Did you make any New Year resolutions? .. I don’t think they really work and definitely prefer a more practical perspective. I like to concentrate on what events had a real impact on my life last year and also what I enjoyed – then I try to do it again.

Nevertheless, I have to admit that “New year. New career!” sounds enticing, but it is often challenging when put into practice. 

French people who are planning a career transition are so fortunate in that a sponsored and specific coaching programme can be provided which skilfully guides their planning before they take any decisions.

More importantly these coaching career programmes have allowed an enormous number of people to integrate career transition into their working lives and prove that it is possible to achieve these career-leaps – especially if this step is seen as a formidable challenge.

What about here in the UK? Apparently there is no particular incentive to consider a mid-life career-break and decide if you wish to spend the rest of your life stuck in a career for which you have lost all passion.

Also the culture of career-change is not as vibrant in the U.K., except perhaps with ‘millennials’ who seem unwilling to stay locked in an unfulfilling career and who regard working as a means…not an end.

In addition, even if people think about career transition, social pressures may quickly inhibit them… How do they justify their new choices? their new life expectations, or potential financial sacrifices? How do they explain their burden of languishing in the wrong career? How do they convince partners and family to share the risk of what may seem to be a leap into the unknown?

One solution to overcome these pressures is to prepare the ground well in advance, to engage in discussion and to root your choice in what you really need in your life today!

Last but not least, there is the financial aspect. Career transition is associated with a loss of salary, often at a period of life when people are worried about paying for retirement, maintaining their current standard of living or affording children’s education. Nevertheless, job change doesn’t automatically mean a loss of income.                                                                       

Anyway, every career transition should be preceded by a period of exploration and a thorough examination of all options.

Moreover, exploring doesn't mean jumping immediately or forever.

• Exploring is assessing your motivation, and listing your strengths.
• Exploring is opening up new possibilities.
• Exploring is making bold decisions.
• Exploring is seeking training and acquiring new skills
• Exploring is saving money to eventually launch a new career.
• Exploring is finding specific and convincing arguments to explain your choices.
• Exploring is validating your own convictions
• Exploring is taking a little step today, which can create huge changes tomorrow.
• Exploring is giving yourself the opportunity to accomplish your dream.

So …no more questions…stop thinking and explore!

If you would like to find out more about how we've helped people exploring, please contact us or send an email to consultingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Françoise Carbonnel