Do you wake up and dread going to work? Do you feel sick on Sunday thinking about Monday? Do you count down the days until the weekend is here, then spend the weekend trying not to think about Monday? If you answered yes to these questions, you may need to be in a different career.
If you’re feeling unhappy in your current career, it’s important to take some time to reflect on what’s not working for you. Here are a few things you might want to write down before considering a new career:
– Your values: Consider what matters most to you in life, such as work-life balance, creativity, helping others, or financial stability. Make a list of your top values and think about how they align with your current job and potential new careers.
– Your skills and strengths: Take an inventory of your skills and strengths, both technical and soft. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? This can help you identify careers that play to your strengths and give you a sense of fulfillment.
– Your interests: Think about what you’re passionate about outside of work. Do you love art, travel, sports, or cooking? Are there ways to incorporate these interests into a new career path?
– Your lifestyle: Consider your current lifestyle and what you want your future lifestyle to look like. Would you prefer a job with more flexibility, remote work options, or a shorter commute? How important is work-life balance to you?
– Your goals: Set some career goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term. What do you want to achieve in the next year, five years, or ten years? This can help you narrow down potential career paths and make more informed decisions.
Remember, it’s okay to feel uncertain or overwhelmed when considering a new career. Taking the time to reflect on these factors can help you make a more informed decision and find a career that aligns with your values, strengths, and interests.
For me making a career change from dentistry to real estate will be challenging but a rewarding experience. It’s important that I stay passionate about my work and network with others in the industry to make the transition as smooth as possible. One woman successfully changed careers from finance to frying pans, proving that anything is possible with the right mindset and determination. Taking a career break can also have unexpected benefits, such as gaining a fresh perspective and recharging your batteries. And if you are experiencing a mid-career crisis like I am, don’t worry – it’s not always bad and can lead to new opportunities and growth.
Studies have shown that a mid-career crisis can happen anywhere from age 40 to 60 and affect men and women; however, it can happen at any point in your career journey and is a natural part of the growth process. Instead of focusing on age, reflecting on your values, goals, and passions is essential to determine if you are on the right path. Remember that a mid-career crisis can lead to new opportunities and growth if you approach it with the right mindset and determination. I am almost 57 and have felt I have been in the wrong career for over ten years.
Looking back on my career, I am grateful for many things. My education was at a reasonable cost. I could attend half-day classes and work so I could support myself. I had a paid internship and was hired immediately upon graduation. I excelled at my job and quickly moved from a clinical position to management. My salary increased, and I was able to grow and acquire many skills above and beyond the dental field.
Due to my position, I could arrange my schedule, attend my children’s school events, coach their softball teams, and lead their Girl Scout troops. Participating in my girl’s activities was extremely important, and I will forever be grateful. And by the time I separated from my husband 28 years later, dentistry had provided me with the ability to live a self-sufficient life. It felt pretty damn good knowing that I didn’t need a second income to support myself, and when you live in San Diego, that’s not easy.
I was 47, starting a new chapter of my life, living alone, with no kids at home, and able to choose my path. No one to guide me, no one to talk things over with, just me listening to my heart and digging deep inside to figure out my dreams and goals. It was the first time I looked at what “I” wanted, and for the first time, I realized that dentistry wasn’t it. I was also acutely aware that, at that moment, I had no choice but to continue on this path that had served me well thus far.
During the next several years, I continued thinking about what I wanted to do. I already had been teaching yoga and knew I wanted to take that business further. Yoga serves me spiritually, mentally, and physically. I am grateful to be a yoga instructor because it has allowed me to help people improve their physical and mental well-being while fostering a sense of inner peace and balance in their lives. Yoga is a true passion of mine, and I will never give it up.
Being in Real Estate has been on my mind since I was little. My grandfather was a broker, and my father has always had rental properties. Until recently, I never thought there would be a good time to enter the business. Then I realized there will never be a good time. You just have to go for it.
I had lost all the love I once had for my job; I no longer considered it a career. The practice I worked for was highly toxic, and my health suffered. I couldn’t fake it any longer. These were the signs I needed to pivot and make the transition in my life.
I teach yoga a few days a week and enrolled in Real Estate classes to get my license. I am reaching out to friends in the business for all the information I can get my hands on and making new contacts and connections as well. I want advice from those that have walked the path before me. Here’s what I know: I am strong, determined, intelligent, and have faith that I can do anything I put my mind to.
I also know networking in the real estate industry can be crucial for finding new opportunities and building relationships with other professionals in the field. Here are a few specific tips for networking in real estate:
- Attend industry events: One of the best ways to meet new people and make connections in real estate is to attend industry events such as conferences, trade shows, and networking events. These events provide an opportunity to meet other professionals in the industry and learn about new trends and developments.
- Join professional organizations: Joining a professional organization such as the National Association of Realtors or a local real estate group can provide access to a network of professionals in the industry. These organizations often host events and provide resources for members to connect with each other.
- Connect on social media: Social media can be a powerful tool for networking in real estate. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for professionals in the industry to connect with each other and showcase their expertise. Twitter and Instagram can also be useful for building relationships with other professionals and staying up-to-date on industry news.
By following these tips and actively seeking out opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry, you can build a strong network that can help you advance your career in real estate.
Most of these suggestions can apply to any field you are interested in. I use all forms of social media for yoga and this blog. I belong to several networking groups both social and business. There are so many avenues out there today you shouldn’t have any problem meeting new people.
Life is too short to be unhappy. Find your passion, take that leap, have faith, and you will be successful. Remember, there is always time to pivot.
By Lisa C
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