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Getting OUT of my comfort zone!
I've been in HR for the past five years and I've worked for some great companies but everyday I have a yearning desire to do something else (open a business, try new career, etc.). I am having a super hard time putting my thoughts into action. One major reason is my finances. I am in debt and that's my main focus at the moment. I want to make sure that what ever job change that I make will be able to support me, financially. At the same time, I want to be passionate in the work that I do and what I am currently doing is not cutting it. I dread going to work and I dread my commute among other things. Help!
Has anyone had any experience with making a career change? Could you offer me some advice on how to navigate through my thoughts and put it into action? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Eva Jannotta (she/her)Amplify your influence.
171
01/15/20 at 9:16PM UTC
Hi! I started my own business five years ago. Here are some things that have helped me:
1) Commit to something you can do that you're passionate about regularly. Do you want to pivot into a different field? Can you research and write about topics in that field and publish them on Medium or similar to become known for them? Not only will that help you network for future opportunIties, but the COMMITMENT will help your ideas and expertise develop so when you're ready to jump, you have work to show off.
2) I find that I don't put my thoughts into action when they are either overwhelming, or not something I care about very much. For example, the thought to become an Instagram influencer... I could probably do it if I tried and the OUTCOME appeals to me, but I don't ACTUALLY want to do the work... so I never do. Any BIG achievement I hope to make usually overwhelms me, so I try to focus on ONE thing I can commit to doing, and then I keep my word to that commitment.
KATRINE CHOWTech Enthusiast | Woman In Games
236
01/14/20 at 6:58PM UTC (Edited)
I am currently in the middle of a career change. Does your current job provide tuition assistance benefit? You can pick up new skills in the field you enjoy through online courses (some are free, if no assistance is available).
Definitely think about what your dreams are (job title, salary, industry, lifestyle, location, type of people you want to work with, various facets of a job) and do some research first on what skills/experience are required. Glassdoor and FGB are good resources.
Once you figure out your direction, find ways to gain the skills you need, or re-frame the ones you currently have to get that role.
I find that once you have a personal goal it's a little bit easier to shift your mind away from the bad stuff at work. Whether it's a career, education, or a side hustle.
Check out Indie Hackers if you're interested in an online/digital business. Lots of great stories and advice there from fellow founders.
Network and find yourself mentors if you can. There may be some professional groups online (Facebook, LinkedIn) that have mentorship communities. Get to know what your dream role involves and let the community know that you're looking for opportunities.
Best of luck and please update us once you've made the switch! We're rooting for you!
Jessica KuipersMarketing & Communications Professional
36
01/09/20 at 9:58PM UTC
I was and am in your shoes regarding having debt and scared to death (I live in a very rural area with few jobs)! However, have you considered staying in HR but maybe making an industry switch? I worked in health care over 10+ years and hated it but loved marketing and communications. I was forced out of my health care job by a bad CEO which lead to automotive to agriculture seed genetics and now rural telecommunications (I love). During that time, I did take six months of unemployment due to a layoff and started my own side hustle which doesn't get a lot of my time currently but slow and surely it will. A new industry provides new things to learn, new people and relationships, new challenges, and ultimately the opportunity to grow. Also one of the best things I did was join Kiwanis in my local area as it exposed me to a lot of like minded business people that kept me going when was in a bad spot with my career. Find that cause you are passionate about and you never know what experiences or opportunities might present themselves. Best of luck!!
Anonymous
01/09/20 at 7:31PM UTC
If you're thinking about opening a business, I really liked this book about starting businesses with less than $100 of investment: https://www.amazon.com/100-Startup-Reinvent-Living-Create/dp/0307951529. There are some great stories in it!
LEANNE TOBIASInvestment real estate/sustainability
4.1k
01/09/20 at 12:09AM UTC
I agree with the “side hustle” advice.
An additional low-risk alternative is volunteering your time in your area/s of interest to see if there is a fit.
FWIW, the economy is consolidating and growing a solo business is more difficult than it used to be. So don’t give up your current job until you have developed an income stream in your new field or have another source of support to rely on.
ertessier
19
01/08/20 at 9:28PM UTC
I feel you! The thing that jumps out immediately to me is to cultivate a side hustle. This trend has really developed ground. I keep running into numerous articles that a) ennumerate the many different side hustles that there are; and b) profile someone who turned the once side hustle into a new dream career.
In this way you can explore new territory, AND make money. Worth taking a look, and you may find something you truly fall in love with, while getting out of debt.
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