I'm a lawyer. But, after a few aha moments and several sessions with a career coach, I realized what I should be doing. So, now, I'm doing it. I'm a lawyer turned journalist (turned happier person).
If you are thinking of changing careers, here are three truths you should know.
Truth #1. There will be plenty of people who will try to discourage you.
These people are (a) cowards, (b) jealous, (c) negative by nature or (d) all of the above. We have a saying where I come from. It goes something like this ... F@&k that guy (... or girl).
Truth #2. You could fail. And, that's OK.
I might not make it as a journalist. I may have to go back to being a lawyer someday. But, when I'm old and gray and look in the mirror, I will not be wondering if I should have gone for it. I hope you are, like me, more afraid of regret than failure.
Truth #3. Trust your gut.
Recently, a friend of a friend who worked at a top advertising agency overseas realized he didn't want to be in advertising anymore. So, he quit. He said:
today was a great day. i talked with my neighbor downstairs who was [the] inspiration for my quitting. he's a carpenter and when he moved in with [his] wife and baby on the way i realized i was a fool to put up with the shit i put up with when the guy downstairs worked normal hours and at the end of the day had a house to show for it instead of a poster someone would graffiti over in less than 24 hours. i told [my boss] this back when i quit. he told me, 'you ask your carpenter friend if he actually enjoys what he's doing.' so today when i [saw] him he asks if i'm moving out. i say yes. i quit my job and no longer have a visa. he asked what i did. i said, advertising. he said, 'yeah, i did that for nine years and finally had enough of the bullshit. then i got into carpentry.' it was such a sweet moment. i'm not saying i'm going to be a carpenter, but i am about to enter my jesus year.
I love that.
Today, I am grateful ~
1/ For this time in my life.
2/ For the love, encouragement and support of H, my family and my friends.
3/ For my gut ~ it's proving to be a terrific compass.
Follow me and my yearlong project, Stop and Blog the Roses: One Spoiled American's Year of Living Thankfully, on Twitter @fernronay and on Facebook here.
Filed under: Career, Gratitude Journal, Life & Style, Wellness
Tags: career, career change, Gratitude Journal, journalism, law, law school, lawyer, Life & Style, Wellness
I quit what I was doing a few years ago but not because I knew what I wanted to do but because I knew what I was doing wasn't what I wanted to do. It has been a struggle for the last few years, but I had an a ha moment today while I was responding to someone's blog. I have known what I wanted to do for the past 3 years but have been afraid to do it. It means a lot more school, but as you say if I don't try I'll just look back and wonder. Thanks for the post!