What if you're successful at the wrong thing?

Here's a question I think more women should ask themselves:

What if I'm actually very successful at something I no longer want?

When achievement becomes a trap

It sounds strange, doesn't it? We're conditioned to think of success as evidence that we're on the right path. If you've worked hard, progressed, gained qualifications, earned more money and built a strong reputation, surely the answer is to keep going.

But sometimes that's exactly what keeps us stuck.

You can become extremely good at something that no longer fits the person you've become.

That was part of my own experience. Teaching had been a huge part of my identity and I'd invested years in becoming good at it. I'd developed skills, built experience and progressed into leadership. Leaving didn't mean I had suddenly decided that none of that mattered. It meant recognising that those skills could have value somewhere else.

Look beyond the job title

This is something I encourage women to think about when they tell me they want a complete career change but feel trapped by their existing experience. Your experience isn't necessarily the thing holding you back. Sometimes you're simply looking at it too narrowly.

Instead of asking, "What job could I possibly do with my background?", try asking, "What have I become really good at, and where else could those skills be useful?"

A teacher might be excellent at communication, facilitation, leadership and developing people. A project manager might be brilliant at organisation, problem-solving and managing competing priorities. A senior leader might have developed commercial awareness, strategic thinking and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Your job title is only one description of what you can do.

Translate what you already do well

So here's your action for this week. Take a piece of paper and write down five things you know you are good at. Then, for each one, ask yourself where else that capability might be valuable.

Don't worry about finding the perfect answer. You're looking for possibilities, not certainty.

And if you find yourself staring at the page thinking, "I honestly don't know", that's useful information too. Sometimes having someone outside your situation ask the right questions can help you see what you can't see yourself.

Try this

Write down five things you know you are good at. For each one, list two other roles, industries or situations where that capability could be valuable.

Ready to explore your next step?

If you are tired of going round in circles and would like calm, practical support, book a 30-minute Advice Call with Claire. You do not need to have all the answers before you begin.

Book your Advice Call

#CareerChange #CareerCoaching #TheRelaxedMind #TransferableSkills #CareerIdentity #SkillsForLife