Career Transitions Part 1

When I was 18, just before graduating from high school, my dad took me to Galiano Island. I clearly remember walking by some horse stables and him asking me what kind of work I as interested in, I said Animal Behaviour. I could tell from his response that this was the 'wrong' answer. In a futile attempt to please him I switched course to something more safe, practical and applicable - business studies.

I never expected to go to university but in a twist of fate I completed a BA in Marketing & Tourism and a MSc in International Management. I worked in Marketing and eventually Project Management for ten years. I took pride in my skills and the work I accomplished but I never felt connected or passionate about my work. In my 20s I spent a good 5 years trying to figure out what would be a better fit, it was a frustrating process and in the end I sadly gave up. 

Now in my late 30s I am craving connecting to meaningful work, not doing so is simply too soul destroying. My 'journey' started with an amazing BC government career search program called North Shore Compass (this program has now been cut). I learnt the importance of spending time doing things which make me feel alive, those moments when you are in the flow, in the present.

Having spent the last year healing myself I now fee ready to move forward!

My first step was to examine my existing skills and interests;

My Skills:
• Writing
• Photography
• Marketing
• Research
• Technology
• Project Management
• Property Management
• Tourism
• Teaching
• Dog Walking / Sitting
• Nature

Interests:
• Sustainability & Environment
• Tourism
• Outdoor recreation (nature)
• Economic Development
• Art & Culture
• Small / Local Business Development

My plan was to do marketing, sales and business development for my mom's fascinator & hat business Entitled Canada while also researching a career in communications: writing & photography.

I engaged a career coach - Alison Hale @ Vocational Advantage.

In our first Career Coaching Session we discussed:

• The importance of making solid decisions about my future by doing the groundwork and laying the foundation
• Be as clear and specific as possible about the kind of work I want to do
• Thinking about which areas I would want to specialise in, create a niche
• Leverage the best of yourself
• Information interviews
• Virtual mentors by following people who inspire and motivate me on twitter
• Giving myself a time frame to dream and commit to the process > focus on what you get passion from > avoid all other noise, other offers – if it doesn’t bring you joy don’t do it – no compromising
• Really figure out what brings me joy? Flesh ideas out, have a clear idea of what community you want to be part of – when you see it on paper it makes it easier to commit
• Develop the philosophy “we can do what we love”
• Focus on what we are good at – times when work didn’t feel like work – end of work day we are looking forward to tomorrow
• Be specific about how much money you want to earn, how to structure time off
• Journal about the process – coaching, thoughts, feelings, outlet

Questions

1. What do you want to create?
2. What brings you joy?
3. What’s my role?
4. Who are my clients?
5. What type of contracts?
6. How will it be branded?

~ Future Forward