Butterflies. Stage fright. Game day. First day of school. There’s lots of ways to describe that tingling feeling in your stomach before you do something for the first time. Some people relish this feeling and others avoid it at all costs.
American author F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “For what it’s worth… it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you’ve never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start over again.”
Here’s the really exciting part… even if you decide to change careers to a new industry or type of work, you’re not technically starting over again, as Fitzgerald referenced. You have TONS of great experience that you’re bringing with you.
I don’t know about you, but I for one am very glad I’m a different person now than I was in my 20’s! I’ve had the opportunity to work for many different companies and leaders. It’s given me time to reflect on and develop into the type of leader I want to be in my professional and personal life. I’ve learned many valuable lessons and skills and those travel with me wherever I choose to go and whatever I choose to do. And the same is true for you!
There will be many new things to learn, sure. But there are also many more things you already know. When you're starting over, it's easy to freak out! Sometimes, just reminding yourself of all the simple stuff you know how to do can help (sounds weird, but try it!). You’ve been to meetings, you’ve worked at other companies, you know how to interact with co-workers, and you know how to figure out how things really get done. See! It wasn't so weird. Now don't you feel better?
Are you ready to start over? Maybe you aren't sure you're ready, but your company has decided it for you through a layoff. Regardless, seemingly big leaps are actually made up of a whole lot of small steps. And remember, you're bringing all that amazing knowledge and experience with you!
If you need help figuring out what your next steps are, reach out to me.