If you’re feeling like quitting your job right now, you’re not alone. Hays recruitment firm just published research sharing that 49% of Canadians are unhappy in their role right now and are considering leaving their current job. I can only imagine the rest of the world is feeling the same.

Here’s the thing, the Pandemic has hit all of us in such a big way. And the details above in the hyperlinked article highlight that Canadians are feeling overworked and overlooked.

The truth is, leaving your job in hopes you’ll have a different experience right now somewhere else in my opinion is unlikely; HOWEVER…

If this year has had you reevaluating the work you do and the joy it does or doesn’t bring, then keep reading!

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A few years ago when I started seriously thinking about switching careers, I felt all the feelings; happy, scared, excited, unsure, guilty…the list goes on.

The main thing that kept replaying in my mind and the main reason that stopped me from quitting was this. “I’m going to have to start over…”

And the narrative I had with the fear and stress of starting over was:

• “Am I going to be able to make the same amount of money?”
• “Am I going to slow down my career progression?”
• “Is my partner going to feel frustrated that I’m bringing up this conversation…again?”

What finally made me pull the trigger?

Well it didn’t happen overnight. To be honest, it took a few years of daydreaming and ‘trying on’ different roles both in the organization I was at as well as side hustles and school.

I was relentlessly searching and trying to understand what it was I wanted and while I appreciate the journey it took me on, I think there are more efficient ways to navigate the process of feeling and knowing, it’s time to quit your job.

So let me offer this, don’t let fear and doubt stop you from taking the next step in your career journey. Cliche I know, but you only live once and your happiness and well-being are everything.

On those same lines, I will also say that it’s understandable that leaving your job right now might not be realistic. Mama/Papa’s got bills to pay and bellies to feed. It doesn’t have to be tomorrow or even in the next 6 months, but if you can take small actions now to bring you closer to what it is you want, do that now.

And, if you’re feeling like you don’t know where to begin or the confidence to make a move, I’ve got ya! Below you’ll find what held me back and the steps I took to push through.

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No 1: I let not knowing exactly what I wanted stall me

Over the years I’ve had a lot of ideas; a jewelry designer → I had a little side hustle @allthingslovely. I love design so I thought interior decorator made sense and began taking classes at a local college. And then there was the children’s book author…I have a manuscript of Marlowe the Mermaid on standby 😂

This is all true AND in all seriousness, I had asked myself for years:

• What am I best in the world at?
• What do people come to me for?
• What are my unique gifts?
• What am I doing when I’m the most happy and fulfilled?
• What challenges excite me and why?

I always felt stuck in answering them, but when I slowed down to stop and think about what I wanted, not what others would think, it was clear. I wanted to begin building a path to own a business that supported people with their career growth and ambitions. A few years later, here I am!

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No. 2: I let the fear of failure and judgement win.

I worried about making a mistake. I was scared that what I played out in my mind wouldn’t actually happen and I’d end up miserable. I thought a lot about what my co-workers and current leaders would think. I carried guilt of not wanting to let others down.

And, I was in complete fear that the world outside of the current organization I worked at wouldn’t see my value. The above went on for quite some time until I finally took steps in connecting with professionals outside of where I worked. I myth busted everything I was feeling.

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No. 3: I let the feeling of safety and security take over.

The company I was working for when I made this decision to navigate a new path for myself was safe. It had a great reputation, amazing benefits, great leadership and development programs, I had tenure, the people I worked with I love/d and were/are talented. I called this the proverbial “golden handcuffs”. How could I possibly leave such a good situation?

But what was even more profound for me is when I really thought about my answers to these two questions:

• What could be possible if I did leave?
• What’s the worst that could happen if I left? And then what?

I knew regardless of the outcome, positive or not, I’m determined, I’d survive and I’d figure it out.

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It’s easy to let fear and doubt consume your thoughts and stop you from trusting yourself.

I think this is true in all areas of life. And at the end of the day, you know yourself best and if your gut, your heart and your mind is calling for something different, I encourage you to be courageous and take a step forward. Think about one thing you can do today to move you into the direction you see for yourself.

And if it’s worth anything, I believe in you!If you’re looking for career advice and interview prep support, I’m here to help.

Book 1:1 coaching with me HERE and for free resources to help you pursue your ambitious goals click HERE.