the dope cactus

When you talk about our dreams & goals are they current? Or are they your dreams & goals of Christmas past? You’ve put so much time, effort, blood, sweat & tears into your passion project or your dream career but do you still feel the same way about it now? Does your face light up when telling people what you do? Or would you rather not talk about it at all because you’re dreading having to do it all over again tomorrow?

Oftentimes I think we view our interests or careers as extremes. An end-all, be-all if you will. And that’s just not the case. Especially as we embark on a new year & a whole new decade. If you are employed by a corporate company you have a false sense of job security. Hell we all do! You could be here today, gone tomorrow so isn’t that reason enough to explore other career options to spark your interest? YES!

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears. – Rudyard Kipling

Okay so now you’ve planned everything out in your head but you start doubting yourself. You begin to think about everything that could go wrong. But what about everything that could go right? No change is permanent. While making a career change may come with a transitional period, don’t let that deter you from your goals. Just look around you & do some observing. There are a ton of people in positions that quite frankly don’t know what the fuck they’re doing but they got the job. Or they’ve somehow launched a successful business. They believed in themselves enough & bam!

So why are you second-guessing yourself? Yes I know change can be scary but don’t let fear & self-doubt keep you from living your best life. I know all of this is easier said than done, but just do it like Nike. Seriously. Do some research to start planning your career change execution. Do you need certain certificates or a degree? Can you work from home & make your own schedule or will you need to go in every day? Or are you looking to start your own business? Just start planning & once you have more information the more comfortable in your decision-making process you’ll become.

Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death. – James F. Byrnes

Don’t live a life full of what-ifs. Live one full of wow I can’t believe I did that. You’ll be a lot happier if you do. And so will the people around you. Even if you decide to stay put in your career, make the most out of it. Meet as many people as you can so you’ll know when other opportunities to take on a new role or a client arises.

Maybe you don’t exactly like what you’re doing but you do like the field you’re in. Again, research! And don’t let anyone downplay your excitement for a lateral move. Sometimes happiness isn’t all about coins. If you’re making the same salary but in a more positive environment that will have a drastic impact in your life then so be it. A change of scenery may be all it takes to turn your life around.

Let go of what no longer serves you. (Let it gooooo!) This goes for people too. Let go of things & people that no longer serve a purpose in your life. They are just taking up space for things that could be bringing you joy. Or money for that matter. Put on your adulting pants & get out there & live the life that you want. All you really have to do is try. And maybe try again after that.