I often say, you can do pretty much anything if you’re not in a hurry.
This is why I love creating 5-year career change plans. I picked 5-years but you can pick your timeline.
Most of us can’t quit our job or leave our profession the minute we’re no longer in love with it. I don't recommend that anyway. But, if you've tried to make things better where you are and have decided your best option is to move on, here's some food for thought.
Some folks never make a change because they think it will take too long or cost too much or take too much work. It’s just too daunting. Or, you might try taking a step or two, get frustrated that things aren’t happening fast enough or you're not seeing results, and give up. What if none of those things need to happen?
Working towards something that will work better in the future, can help you feel better now
What if putting a plan in place to move into a career, business, or profession you’re dreaming of was worth exploring, even if it took some time?
What if finding something that’s a great fit for your drivers, interests, skills, and lifestyle was worth exploring, even if you couldn’t have it right away?
Maybe it would seem a little less risky and expensive spread over time. Time is going to pass anyway, why not go for it? Why not try? Is there ever a good reason not to do something that would likely feel completely worthwhile on the other side of it?
Don’t try to create a map when a compass will do
Folks tell me just knowing they're working towards a better fitting future helps them feel better now. They're able to appreciate the day-to-day more because they don't feel stuck in it. They can start to view their current work situation as temporary. It can be a relief.
I'll provide some high level examples of what a 5-Year career change plan could look like a little later.
I like to give myself twice as long to achieve longterm goals as I think I’ll need. I break my goal into action steps and then into tasks. I make the tasks as small as I can. To the point that they feel almost as easy to do as not to do. I start small and simple. This helps to build up momentum as my tiny actions begin to compound. I can live my life happily while creating and achieving some pretty awesome things.
I also don’t need to know every single step I’m going to take to get to my goal in advance.
It's an illusion to think anybody can. Some things I’ll only know after I’ve already taken a few or more steps. It's okay, you can add new actions and tasks as you go.
I like to say, don’t try to create a map when a compass will do.
By following the slow and steady you’ll probably still reach your goal faster
I know parts of this might seem counterintuitive. We don’t want to wait to achieve our goals. We want things now. We crave certainty and to know that everything will work out ahead of time. So, you might feel a little impatient. That's ok. Talk yourself through that. ALSO, what I see happen a lot is people going all in HARD on their goals at the beginning and then running out of steam early on. Would you rather do something quickly and perfectly for a week and then stop or do something slow and steady over the longer term but actually keep going?
My guess is by following the slow and steady you’ll probably still reach your goal faster than if you tried to go from zero to one hundred anyway. Also, you always get to decide the pace of things. You can speed things up any time. The idea is to not burn yourself out or be unnecessarily hard on yourself though. Back to the 5 year plan, I've worked with folks to create their plan to start a yoga studio, an interior design consulting agency, a pet care business, an accounting practice and a few others. I should call this the X Year Plan because it doesn't have to be 5 years. You decide the timeline. Here are a few more high level examples of what a career change plan can look like. I'm using 5 years in these examples:
From Marketing Professional to Florist:
Year 1:
Research and Learn: The first step is to research the florist industry and understand what it takes to become a successful florist. I recommend spending a few hours with a florist to observe and shadow. You don’t want to get in deep and then realize you hate it or are allergic to roses or something! Attend workshops and courses to learn about the techniques and practices involved in floristry.
Build a Network: Start building a network within the florist industry. Attend industry events and conferences to connect with other florists, suppliers, and wholesalers. Also, build relationships with local florists in the area and offer to assist them in their business.
Gain Experience: Get hands-on experience by working part-time at a local florist or taking on small freelance projects. This will help you learn the craft and build your portfolio.
Consider starting a career change fund: If you can, start putting a side some money on a regular basis to help fund your change. How much will depend on your specific situation. A little over a 5-year period can add up.
Year 2:
Get Certified: Get certified as a professional florist by completing a floristry course. This will add credibility to your skills and boost your profile as a florist.
Build a Portfolio: Continue building your portfolio by working on various projects and events, such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Your portfolio will showcase your skills and help attract potential clients. If you get paid for any of this work, if you can, add this to your career fund.
Establish an Online Presence: Create a website, blog, and social media profiles to showcase your work and reach a wider audience. Also, leverage online platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon to sell your products.
Year 3:
Set up a Business Plan: Create a business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections. This will help you stay focused and organized as you establish your business.
Establish a Physical Location: Consider establishing a physical location for your business, such as a retail store or a studio. This will allow you to showcase your work, attract walk-in customers, and build your brand.
Build a Team: You might decide to hire a bookkeeper or a part-time employee to start with. Later, you might decide to bring on a team of skilled florists to help you run your business and deliver quality services to your clients.
Year 4:
Expand your Services: Explore new avenues for your business by expanding your services. Consider offering event planning services, floral design classes, or DIY floral kits to your clients.
Build Relationships with Suppliers: Establish strong relationships with local and national suppliers to ensure a steady supply of quality flowers and other materials.
Attend Trade Shows: Attend trade shows and events to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the florist industry. This will also help you connect with potential clients and suppliers.
Year 5:
Diversify your Revenue Streams: Explore different ways to generate revenue for your business. Consider creating an online course, writing a book on floristry, or selling branded merchandise.
Build a Brand: Build a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Create a unique logo, brand message, and marketing strategy to differentiate your business from competitors.
Give Back to the Community: Give back to the community by participating in local events, sponsoring charity events, and donating a portion of your profits to a charitable cause. This will help build a positive reputation for your business and strengthen your connection with the community.
Here’s another one:
From Corporate Accountant to Private Practice owner:
Year 1:
Build a Network: Start building a network by attending industry events, joining local business groups, and connecting with other accounting professionals. Find out what it’s like to work for yourself. Meet with other private practitioners. This will help you build relationships and attract potential clients.
Get Certified: Obtain any necessary certifications or licenses required to practice as an accountant where you live.
Develop a Business Plan: Many business consultants would tell you to create a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, and services you will offer. Your business plan can also include financial projections and a marketing strategy. I have to say I have never done this and I know a lot of other successful folks who haven’t either. I would offer that this won’t hurt but don’t let it stop you from moving forward as a solopreneur. I
If you have a brick and mortar business or will be looking for investors or capital a business plan will likely be required.
Year 2:
Establish a Brand: Develop a brand identity for your practice, including a logo, business cards, and website. This will help you establish a professional image and attract potential clients. Again, this won’t hurt but I’d keep it all simple at first. Just the basics. Once your business starts making money you can upgrade. This might be a hot take but I’ve seen lots of people spend thousands on this stuff and then never get their business off the ground. It’s likely you’ll get your first clients through networking.
Build a Website: Create a website for your practice that outlines your services, fees, and contact information. As you begin to get clients your website can also include client testimonials and information about your qualifications and experience.
Build your Client Base: Focus on building your client base by offering competitive fees and exceptional service. Consider offering discounts to new clients or offering a referral program to encourage existing clients to refer their friends and family.
Year 3:
Invest in Marketing: Invest in marketing efforts to grow your practice, such as social media advertising, direct mail campaigns, and email marketing. Track your marketing efforts to identify which channels are most effective.
Hire Staff: As your practice grows, consider hiring staff to help manage your workload. Consider hiring an administrative assistant or a bookkeeper to help with day-to-day tasks.
Expand your Services: Consider expanding your services to include tax planning, financial planning, or business consulting. This will help you attract new clients and generate additional revenue.
Year 4:
Develop Systems and Processes: Develop efficient systems and processes for managing client accounts, billing, and tax preparation. This will help you manage your workload and provide a high level of service to your clients.
Focus on Referrals: Focus on building your referral network by providing exceptional service to your existing clients. Consider asking satisfied clients to leave a review or refer their friends and family.
Attend Industry Conferences: Attend industry conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest accounting trends and regulations. This will also provide opportunities to connect with other accounting professionals and potential clients.
Year 5:
Diversify your Services: Consider diversifying your services to include niche services or industry-specific services. This will help you stand out from competitors and attract clients in specific industries.
Expand your Staff: Consider expanding your staff to include additional accountants or financial advisors. This will allow you to take on more clients and grow your practice even further.
Focus on Retention: Focus on client retention by providing exceptional service, building relationships, and offering competitive fees. Consider offering special discounts or promotions to retain existing clients and encourage repeat business.
Last example:
From Nurse to Healthcare Administration/Management
Year 1:
Research: Conduct research on healthcare administration and management career paths to identify goals and determine the necessary steps for the transition
Join professional organizations and attend industry events to build a network and gather information about the field.
Develop your skills: Consider enrolling in a part-time master's program in healthcare administration or business administration
Get experience: Look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities in your current role, such as serving on committees or working on special projects
Year 2:
More skills: Complete the first year of the master's program and continue to build knowledge and skills in healthcare administration and management
More experience: Seek out opportunities to gain experience in areas such as budgeting, staffing, and project management
Start applying: Look for entry-level job openings in healthcare administration or management and begin applying for positions
Keep building: Continue to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through workshops and other training opportunities
Year 3:
Skills: Complete the second year of the master's program and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and regulations
Experience: Obtain a position in healthcare administration or management, such as nursing director or clinical manager
Begin to build a track record of successful management projects and initiatives
Network: Continue to build a network and seek out mentorship opportunities with experienced healthcare administrators and managers
Year 4:
Experience: Continue to gain experience in healthcare administration or management, and seek out opportunities for advancement or promotion within your organization or elsewhere
Specialize: Consider pursuing additional education, such specialized certification in a particular area of healthcare administration or management
Network: Look for opportunities to participate in industry events, speak at conferences, or publish articles in industry publications to build your reputation and increase visibility
Year 5:
Obtain a senior-level management position, such as operations manager or chief nursing officer
Use your expertise and experience to develop and implement new programs and initiatives that improve patient outcomes and organizational performance
Serve as a mentor to other nurses and healthcare professionals looking to make the transition to healthcare administration or management
Continue to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices and use this knowledge to shape the future of healthcare administration and management.
What's your 5-year career change plan?
Whatever you decide to do, evaluate and adjust your plan: Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Be open to changing your goals if you discover new opportunities or if your interests change.
It's completely normal to feel scared or anxious about making a career change. Changing your career can be a big decision, but it can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Ready to get started on your 5-year career change plan?
Thanks for being here. As always, I'm cheering you on.
Christine
I know something brought you here and maybe it was a search for what to do next about your career. There are a few ways I can help:
Learn more about how to work with me
Follow me on Instagram
Have you heard about the Career Mapping Experiences I offer? Work with me from anywhere across the globe. We use an innovative process to visualize your career path in an experience that's insightful, engaging, motivating, and even fun! There are 8 different career experiences to choose from.
Comments