Career Reorientation
You spend so much time at your workplace. How do you feel there? Are you unhappy in your job? Are you wondering what alternatives there are for you? If you have these questions, you are in the right place. It is not too late for new perspectives.
When is it too late for a reorientation?
Many people of various ages ask themselves the question of when a change or reorientation is "too late." Some are unsure if they can or should change direction at 22, others ask this question at 30 or 55. Numerous examples show us that it is possible to start something new at any age:
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At 32, J. K. Rowling published the first thousand copies of Harry Potter - and that was only after several rejections. Her years before this publication were marked by difficult social circumstances.¹
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At 35, Jimmy Wales founded the Wikipedia platform and the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation to make knowledge freely accessible. In the years before and after, Wales also founded other lesser-known and unsuccessful initiatives.²
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At 39, Brené Brown published her first book. Since she couldn't find a publisher for the release, she borrowed money and self-published it.³
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At 49, Julia Child published her first cookbook after originally studying history, being enthusiastic about sports, and then working in advertising for many years before accompanying her husband to Paris at the age of 36. There, she had a culinary "revelation" and fell in love with French cooking, which she shared in her famous book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."⁴
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At 50, Leonard Cohen released his song "Hallelujah," which still moves many people worldwide today. He first tried his hand as a musician at the age of 33; before that, he worked as a writer for several years, traveled through Europe, and lived in Greece.⁵
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At 53, Jutta Simon started her 12-Jobs-in-12-Months experiment, for which I was allowed to interview her for a podcast episode (in German):
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At 60, Greta Silver became a model, and at 66, she launched her own YouTube channel.6
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Also at 60, Sabine - a multi-talented scanner personality - founded Female Money Flow. Her career milestones also include thirty-three years in a corporation, working as a foreign language secretary in Haiti, and her continuous dedication to animals. She talks about her colorful life journey in this podcast episode (in German):
Have you been holding yourself back from changing direction for some time, assuming you are already "too old" to immerse yourself in new worlds? Role models can often be a great support. Who inspires you? Which biographies show you what is possible?
It’s not too late.
Reorientation alongside your current job
How can the desire to switch to a new professional role be turned into reality? If we have worked in one profession for a while, transitioning into a different field often feels unachievable. After all, you have financial obligations and not as many time resources.
However, a reorientation is also possible gradually, parallel to your current activity: alongside your current job, during your parental leave/sabbatical, or during your break. The magic formula here is:
Create space for introspection to gain clarity and then persevere.
Which path is the right one for you personally? The right decision requires clarity. Are you willing to give yourself the time and space to gain this clarity? There are many support options for your purpose-driven reorientation - for example, from waldzeit Coaching. You can find more information here.
Career change - but where to?
When we stand at a crossroads, we often wish for a guide.
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“I want to change my career - but where to?”
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“Can I even afford to change direction?"
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"Isn't it already too late for that?”
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“What happens to what I give up and leave behind?”
To find answers to these questions that are right for you individually, you also need the courage to look inward. This is often a challenge - and yet it is possible. For you too.
Strengths orientation as a sustainable path to your goal
When we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations, we often look for quick solutions. This is completely understandable, as we want to feel comfortable and safe again as quickly as possible. But what would be a long-term effective option? How do you find sustainable answers for yourself and your future?
To support you exactly along this path, Kerstin from waldzeit Coaching works with the concept of strengths orientation. She shows you how to find your desired direction by focusing on your existing strengths (Strengths Update).
"Am I in the right place?"
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Yes, if you've had enough of your current situation and realize it's time for a change.
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Yes, if you think about your life and also about our world of tomorrow, if purpose is important to you, and at the same time you desire a fulfilling life.
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Yes, if you are creative and can perceive things sensitively sometimes or often.
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Yes, if you are asking yourself what skills and strengths you bring to make a positive impact in this world.
Yes, then you are in the right place.
