The courage of following your path

How would you answer if I asked you how satisfied you are with your job and career?  Are you working in the field you imagined yourself in as a teenager or in your twenties (or even in your thirties and beyond)?  Have you achieved the level of income you hoped for?  Is your title in line with your qualifications and ambitions?  Is your work office-bound, or have you become a digital nomad? How long have you been with your current employer (or self-employed), and how long would you like to stay where you are? 

Your answers reveal much about how you envisioned your career path vs. how it unfolded, and contrary to common beliefs, career paths are typically not linear.  They take twists and turns that are determined by many variables we do not control, like where we were born, family traditions such as being from a long line of lawyers, doctors, or teachers, your education, your interests, technology, the economy, and so many more. On top of that are the conscious choices we make when at a career crossroads, such as staying home after becoming a parent, changing industries, moving for a better job, what to do after a layoff, or becoming an entrepreneur. 

We don’t make important decisions in a vacuum and are influenced by the perspectives of our family and friends and those who depend on us financially.  What I am interested to learn is:

1. How did you make your choices along your path when you were at a crossroads?
2. What have you learned from the experience?
3. Would you do it again?

In my career, I have changed industries several times.  Many of you know that one of my first jobs was as a flight attendant in Germany.  I worked in retail sales and the service industry, moved to the United States, and built my career within the Medical Device Industry.  I moved up the corporate ladder fast to Vice President in multi-billion-dollar companies, got laid off twice, and chose self-employment and self-development to find myself where I am today.  At another crossroads. 

In answering my own questions:

1. I followed my heart and sense of adventure to try new things.  I embraced opportunities to learn, meet people of different cultures, and grow.  I embraced challenges and new experiences, even if they were hard.
2. I learned to be adaptable and to thrive in different environments.  I found my passion to help others develop to their full potential.  I developed a curiosity for different perspectives and where they stem from.  I learned that it is okay to be human and have feelings and how to navigate them in a professional environment.  I discovered my voice, authentic self, values, and what I will and will not compromise on.
3. Yes, 100%, and I am about to do it all again, as I have decided to move to Europe and continue my life and career there. 

Following your path can be trying and requires courage.  Others might challenge you, question you, and even judge your choices.  And you will likely encounter doubts and fears about your decision to move forward.  You will quickly discover who your true friends are, for they will cheer you on, support you, and catch you when you fall. 

Following your path means taking a massive leap of faith.  I trust my instincts that my next move will be worth it.  I see total freedom on the other side. 

If you are unclear about your path, consider working with me as your guide and coach.  Contact me at angela@belladonnacareercoach.com to chat.