ABOUT
Some people might think it's strange to be changing careers after you've been in the workforce for a while. In my mind what's strange is asking 18-year-old children to choose a college major and know what they want to do with their 45-year career. I still have trouble deciding what to eat for breakfast some days, let alone make a decision that'll last longer than I've been alive.
This doesn't mean I'm an advocate for sitting around and loafing until inspiration strikes, but I do believe in the importance of checking in with yourself every so often and listening to what your mind, body and friends are telling you.
It's that part that trips people up because we get afraid. Afraid of change, afraid of accepting that what we're doing may no longer fulfill us or challenge us or meet the needs of our lives. The fear is real and it can be paralyzing.
I say embrace it. Feel the fear. Sit with it, let it root inside of you, and then use that energy to propel you forward.
Here's a Cliff's Notes version of my career and how I followed my own advice:
- I majored in journalism at The University of Florida with minors in theater and business, but pursued a career in public relations with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts after graduation. And when I say pursued, I mean I networked my way into an unpublished, 6-month contract over the course of almost 4 months, all because I really, really, really wanted to work for Disney (we'll call this scary #1).
- When I realized the job wasn't the perfect fit (I came to understand I needed something with more intellectual challenge in the day-to-day), I left Disney to pursue my MBA at Harvard Business School (can we say scary #2?).
- After HBS graduation, I returned to Disney for 3 1/2 years in marketing strategy, then left for a gig with Capital One. I moved my entire life from Florida to Philadelphia where I didn't know a soul. I changed industries, job functions, locations and companies all at once (yes, scary #3).
- Now I've started my own business (scary #4), and it's the most exhilarating and horrifying thing I've done yet.
What happens next? Your guess is as good as mine, but I sure as heck hope it winds up being as scary and rewarding as my career's been thus far.
At the end of the day, everyone's got a different path. And that's not just ok, that's great.
Through this blog, I hope to form a support network for other mid-career professionals. I want Career & The City to be a place where we can share our stories, thoughts, questions and experiences. If I can help even a single person feel happier in their career as a result of reading my content, than I'll know I have succeeded.
Through this blog, I hope to form a support network for other mid-career professionals. I want Career & The City to be a place where we can share our stories, thoughts, questions and experiences. If I can help even a single person feel happier in their career as a result of reading my content, than I'll know I have succeeded.
Go.
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Gabrielle "Gabby" Bill is a career coach and consultant who believes everyone should be working in a job that leaves them feeling fulfilled. She coaches groups and individuals through a reflection process, uncovering often hidden motivations, values, goals and skills as they relate to their career. These reflections are then parlayed into concrete action plans to guide clients through the process of finding, creating and landing their dream jobs. You can learn more about her services by visiting www.gabriellebill.com.
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