disability, or death. You also know people who throw off caution and go for it. When you don’t pursue your passions, you may say “I’m waiting for the just right time”.

“If you wait, all that happens is you get older”

Larry McMurtry

The hard truth is there is no “Just Right” time. But acting now gives you the opportunity to discover what’s possible.

Taking initiative to pursue your interests comes in many forms. You can take a course, join a club, change jobs, volunteer, or establish a self study. Education at midlife looks different than that in early adulthood. Instead of a four year track that is pre-determined by higher education, you become responsible for putting together your specialized, independent study.

Lynn has worked in the financial services field for 15 years. She enjoys the client contact, but is weary of the pressure and sales aspect of her job. She dreams of something different and takes the leap to start adding new interests to her current life. “At least I can enjoy something in my off hours”, she thinks.

Growing up Lynn enjoyed childcare. Her children are grown, but Lynn decides to become a mentor to families at a local shelter. She finds meaning that is missing in her livelihood. Even after a particularly difficult day at work, Lynn grows energy through her interactions at the shelter.

So a door is opening for Lynn. Where it takes her depends on her curiosity in, desire for, and investigation of new fields. Whether this stays a hobby or becomes a career, depends on Lynn’s development of her learning track.

The experience of new skill building promotes confidence and vitality within you that can lead to changes. An investment in your future expands emotional connection. This connection to something unique gives you a sense of possibility and expansion.

With confidence and optimism you take action. Say you want to change jobs. By setting a deadline to leave, you help to make it happen. Telling others your plans also holds you accountable and increases completion. Self imposed deadlines help put your priorities in line with those from the outside. Once you create your desired outcome and deadline, you can work backward to identify small steps needed to accomplish your goals.

You can use the time before your deadline to:

Learn new skills
Investigate different fields
Volunteer
Informational interview
Apply for new jobs
Create opportunities where none exist
Save money
Plan a sabbatical

The concept of purposeful sabbaticals, where you prepare for new work as well as refresh and renew, is growing in popularity. Higher education historically has used sabbaticals for advanced study and research. But most workers are not provided this opportunity. Creating one yourself is extremely valuable when in career transition.

What you can do for yourself:

Choose a topic for independent study
Create a series of activities
Listen carefully to your reactions
Set a deadline for change in your livelihood
Establish the steps needed to reach your goals
Get in action

Happy travels and see you on the path!

Filed Under: Career Transitions, Life Design Tagged With: , , ,

career exit strategies: letting go to move ahead, part 1

October 31, 2014 by

Doors

When negatives outweigh the positives in your career, you think about moving on. But what is involved? When you were younger you changed jobs, relationships, and housing frequently. But as you age, transitions become more complicated. Perhaps your decisions impact your family’s work or schooling, or you have greater financial responsibilities that depend on your earnings, or your identity is tied to this job.

Often you feel trapped, but don’t take action either to fix where you are or to move on. So you stay in pain and complain. This pain influences your mental and physical health, your relationships, and your hope. You have choices. They may not be your ideal dream, but there are always choices.

In order to creatively construct solutions for your career distress it’s necessary to be in top shape. Exercise, adequate sleep, socialization, and stress reduction are important. When you aren’t at your best, you become vulnerable to making poor choices and being adversely impacted by tensions around you.

If you work in a demanding environment, it’s almost as if you need to wear protective armor. This armor can consist of your confidence and focus. Holding a clear idea of your values and goals allows you to sort through interferences. Giving yourself the space and cushion to be mindful of your needs and mission allows you to be proactive in meeting them. Every workplace has some stress, dysfunction, and parts we dislike, but you have the power to minimize the hassles you absorb.

Allison Rimm, author of “The Joy of Strategy-A Business Plan for Life” uses the concept of the Joy to Hassle Ratio.  She has her clients measure where they stand on any day. If the hassles are overpowering your joy, it’s time to take action.

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today? And whenever the answer has been ‘no’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something”

Steve Jobs

That “something” represents a continuum of change ranging from keeping the status quo to finding another job. The vision of walking out the door comes to us when we are fed up. It happens in relationships and work, but impulsively walking out is not recommended. You may ultimately decide to leave, but there are intermediate steps to take before you act.

Amy is in her late 40’s and has practiced the same profession for 20 years. She has worked in different settings and is on an upward career path toward success. But while Amy is excellent at her job and is achieving success by society’s standards, Amy is no longer satisfied with her vocation.

But what can Amy do? Perhaps she can take efforts to create more of what she wants at work. Or if Amy knows she wants something different, she can begin a search and establish networks in that field. She can also prepare herself for a new field through training and volunteering. All of that can be done while still working, but it takes stamina. That’s where personal wellness promotion is vital.

In order to take on new learning and community building, you have to make room in your life. Too many people pile on goals and fail. Unless you let go of some things on your plate, you won’t have the space and energy for anything new. Determining what you can let go of and taking action are essential to success in any new endeavor.

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage, pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically, to say no to the other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside”

Stephen Covey

If Amy doesn’t know what she wants to do, there are more answers to discover. She can begin an inner journey alone, or with a professional guide, or with trusted friends and colleagues. By getting curious about who she is now…20 years into a career…Amy can analyze the lessons learned about herself.

These are the questions to ask: When are you at your best on the job? What lights you up? What gets you in flow? What do you care about? If you could change something in the world, what issue would you seek out?

Next month we’ll look at what to do with the information you are amassing and what next steps are possible.

When you have one foot out the door:

Test your joy to hassle ratio
Ask yourself some hard questions
Dream about what is missing
Learn from your experiences to date
Determine what information you need

Happy journey and see you on the path!

Filed Under: Career Transitions Tagged With: , , ,

channeling your inner sherpa: practices to guide you on your career path

September 30, 2014 by

Sunny summer morning in the Italian Alps. Dolomites mountains, I

Ways to refresh and recharge vary according to our interests and needs. One of mine is moving in nature. It allows a shift from too much brain focus to a body engagement, where all senses are ignited.

This month I relished two weeks of hiking in Italy. One with a guide who shared wisdom that is valuable every day. Our small group in the Dolomites differed in abilities, but shared a desire to push ourselves beyond our status quo. The question of “Can I do it?” reverberated in the mountains. It reminded me of the adage to make your goals just beyond your fingertips…not too overwhelming, but not too easy.

As we started out, our guide Gary shared about the Sherpas in Nepal and what he’s learned from them. The Sherpas are the ethnic group known for their mountaineering skills. Besides guiding visitors, they carry the gear and food to nourish the group.

As we began our ascents, I became out of breath with rapid heart rate. Gary offered that the Sherpas take very small steps and strive to keep their breathing and heart rate level. So that became one of my practices on the trail, a type of walking meditation with focus on the breath. Gary has used this to climb the first 27,000 feet of Mt. Everest without oxygen. My goals were much more modest, but keeping a steady fuel of oxygen was one.

I found during that week an energy and excitement not present on most days. The beauty and fresh air inspired us, as did the camaraderie. We were all leaving the pressures of work and life responsibilities to heal our souls. It worked. The glow remains one week later after re-entry. But how to keep it alive or to create it without an exotic trip? What can we plug into our normal lives that keeps us engaged and energized?

The people I coach are ready for a change, usually starting with increased satisfaction in their work lives. They ask me how long does change usually take. How long do I work with people? They preface by saying they know it varies, but they still want to know when relief will appear for them. I understand the desire for a more gratifying work day..one where you are using your skills, living your values, and involved in something of interest that makes a difference.

How often we lose a sense at work that what we do matters? It may appear worthwhile at the outset, but after several years we grow stale. We need a shake up, a new path, a new reason to perform. As we grow and change as people, we need new challenges. But we fear our readiness for that challenge. We doubt our ability, but will never know our potential unless we try.

Like the Sherpas we can learn to take small steps and monitor our heart rate and breathing. If our body tells us to slow down, we can listen. Just as we can listen when it tells us to make a change because we are bored or stressed. Have you ever noticed when you take on something you love, time flies and you’re filled with energy? You are in flow according to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of “Flow, the Psychology of Optimal Experience”. Here’s his TED talk:

http://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow

We don’t have to doubt our ability and stamina when we find the right interests. And we can find them by trying out many different things. There’s no recipe book for you. No index to check about what to do next. It’s just the willingness to put one foot in front of the other in a new direction. If you find that’s not bringing you joy, turn to the left or to the right.

During one of our amazing hikes, we were alone without our guide. We reached an unmarked crossroad and had to make a decision. In the direction we turned the trail became narrow and dark and muddy…difficult even. Surely this can’t be the right one, we thought. But we kept on, encouraging each other, finding unique ways to make it. And we came out onto a huge clearing, a bright meadow with flowers. In the distance we could see our guide waiting for us. He knew we would make it and ultimately, we did too.

So pick up your walking stick and:

Decide if this is your time for a change
Identify what area of your life needs a boost
Create your initial vision
Make a strategy map
Step on the path with a smile and hope

Good hiking and see you on the trail!

Filed Under: Career Transitions, Life Design Tagged With: , , , ,

the mysterious destination: enjoying the journey

June 30, 2014 by

Red Rock Canyon Landscape at Sunset

Last month an intriguing path called to me in the red rocks of Sedona. I noticed it from above and saw that it wound around a hill and went off into the distance. I knew nothing about it, where it went, how long it was, how difficult. Up until then I had researched all of my trails and was fully prepared. Why was this one different and why was it calling me?

So without consulting the information board, a trail map, or anyone around, three of us set off. It soon became uncomfortable for one of our party and she took a familiar path to the car to wait.

Two of us continued on the “Airport Loop Trail”. I knew the airport wasn’t far and that our transportation was parked nearby. Certainly this would be a fun, surprising adventure.

But the path took us away from our destination. We heard planes, even saw them, but couldn’t reach the airport. Along the way was a 360 degree view of Sedona. Very interesting and beautiful, but there was a nagging worry in our minds.

How long was this going to take? Did we have enough water? What about our friend who was waiting? Where did it end?

Without our sense of urgency, we could have eased into the process.. enjoyed the walk.. the newness.. the journey. But we kept wondering how much longer, where are we going, what will we find?

Our experience reminds me of negotiating life change. We may be attracted to something, but not have much information. It looks intriguing from a distance, but there are no guarantees of what you’ll find. You may not know how to get started and where to turn. There is no map.

Some of us dream from afar and never take the first step. Others jump right in and find they are missing a parachute. Patty was like that. She felt stuck in a job that brought more stress than joy. To take a break she traveled to Portland, Oregon where she refreshed in the laid back, natural atmosphere. Upon return home, Patty gave notice and started looking for a job and housing in Portland. 

As she delved more deeply into the process, Patty learned that Portland job opportunities were limited in her field. People were more highly educated and experienced. The pay was less, yet the rents were comparable to home. Now Patty had created additional stress instead of escaping it.

What Patty lacked was a clear vision, information, and a strategic life plan. Often when we reach the tipping point for change, we want it to happen fast. We fail to look at all sides. We know we don’t like where we are and think anywhere else will be better. And yet that new situation may not fulfill us either. How can we know for sure? We want that guarantee that we’ve found the correct fit.

“Being at ease with not knowing is crucial for answers to come to you”

Eckhart Tolle

How much can we really predict and be sure of? How much unknown can we tolerate? I didn’t know until I was well on that trail that I would like it, that I could do it. And I had no guarantee that the path at the beginning would stay the same. What if the terrain changed and it became too difficult. What if it ended abruptly, what if the steepness became overwhelming?

Even with our research, surprises happen. How will you prepare for those surprises? When do we turn around, when do we call for help, when do we change direction?

Some tools to help when you’re in unknown territory:

A belief in yourself
A trust in the process
Flexibility when the unexpected occurs
Willingness to ask for help
Gratitude for the opportunity

As far as the hike, we did reach the end of four miles and our friend was waiting for us. We’d do it again, but this time we’d be better prepared.

Happy adventures and see you on the path!

Filed Under: Career Transitions, Life Design, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,