Ever catch yourself daydreaming about a different career while you're supposed to be "living the dream" in your current role? You're not alone, my friend.
Career change is a hot topic these days, and for good reason. We're living in an age where working in alignment with your strengths and values isn't just a luxury—it's becoming a necessity for our mental health and overall life satisfaction.
But here's the kicker: change is scary, and our brains are wired to resist it. So how do we overcome that fear and make the leap? Well, buckle up, because I'm about to drop some knowledge that'll make your career transition smoother than a fresh jar of skippy.
The Jay Shetty Cosign
First things first, let me humble-brag for a hot second. Jay Shetty—yeah, *that* Jay Shetty, the global bestselling author and Chief Purpose Officer of Calm—basically co-signed my approach to career change.
I know, right? 😎
I was re-watching his Masterclass on navigating change (again, because who doesn't love a good rerun?), and he started breaking down why it's so hard for us humans to change. Turns out, it's all about how our brains are wired and how we react to uncertainty. Classic us.
Change Isn't a Light Switch
Here's where it gets good. Jay dropped this truth bomb: change isn't binary. It's not like flipping a switch from your old career to your new one. It's more like making a smoothie—you've got to blend those ingredients together over time to get the perfect mix.
So, Jay laid out his framework for change, and I nearly fell out of my chair.
Why? Because it's eerily similar to the framework I use with my clients. Great minds, am I right?
The Frameworks: Jay's Take vs. My Spin
Let's break it down, shall we?
Jay Shetty's Framework:
1. Learn (figure out what floats your boat)
2. Experiment (dip your toes in the water)
3. Perform (dive in and swim for a while)
4. Struggle (keep swimming, even when the waves get rough)
5. Thrive (enjoy the beach, but keep an eye out for new oceans)
My Framework:
1. Match (soul-search and research)
2. Make (craft your story and try it on for size)
3. Market (connect with your tribe and make some noise)
See the similarities? It's like we're career change cousins or something.
Breaking It Down: Your Roadmap to Career Bliss
Let's dive a little deeper into each step:
1. Match (Learn & Experiment)
This is your reconnaissance phase. Take a good, hard look at yourself. What makes you tick? What skills do you have that make people go "Wow!"? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world? Once you've got a handle on that, start exploring careers that align with your awesome self.
2. Make (Perform)
Time to craft your narrative. You're not just changing careers; you're evolving. Update those LinkedIn and Instagram bios. Practice your "So, what do you do?" elevator pitch. You're trying on this new identity, so make it fit like a glove.
3. Market (Struggle & Thrive)
This is where the rubber meets the road. Start putting yourself out there. Network like your career depends on it (because it does). Will it be uncomfortable? Probably. Will you face rejection? Almost certainly. But remember, every "no" is just a "not yet" in disguise.
The Truth About Change
Here's the real talk: moving towards what you really want isn't an overnight success story. It's more like a Netflix series—full of plot twists, character development, and the occasional need for a snack break.
It won't always be easy. There will be days when you question everything. But let me tell you something: it IS possible, and it IS worth it.
So, the next time you find yourself daydreaming about a different career, remember: that dream job isn't just a fantasy. It's a destination, and you've got the roadmap to get there. All you need to do is take the first step.
Ready to turn that daydream into your daily reality? Let's make it happen. Your future self is already thanking you.
