I get it.

Career Change is a big deal!

After many years investing in education, building a resume and working in the same field, the thought of changing, leaving, going somewhere new can feel daunting. You feel alone. Somewhat confused. Possibly frazzled even. Stuck in the mud.

Or worse... feeling like your face is covered with mud!

"How did I get here?" "Can I get out of here?"

The typical things people ask when in this position (I know I did!)

Frankly, the whole wondering and in-the-head stuff can be downright distracting! "If I keep thinking about this, my head's not in the game!" "But if I leave, it could be a bad, bad risk!"

With that in mind, here are some better steps than doing nothing and regretting.

1. Don't Just Do Something. Sit There.

No, that doesn't contradict what I just shared. Sometimes, it's best not to start heading in a direction until you really know what direction you're heading.

Particularly if you've lost your job, been fired or left already.

I've heard it said, "Sometimes, it's hard to follow the leader when it's you you're following!"

And far too many just start "resumeing," interviewing and trying to make "something happen" before really, I mean really, knowing why you're leaving, what you're headed to, and why this really is THE path for you.

The best first step may be to get some space. Get away. Take time off. And even better, get away on a retreat. Here's one I highly recommend. VIP Retreat.

2. Choose a Time, Place and Way to Address it... Then let it go.

You almost have to create a solid boundary for the considering, mulling and thinking.

Some out-of-bounds times to think: (in other word, Don't! think and try to create career solutions..

• In the middle of the night. No.

• While working your current work. No.

• While with the one you love. No. (unless they invite you to process it!)

• With unsafe and opinionated people who don't really understand your whole picture and would just tell you "what I would do if I were you!"

It really is possible to learn how to "I'll think about this later" as long as you actually create a later way to think about it.

3. Trust God Wants You to Be Happy and Content.

The incredible thing is that God wants you to be happy, content and make real progress in by doing work you LOVE! Do you believe that?

Emotional Intelligence and peace MUST be the starting point for any venture... staying or leaving.

Consider...

"So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?" (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

Wise people actually get great happiness by doing great work! Happiness... Likely great work. No happiness. No great work.

Contentment in our work breeds contentment each day of the week. Including that thing called "Sunday night!"

In the book of Proverbs, we read, "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank" (Proverbs 22:29)

SO, that may be learning to be happy, content and excellent.... EXACTLY where you are...

OR, be happy and content, and excellent by letting go of the fear and making the change you've been held captive by for too long now!

4. See Your Pain as A Clue to Change One Way or Another.

Yes, unhappiness, dissatisfaction, feeling stuck and not content is a way to live... It's just not a good way to live!

Soooooo.... if you resonate with the "stuck and clueless" feeling, get to the heart of it. Or meet with someone who can help you that has NO vested interest in the outcome.

[cryout-pullquote t!

Healing and peace. Two great things in a person!! YepI get it.