A friend sent me this Harvard Business Review article written by Herminia Ibarra, hoping that I will find answer to what I want in my career and life.
A very refreshing read ... it makes me feel like I'm not alone in my nagging doubts and my experiences, about my quest in finding my "true self", my taking the plunge only to panic shortly after etc.
According to the study, the problem why we remained stuck in the wrong career, lies not in our fear of change, lack of readiness, unwilling to make sacrifices (which are the common beliefs that many have when they fail to switch career). Rather, it lies with our methods, not our motives.
The writer, based on studies of people in the throes of career change, realised that change involves "Doing first, knowing comes later" and not the typical "plan-and-implement" approach we are all so attuned to.
In the latter, we try to find out about ourselves, what our likes/dislikes, our skills/experiences and exactly where we are going before acting upon it. In the former, we basically learn who we have become, in practice, not in theory. So there is a lot of trial and error, taking the time to explore and find out what suits us, what works for us (this may mean to take up some freelance, pro bono work and try for ourselves whether it truly suits us - and NOT to quit your day job!).
One important thing mentioned is that "Starting out trying to identify one's true self often cause paralysis". How true ... that prolly also explains why I'm still in ground zero. Haiz.
Lastly, there is NO one true self. We are many selves. It could be who we are, what we hope to become or fear becoming. These selves help mold us and decide on our career change.
The article explained about the 3-step to career change. No, its not some 21-day guide to change your career. Its is a careful & practical plan for those planning a career change to think and act according to what many others have done and successfully made the switch. Its gonna take lots of effort and lots of time (perhaps several years) before one can succeed in this ...
Nice read. Thanks Don for sending me this article! :)
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