“You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don’t need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don’t need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free”

This chorus from the 70’s Paul Simon song “50 Ways to Leave your Lover” playfully talks about a very painful process: leaving a relationship. Perhaps you wish you could have 50 Ways to Leave your Current Job. About the only way above you can seriously use is “Make a New Plan”…

Your uncovered answers from last month to what you care about, what gets you in flow, and when you are at your best lead you to some clues regarding how you want to be spending your time. But often, we don’t believe we can earn money at something we truly love. You think: if only I could, if only it wasn’t so hard or impossible or unrealistic. If it feels so good, it can’t be right.  Says who?

The pain of not following your dreams makes everyday life very dissatisfying. Not being true to yourself saps your wellbeing.

“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself”

Shannon L. Alder

What are you waiting for? You know people who waited and lost their opportunities through illness, disability, or death. You also know people who throw off caution and go for it. When you don’t pursue your passions, you may say “I’m waiting for the just right time”.

“If you wait, all that happens is you get older”

Larry McMurtry

The hard truth is there is no “Just Right” time. But acting now gives you the opportunity to discover what’s possible.

Taking initiative to pursue your interests comes in many forms. You can take a course, join a club, change jobs, volunteer, or establish a self study. Education at midlife looks different than that in early adulthood. Instead of a four year track that is pre-determined by higher education, you become responsible for putting together your specialized, independent study.

Lynn has worked in the financial services field for 15 years. She enjoys the client contact, but is weary of the pressure and sales aspect of her job. She dreams of something different and takes the leap to start adding new interests to her current life. “At least I can enjoy something in my off hours”, she thinks.

Growing up Lynn enjoyed childcare. Her children are grown, but Lynn decides to become a mentor to families at a local shelter. She finds meaning that is missing in her livelihood. Even after a particularly difficult day at work, Lynn grows energy through her interactions at the shelter.

So a door is opening for Lynn. Where it takes her depends on her curiosity in, desire for, and investigation of new fields. Whether this stays a hobby or becomes a career, depends on Lynn’s development of her learning track.

The experience of new skill building promotes confidence and vitality within you that can lead to changes. An investment in your future expands emotional connection. This connection to something unique gives you a sense of possibility and expansion.

With confidence and optimism you take action. Say you want to change jobs. By setting a deadline to leave, you help to make it happen. Telling others your plans also holds you accountable and increases completion. Self imposed deadlines help put your priorities in line with those from the outside. Once you create your desired outcome and deadline, you can work backward to identify small steps needed to accomplish your goals.

You can use the time before your deadline to:

Learn new skills
Investigate different fields
Volunteer
Informational interview
Apply for new jobs
Create opportunities where none exist
Save money
Plan a sabbatical

The concept of purposeful sabbaticals, where you prepare for new work as well as refresh and renew, is growing in popularity. Higher education historically has used sabbaticals for advanced study and research. But most workers are not provided this opportunity. Creating one yourself is extremely valuable when in career transition.

What you can do for yourself:

Choose a topic for independent study
Create a series of activities
Listen carefully to your reactions
Set a deadline for change in your livelihood
Establish the steps needed to reach your goals
Get in action

Happy travels and see you on the path!