Non-Negotiables & Career Changes (Issue #38)
A lesson learned and a 6 week update as I search for the next thing...
It’s now just been just over 6 weeks…
Yep, since that big change in my life. TL;DR: I was laid off—sad stuff. I’m taking it all one day at a time and here’s how I have been actively doing that:
I cried, I took a beat ✔️
I created a plan ✔️
I put the plan in place (day by day) ✔️
I made space for breaks and fun ✔️
And now, and more recently…
5. I started listening more
6. I stopped being afraid to ask
#5 I started listening more…
More recently I noticed a huge shift in how I am approaching my search for my new role—I am more open, I am having more conversations and I am definitely listening more.
But not so much to other people, but to myself. Asking myself, what do I really want to do, what excites me for the day and a whole lot of reminiscing of the ‘best jobs’ I ever had.
This past week I met with a brilliant woman who’s helping people find their way down new career paths and supporting them in their transformation. As I was rambling on about what I love to do, skills I have etc. she asked me a very important question “What do you want your days to look like.”
I paused, chuckled and began describing my perfect day.
Slower mornings where I can be creative, think, write and plan my day (because that’s when my best ideas come)
Time I spend with others collaborating or solving complex problems
Having space to be creative and build quietly
Taking time throughout my day to talk to family, have lunch, take a walk with the dog, collect eggs from the chicken coop and so on
She nodded in agreement and then said “So, these things, these are your non-negotiables?”
“Well, I guess so!” I said hesitantly. Hesitant mostly because it’s almost scary to admit…
But it got me thinking.
And it now has me planning for what’s next with what’s more aligned for me.
#6 I stopped being afraid
And a big part of planning what’s next is taking action. Which means ‘getting over myself’.
I’ve been afraid to talk too much with too many people about my career path, the past, present and my dreams of the future—to be potentially seen as a failure—another layoff—it’s been over a month—what are you doing?
And I just quietly pushed all that external and internal judgement aside and really started to focus on what I want to do, with what companies, with what people and every single day it’s becoming clearer to me.
In fact, talking out loud about my situation has led me down a path of new opportunities I never thought possible 6 weeks ago—and I am damn excited for what’s next.
So, whether you are navigating a layoff or just ready for a change, ask yourself: ‘what are my non-negotiables’ and be ready for the unexpected!
If you’d like to hear more about my very personal experiences and be kept up-to-date on my path of discovery…please feel free to reach out directly.
Until next time, stay well
Colleen