Leading Provider of Career Advancement Services for Professional Women Nationwide

Blog

Setting a Date to Make a Move

by Career Changer on July 9, 2007 7:26 AM

For many years I dreamed of having my own business. As I went from one unfulfilling job to another, the idea of being on my own lurked in the back of my mind. Imagine being your own boss, not having to punch a time clock or deal with an annoying manager. That dream kept me going for many years, and finally I decided that I had had enough of the corporate world. It was time to make my move. So, I marked a date on the calendar that would be my last day at on the job. That date was my deadline to start my dream career.

You know when it's time to make a change in your career. You can feel the desire for a different kind of life, and you know that what you're doing right now is not fulfilling. It's not an easy decision to make, because it is likely that you will make less money for a while. But in the end, you have to consider if you want to stay in a position that will drain your energy and your hopes with each passing day, or take a risk and fulfill your dreams.

I'd always wanted to be a professional writer. In fact my first "real" job had been as a copywriter for a major catalog. Though I enjoyed being a copywriter, I grew bored with the routine and ended up changing careers. I became a computer programmer and made a great income for over a decade. However, when IT started to become less and less appealing, I felt the call to switch back to my first love -- writing.

Comments (3)

All the previous comments are so wonderful. I started a home-based business back in 2001, took what I thought was the "correct" training and then moved to Florida (2004) to continuw with building the business.....was destroyed by 4 hurricanes in 5 weeks. NO HELP FROM ANY RELIEF ORGANIZATION, returned to Colorado 9 months after leaving....via Las Vegas (that was a mistake moving there from Florida). Have worked on rebuilding my life since Sept 13, 2004....been in/out of homelessness. Finally secured a full-time job after a 2 year hunt. I am determined to get the home-business jump started. Have even been accepted into an Entrepreneural Education Training Forum but unable to make the tuition and related lodging/transportation for the July class. However....I am DETERMINED and plan to attend the October class. If anyone knows a company/organization who would be willing to help with these educational expenses....please send them my way. I intend to be running my business FULL-TIME no later than 1/1/2008!

Thanks for listening! Shirley

— Posted by Shirley | July 9, 2007 8:49 PM | Comment Permalink

Hello friend, Your words are exactly how I feel and I too have been saying I would love to work for myself. It's very difficult to make a career change when you are at the height of your career or making a nice salary. People look for reasons why they shouldn't change their career or work for themselves instead of saying why they should. I also gave myself a date but the date came sooner than I anticipated. Some would say that's unfortunate, but my attitude was, it couldn't have happened at a better time. Though I will miss my salary, and my lifestyle will change, I have faith that it will be a short and temporary lifestyle change. You must whole heartedly believe in yourself and your dream, so others will believe in you as well. Perseverance is the key. Success to all who want to work for themselves! Continued success Debra

— Posted by Sharon Levy | July 9, 2007 1:14 PM | Comment Permalink

Your words are encouraging especially since I also desire to become a professional writer as well. I like the fact that you mentioned the important step of setting a date to start the process of making it happen. Most of us desire change but are afraid of the unknown and leaving the familiar place we call our comfort zone. The challenge I often face is complacency and pushing myself to maximize my full potential. I now realize that there is no ideal time to start anything and that I will have to sacrifice before the glory of achieving my biggest dream.

Thanks for the motivation boost. I wish you much continued success.


— Posted by Alicia Morgan | July 9, 2007 9:53 AM | Comment Permalink

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)