life

So You’re Thinking About Leaving Your Career for Something That Feels More Like You

Posted on by Dianedelgadolemaire

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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!

Ace Your Career Relocation Without Breaking the Bank

Posted on by Dianedelgadolemaire

Relocating for your career is more than just a change of address—it’s a monumental step in your professional journey. While the prospect is thrilling, the logistics can be overwhelming. This article from Houston’s F&A Recruiter and Talent Connector aims to ease your concerns and guide you through the nitty-gritty of a successful career move without derailing your budget or your mental well-being. With the right preparation and mindset, you can embark on this exciting new chapter with confidence and excitement.

Charting the Path Early On

Don’t underestimate the power of proactive planning. Instead of relying on last-minute arrangements, map out a thorough game plan well in advance. Pinpoint critical tasks, from the moment you decide to relocate to the day you settle into your new home. A well-thought-out roadmap alleviates stress and keeps you on track.

Crafting Your Financial Game Plan

Before you pack your first box, it’s crucial to define your financial boundaries. Create a detailed budget that takes into account all your moving expenses, including those sneaky hidden costs that can crop up unexpectedly. Being financially prepared can keep you from stressful, last-minute money scrambles.

Nailing Down Employment First

Ideally, you should have a job lined up in your new city before you make the move. Securing employment ahead of time offers not just financial peace of mind but also a valuable understanding of your new locale, helping you make informed living decisions based on your work location. Additionally, having a job in place can provide a smoother transition and help you establish a routine sooner.

Staying Organized

Clutter and chaos are the arch-enemies of a smooth relocation. Utilize technology and traditional organization tools to keep your tasks, documentation, and contacts neatly cataloged. Whether it’s a dedicated binder or a specialized moving app, keeping everything organized minimizes stress and avoids costly errors. Remember, a well-organized move sets the foundation for a successful transition to your new home.

Discuss Your Move With Your Family

When children are involved, communication is key. Sit down as a family and openly discuss the upcoming changes, ensuring everyone has a chance to voice their concerns or ask questions. The more they understand and participate, the easier it will be for everyone to adapt. Remember, patience and support are crucial during this time of transition.

Consider Renting a Home

Renting a home offers the flexibility to easily relocate based on changing circumstances and avoids the long-term financial commitments and responsibilities associated with homeownership, allowing for greater freedom and peace of mind. Additionally, renting can provide access to desirable neighborhoods and amenities that may be otherwise unaffordable or inaccessible through purchasing a property. View online rental listings to get an idea of what’s available. Some listings have virtual tours so you won’t have to visit as many homes or apartments in person.

Time Your Move Wisely

Your move’s timing can greatly affect your expenses and overall experience. If possible, avoid peak moving seasons and holiday periods when costs are likely to rise. Also, align your move with your job start date and your children’s academic calendar to avoid unnecessary complications. Remember to plan ahead and book reliable movers well in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

Digitize Critical Career Docs

Before you disconnect your printer, digitize all your essential work documents and store them securely in a cloud service. This ensures you’ll have easy access to these important files during your transition, without the risk of misplacing them. Additionally, having your documents in digital format allows you to make professional-looking documents quickly, enhancing your efficiency and preparedness.

Relocating for your career doesn’t have to send you into a whirlwind of stress and financial strain. By arming yourself with a solid plan, a well-defined budget, and a robust organizational system, your move can be both affordable and relatively painless. As you take this significant step in your career, keep these personalized tips at the forefront to ensure a smooth, successful transition.