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There’s this moment that happens. Quiet, small. You’re doing the same thing you’ve done for years, maybe sitting in a meeting or answering yet another email — and you catch yourself thinking: “I’m not supposed to be here.” That’s not drama. That’s recognition. And once it shows up, you can’t un-feel it. That itch. That pull. The sense that there’s something else you should be doing with your one short life. Not necessarily something bigger. Just something truer. And yeah, it’s scary. But maybe it’s time.

Figure out why this is tugging at you

Before you pack it all in and post some grand goodbye on LinkedIn, stop. Get clear on what’s underneath this. Are you burnt out? Bored? Or do you have that gut-level knowing that you’re meant to do something wildly different? There’s a difference. Don’t chase a new path to escape discomfort. Chase it because it calls you. The best shifts come when your values and passion guide your move. Not when you’re trying to outrun your current job. Get still. Ask better questions. Write stuff down. You’ll know if it’s real.

Sit with where you’re at (even if it sucks)

You don’t have to love your current job, but don’t skip the part where you figure out what it taught you. The skills you’ve built, the crap you’ve tolerated, the stuff that drained you — that’s all data. It’ll help you later. The pause is part of the pivot. So take it. Reflect on what’s working, what’s broken, what you want to bring forward, and what you want to burn down. Dedicated reflection before career transition isn’t just for people with journals and yoga routines. It’s for anyone who doesn’t want to swap one empty ladder for another.

Make it official (but don’t overthink it)

You’ll hit a point where it’s time to stop saying “I’m exploring” and start saying “I do this.” It might feel awkward at first. That’s normal. Claim it anyway. And if you’re launching a service or starting something real, make it real on paper too. That could mean filing an LLC, setting up a website, or working with something like ZenBusiness to handle the boring-but-necessary legal stuff. The point isn’t to look legit. It’s to be legit — for you.

Don’t romanticize the leap — research it

It’s easy to get high on the idea of chasing your dream. But here’s the truth: if you don’t map it out, you’ll land in a panic spiral real fast. Look at people already doing what you want to do. Read what they write. Study what they sell. What’s the actual day-to-day look like? Where do you fit in? You can’t skip this part. Research industry options and skill gaps like your future depends on it — because it does. That knowledge? That’s leverage.

Build a cushion, not a crash pad

Passion doesn’t pay the rent. Not at first. So if you’re gonna make a move, build your own parachute. Budget for it. Prepare to earn less for a bit. Don’t let money panic kill your dream before it even starts breathing. If you can, start working on your thing while you’re still employed. If you can’t, then build the cushion to give yourself time. You’ll need it. Build a financial cushion for transition so you’re not forced to bail when the first hard week hits.

Start doing the thing before you leave everything

Don’t just talk about it. Do it. Want to be a designer? Make something. Coach? Offer a free session. Open a bakery? Start baking every weekend. Put your hands on the work. Show yourself it’s real. That’s where the shift happens — in the doing, not the daydreaming. And when you feel stuck or unsure, look around. Other people have found ways to test the waters via side projects without blowing up their whole lives. That’s not a weakness. That’s wisdom.

Stay scrappy and flexible

No one’s path is straight. It won’t go how you pictured. That’s not failure — that’s just life being honest. Some days you’ll feel unstoppable. Some days you’ll feel like a fraud. But if you keep going, if you keep tweaking and adjusting, you’ll be shocked where you end up. Don’t hold your pivot too tightly. Let it evolve. Learn. Loop. Re-aim. The people who make this work aren’t the ones with perfect plans — they’re the ones who embrace adaptability during your pivot and keep moving even when it’s messy.

You don’t need a 12-step plan. You don’t need permission. You don’t need to explain yourself to your parents or your boss or your LinkedIn followers. You just need to say yes to the version of you who’s been waiting. The one who’s been whispering: “I think we were meant for something more.” That version isn’t wrong. They’re just waiting for you to stop doubting long enough to listen. This is your shot. Doesn’t have to be perfect. Just has to start.

Discover top-tier finance and accounting opportunities with Diane Delgado Lemaire, Houston’s premier F&A recruiter and talent connector!