Career Change or Business Startup? Discovering Your Best Work Life

Struggling to decide between a work-life shift and starting your own business? Discover how finding your mission can guide you towards a better work life.

Hey friend! 

When I was making my first significant career shift, I found myself in a confusing space. I didn’t know whether I wanted to pursue a new career or start my own business. 

I’d show up in business groups feeling like a fraud because I didn’t have a solid business idea yet. At the same time, I wasn’t entirely sure if a career change was the right move. 

This uncertainty made it difficult for me to commit to getting a coach or finding support. I was hesitant to invest in something that might not be what I needed.

Embracing the Journey of Uncertainty

You don’t need to decide right away whether a work-life shift or starting a business is right for you. One of the most liberating aspects of discovering your mission through my process is that it can be lived out in countless ways.

Your mission can guide you in a career working for someone else or in creating your own business. This flexibility is crucial because it means you have options and aren’t boxed into a single path. You can find your direction and choose what vehicle you travel there in later. Heck, you can even change the vehicle at any time you like, without feeling like you’re starting form scratch.

The Power of a Mission

When you find your mission, you gain clarity about your purpose and the impact you want to make. This clarity helps you explore different paths without feeling lost. For example, in my journey, once I knew my mission, I took a stepping stone job that allowed me to use more of my strengths and align with my mission. This job gave me the space and time to develop my business ideas without the pressure of immediate financial strain.

Practical Steps to Discover Your Best Path

Instead of diving straight into a career change, career shift, or starting a business, take a moment to explore and gather insights. Here’s a practical approach to help you make an informed decision:

Conduct Informational Interviews

One of the most effective ways to understand the kind of change that’s right for you is right for you is by talking to people who are already in those fields. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Identify Potential Interviewees

Look for people who are currently working in roles or running businesses you are considering. LinkedIn is a great tool for this. Reach out to your network or join relevant groups and forums. Simply ask they’d have a virtual coffee with you about how they got into their work and what it’s like.

2. Prepare Your Questions

Ask about their daily responsibilities, challenges, and what they love about their work. Here are some example questions:

     - What inspired you to start your business or do your career?

     - What are some challenges you faced that you didn’t anticipate?

     - What do you wish you had known before making this change?

     - How do you balance your work-life with personal responsibilities?

     - What makes you excited still in this work-life?

3. Schedule and Conduct Interviews

Reach out to these individuals and request a short informational interview. Most people are happy to share their experiences, especially if you’re respectful of their time and genuinely interested in learning.

4. Reflect on the Insights

After conducting several interviews, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned. Are there common themes or challenges that resonate with you? Do any insights make you more inclined towards one path over the other?  Sometimes you might be offered conflicting advice and this is where a coach can really help you make sense of things.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a career change, a career shift or a business startup, aligning your path with your mission is key to using your full potential and making an impact. Your mission provides the flexibility to explore different avenues and find what truly resonates with you, whilst still building in a clear direction whatever you decide. By conducting informational interviews and gathering insights from those who have walked these paths, you can make a more informed and confident decision.

Stay tuned for the next blog, where we'll dive into identifying opportunities that align with your mission. Or go from the start of this 6 part blog series. Until then, keep exploring and stay curious!

Let’s create a work life you’re fulfilled and excited about every single day.