Exploring Personal Growth and Passion at Any Age
Change is often sparked by a subtle shift — a gradual erosion of joy at work, or the dreaded Sunday nights where we can’t shake the impending feel of another monotonous week ahead. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Yesim Nicholson and I dive deep into this universal experience, emphasizing that these feelings are cues pointing toward the need for a deliberate reevaluation, rather than impulsive decisions. Yesim wisely advocates for a methodical approach, suggesting thorough consideration before leaping into a new career.
Self-Care and Potential Overlook
Career dissatisfaction is sometimes about something other than the job itself. As Yesim indicates, self-neglect in areas such as health, relationships, and personal growth can also undermine job satisfaction. Drawing inspiration from her mother, who seamlessly transitioned between various roles throughout her life, Yesim stresses that change is more about evolving different facets of oneself rather than an outright reinvention. This perspective reminds us that often, the solution might lie within small, meaningful adjustments to our lifestyle rather than drastic professional shifts.
Societal and Familial Expectations
Many of us navigate our careers under the influence of societal expectations and family backgrounds. These pressures can lead us into careers that might not align with our true interests or passions. Yesim and I discuss how these external factors shape our career trajectories and the essential need to question and sometimes deviate from these paths to find fulfillment.
Encouraging Self-Exploration and Risk-Taking
Yesim highlights the story of her father, who found joy in ceramics at the age of 72, to illustrate that it’s never too late to explore new passions. Such stories challenge the limiting beliefs associated with age and career change, proposing that life’s second, third, or even fourth acts can be the most fulfilling.
Testing the Waters: The Strategy of Toe Dipping
Change doesn’t always require an immediate, grand leap. Yesim introduces the concept of “toe dippers,” individuals who cautiously explore new opportunities while still retaining their current jobs. Toe dippers might start a side hustle, take up freelance projects, or even begin writing a book. This strategy offers a balanced approach, allowing for a gradual transition without the all-consuming fear of financial instability or lack of confidence.
The Practical Benefits of Toe Dipping
Toe dipping embodies a strategic form of change, helping individuals test their new interests and gauge their potential without committing full-time prematurely. It provides a safety net to manage the transition smoothly and builds a foundation of skills and confidence necessary for a more comprehensive career shift.
Publishing and Marketing Challenges
Yesim shares her personal journey of writing and publishing her book, “Ready to Quit Your Job?” She reflects on the steep learning curve of marketing her book and underscores the importance of self-education through resources like podcasts and tutorials. Yesim’s excitement about overcoming these challenges is inspiring and serves as a gentle reminder that marketing, like any new endeavor, requires a growth mindset and persistent effort.
Envisioning and Challenging Beliefs
Together, Yesim and I explore ways to break free from mundane cycles, advocating for envisioning a perfect day and challenging deeply ingrained beliefs. This idea also translates to our careers—examining what we desire from our professional lives, questioning societal norms, and having the courage to foster personal growth.
Overcoming Emotional Hurdles
Yesim openly discusses the fear and anxiety encountered in the process of publishing her book, acknowledging the emotional roller coaster that accompanies significant career changes. With supportive communities and self-reflection, these fears can be managed effectively, opening doors to new opportunities and fulfillment.
Moving Forward with Courage
Yesim’s dynamic career path, influenced by her gypsy-style childhood, and her successes in making multiple career leaps offer us invaluable lessons on the journey to finding professional joy. Her book, available on Amazon, serves as a guide for those contemplating similar changes.
My insights and personal anecdotes further enrich the conversation, providing a roadmap for navigating career shifts at any stage of life. The episode leaves listeners with a powerful takeaway: that change, though daunting, is essential to growth and can lead to renewed passion and satisfaction in our work lives.
Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.
Episode Resources
Connect with Yesim here:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Get a copy of Yesim’s book here:
Ready to Quit Your Job?: Your guide to a much more fulfilling career
