A few years ago, I quit my job at IBM Watson Health with a single goal: reach 100 million people before the day I die and help them eliminate burnout forever.
That lofty goal came at a price—the price of reinventing myself completely from the inside out.
Here are a few things I have learned along the way:
Fear of Joblessness
In today's fast-paced world, the fear of joblessness is a daunting reality for many, especially for those who have dedicated years to their careers.
According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will change jobs 12 times in their career. This statistic is a stark reminder that job security is not guaranteed, even for the most experienced professionals.
For those in executive positions, the stakes are even higher, with the added pressure of maintaining a certain lifestyle and the fear of starting over looming large.
Energy to Reinvent Myself
Reinventing oneself after years of climbing the corporate ladder can seem like an insurmountable task. The energy required to pivot to a new career or even a new role within the same industry can be overwhelming.
However, embracing change and viewing it as an opportunity rather than a setback is crucial. It's about finding that inner resilience and tapping into the wealth of experience accumulated over the years.
Studies have shown that people over 40 are more successful in startups than their younger counterparts, proving that age and experience can be powerful assets.
Fear of the Unknown
The fear of the unknown is perhaps the most paralyzing of all. It’s the uncertainty of what lies ahead that can keep us from taking that first step toward change.
But it’s important to remember that every great achievement begins with a leap into the unknown.
Embracing this uncertainty with a positive mindset can open doors to new opportunities that were previously unimaginable.
A Client Story: Susan’s Journey
Susan, an executive leader at a Fortune 500 company, found herself unexpectedly laid off at the age of 45. The job market was tough, and finding new employment was challenging. Faced with the fear of joblessness and the daunting task of reinventing herself, Susan began exploring other income sources and career options.
Eventually, she discovered a new path as a fractional marketing officer for an international business consulting firm. This role not only provided her with a flexible work schedule but also freed her from the office politics that had previously contributed to burnout.
Susan’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the benefits of embracing change.
Overcoming Obstacles: 3 Essential Rules
Embrace Change (Easier Said Than Done): Understand that change is a natural part of life and career progression. Viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat can significantly alter your perspective and approach.
Leverage Your Network: Building and maintaining a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and provide support during transitional periods.
Continuous Learning: Keep updating your skills and knowledge. The willingness to learn and adapt is a critical component of career reinvention.
Transferable Skills: Your Secret Weapon
One of the greatest assets in a career transformation is the array of transferable skills you've acquired over the years. Leadership skills, technical know-how, and the ability to navigate complex challenges are valuable in any industry.
The hardest part of fine-tuning in career transformation is our mindset shift. It's never too late to reinvent ourselves, even in what we are doing right now.
Over the years, we have trained ourselves to learn new skills and adapt to challenges. It is this skill and experience that carries over to whatever we plan on doing next. Because of that, we should feel reassured that the future will be alright.
Building a Plan: 3 Actions to Take Right Now
Assess Your Skills and Interests: Take stock of your current skills and identify areas where you excel and areas where you need improvement. This self-assessment can help you determine potential new career paths. Oliver: You most likely already have everything you need. You just need to package it differently.
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in your career reinvention. Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can provide a clear roadmap.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consider working with a career advisor who can offer valuable insights, advice, and support as you navigate your new career path. Create your new career blueprint and playbook to guide you to your next destination.
Reinventing your career is not just about starting over; it's about building on the foundation you have already established.
With the right mindset, support, and strategy, you can turn what seems like a setback into a launchpad for new and exciting opportunities.
Remember, you have worked too hard to let fear hold you back.
Embrace the change, and let it lead you to new heights.
Reversing burnout starts by knowing how much you're currently dealing with burnout. 🔥 🔥 Go ahead and take my free burnout assessment right now: https://burnout.drdegnan.com.
If you are a leader, inquire about my "LEVEL-UP System," which will empower you to become ultra-productive without burning out. Send your inquiry to inquiry@drdegnan.com.
If you want to get promoted into executive leadership, inquire about my proven step-by-step guide to advancing to the C-suite at https://drdegnan.com/coaching.
Leadership is hard. We spend a lifetime perfecting to lead teams and organizations with tangible results that change people's lives.
Let's make sure we get it right without burning out.
Hi, I'm Oliver.
I have been living in the trenches of a C-suite leader for over 17 years, leading thousands of employees between Startups, PE, and Fortune 50 companies. I am the former SVP and CTO for IBM Watson Health, Chief Architect for Intuit in Silicon Valley, and founder of MoreTalent AI with a successful exit in the 7-figure range. Every newsletter I send out has invaluable insight to help you succeed in your journey.