I changed careers multiple times over the course of my working life. I made each of those changes alone. As I have talked with friends and former colleagues who are considering a career change about how I did it, I realized I might have benefited from some guidance and support.
Thank you Elizabeth for this beautiful article and collaborating with me. I look forward to continuing working in alignment to share our journeys with others.
Great conversation! I've also had a somewhat winding career path, starting out in book publishing. I then got into tech by accident (I live in the SF Bay Area), and that, surprisingly, lasted over 14 years. I had a good run there, but by the last few years I was seeking something more meaningful to do with my life. I'd started in tech as an editor and had become a project manager, so I explored opportunities through volunteering for a green committee at my local Project Management Institute chapter. I did lots of other volunteering and went to a green career coach to finally narrow down my search to jobs in solar energy. She helped me identify groups and events that were helpful to me in networking and finding my way. I finally got a job in solar at the age of 52. It's now been a decade, and I left full-time work to become a clean energy communications consultant nearly two years ago. Each transition since tech has meant significantly less money, but I'm in a position to be able to earn less and be okay (not having kids is part of that, as well as being older). It took a lot of work, and I can't imagine doing it again now, but it was worth it. Seeking help is key, as is connecting with people, letting everyone know what you're looking for, and engaging in groups devoted to the area you're interested in.
Thank you, Rosana -- we appear to have a lot in common (including book publishing!). It's so gratifying to hear other people's stories about managing what can be a very challenging transition -- and so successfully. Brava!
Thank you Rosana for sharing your story and the key things you did to help you navigate these transitions. Sharing stories is so helpful to others so that they know what is possible!
Thank you Elizabeth for this beautiful article and collaborating with me. I look forward to continuing working in alignment to share our journeys with others.
A pleasure, Julie. Hoping others will benefit from your guidance and wisdom!
Great conversation! I've also had a somewhat winding career path, starting out in book publishing. I then got into tech by accident (I live in the SF Bay Area), and that, surprisingly, lasted over 14 years. I had a good run there, but by the last few years I was seeking something more meaningful to do with my life. I'd started in tech as an editor and had become a project manager, so I explored opportunities through volunteering for a green committee at my local Project Management Institute chapter. I did lots of other volunteering and went to a green career coach to finally narrow down my search to jobs in solar energy. She helped me identify groups and events that were helpful to me in networking and finding my way. I finally got a job in solar at the age of 52. It's now been a decade, and I left full-time work to become a clean energy communications consultant nearly two years ago. Each transition since tech has meant significantly less money, but I'm in a position to be able to earn less and be okay (not having kids is part of that, as well as being older). It took a lot of work, and I can't imagine doing it again now, but it was worth it. Seeking help is key, as is connecting with people, letting everyone know what you're looking for, and engaging in groups devoted to the area you're interested in.
Thank you, Rosana -- we appear to have a lot in common (including book publishing!). It's so gratifying to hear other people's stories about managing what can be a very challenging transition -- and so successfully. Brava!
Thank you Rosana for sharing your story and the key things you did to help you navigate these transitions. Sharing stories is so helpful to others so that they know what is possible!