Time to Shyft

by LaSonya Roberts-Lopez, MD March 8, 2023

The prevalence of career changes is increasing as people search for new opportunities due to professional challenges, work-life balance difficulties, inadequate compensation, burnout, chronic stress, mental health issues, and feeling undervalued. This topic is very close to my heart because this is the journey I am deciding to take. Most people, including myself, find it difficult to make drastic changes in their careers due to fear, concerns about stability, being able to provide for their families, and the uncertainty of what will come next. In addition to that, depending on your profession, a lot of us feel as if we may not have the skill set to do anything else. I have had countless conversations with other professional associates and friends. Surprisingly, I discovered many of them have reached a crossroad where they are ready to shift and change course, too.

Personally, I feel that during the pandemic, people started to realize what was most important to them. They also recognized that the stability they thought they had did not exist- umm eye opener. Think about it: salaries were cut, and people were laid off from their jobs. Although it’s fair to acknowledge that some unfortunate circumstances were beyond anyone’s control, the fact remains that these situations still had a significant impact on everyone’s sense of security. The need to quickly explore new career paths and entrepreneurship became almost imperative. Social media influencers who marketed their get-rich-quick courses gained widespread popularity and proved to be compelling. Even if you didn’t purchase their product or course, they got your creative juices flowing and made you realize that maybe you can do that too. There lies the Shyft..you see where I am going with this, right? Furthermore, considering how rapidly circumstances can shift, is there truly anything to risk? From my perspective, the most significant thing we stand to forfeit is time, an irreplaceable asset. If it were possible, I would travel back in time by at least fifteen years, if not more. Given that time is our most valuable resource, how do you intend to invest

yours?

The initial and crucial step is to determine the reason behind your desire to switch careers. Do you wish to explore new opportunities, or are you dissatisfied with your present job? Having clarity on your motivations can facilitate better decision-making regarding your future course of action. There are now multiple ways to look at this. But the first question I have is, are you looking to shift into a new career working for someone else? Or are you thinking “If I can work hard for another person or company, why not try working hard for myself?" I personally like the latter. Having freedom means more to me than anything. Not just financial freedom but living a life where you can evolve and grow into your authentic self—all restrictions down the drain. My famous quote still holds true: “How can anyone keep you in a box when you’re the package?” Having that freedom brings peace along with it. It’s worth noting that choosing one of these options won’t be easy. In reality, it may be more challenging than continuing with your current situation in the short term. It takes faith, patience and just starting where you are. Taking two steps back temporarily may be necessary to take four steps forward. However, considering that you have survived a pandemic, I have no doubt that you have the necessary strength and resilience to make it happen. Just be prepared to invest time and energy into learning and growing in your new endeavor.

"The shift toward skills-based hiring will accelerate in 2023 as skills emerge as the currency of the labor market. Flexibility is the ability to choose one's work schedule and it no longer means just working remotely. It can mean working four or even three days a week, while working longer hours each day."- Forbes 2023

Once you have determined your motivations, begin exploring potential career paths. Take into account your skills, interests, and values and consider how they may align with various industries. Examine job listings and industry trends, and speak with professionals who work in the fields that interest you. This will provide you with a better understanding of the skills and qualifications needed to excel in a new career. Networking is also crucial when it comes to shifting careers or starting a new business. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with others on social media. Developing relationships with people in your desired field can provide valuable insights and potentially open doors to job opportunities. Finally, don’t be afraid to seek out additional education or training if necessary. There are many online courses and programs that can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your new career.

"96% of people who are self-employed have no desire to go back to a 'regular job. 58% of entrepreneurs worked in the corporate world prior to starting their own businesses".- Oberlo Blog 2023

Are you ready to step up and become a boss? I know firsthand how daunting it can be to face fear and uncertainty and to carry the weight of an impactful vision. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to plan and predict every possible outcome, but that can create more anxiety and doubt and ultimately become a crutch. Thankfully, circumstances pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize that vulnerability can be a superpower. Starting where I am and leaning on my support system has helped me shift from a mindset of surviving to one of prosperity. If you’re considering a shift in your life, whether it’s entrepreneurship or a new career path, know that it’s okay to take one step at a time and to seek help from others. Building symbiotic relationships and focusing on self-care can bring clarity to your situation and help you achieve your vision. Remember that your purpose can help someone else’s purpose, and that by living in your purpose, you can leave a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

To sum up, while changing careers or embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can present obstacles, the ultimate outcome can be deeply satisfying. By pinpointing your motivators, researching potential career paths, networking, managing expectations, and investing in education or training, you can successfully transition to a fulfilling professional life. For those pursuing entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to identify a need, tap into your passions, develop a business plan, establish a supportive network, remain adaptable, take calculated risks, and embrace failure as an opportunity for growth. Don’t be hesitant to pursue your dreams of entrepreneurship; we all have a legacy to leave and an impact to make. If you are ready, let’s make the Shyft together.

Please post your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you!