My mid life Career Transition.
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Helen, details below the steps that led her into her new career as a much sought after landscaping gardening specialist who now advises on BBC gardening shows.
She had already built a successful career as owner and director of a medium sized dental practice, but an episode of poor health in mid-life caused her to rethink everything.
Notice how she tries on different hats, allows herself space to think and sit with not knowing, and the surprising part time job that helped lead her to her new career. .
Helen, what prompted your career transition?
A true mid-life crisis – fatigue, stress, children leaving home and menopause, all at the same time! I became ill and dysfunctional just when I thought life should have become more manageable and I realised that I did not really know where I was going any more.
How long were you contemplating this change before you took steps to make it a reality?
I was forced into a change in situation, selling my dental business and rethinking. I realised that although I had been really driven for years to establish and develop the business, I had failed to define my goal and as a result all the things I had been working for turned quickly into a millstone around my neck. I found myself craving simple tasks like ironing and cleaning! I battled with failing to cope and trying to keep things going for nearly 3 years until suddenly, one day I just decided I had to stop.
Once you had decided to make the move what were the steps you went through?
I gave myself a few months of sick leave. Doing all the mundane home things and reconnecting with my family – doing long overdue repairs on the house. I had to sort out my financial situation- I managed to cover the operational debts from my business by selling and freeing myself from the regulatory restrictions and responsibilities.
I had to work out what I wanted – my husband’s earnings were enough for us to live a simple life and he was happy for me to become a housewife – I realised I was not! I was fortunate to have a little thinking time. I needed that time. I also needed to work out what attributes and skills I had of transferrable value. I used a recruitment consultant to update my CV – she took a very proactive approach and the key benefit of this exercise was to set me on the track of valuing myself again.
I took time to start up several hobbies that had previously been set aside; gardening, sewing, music. I started working on my French conversation and joined a group, I strictly encouraged myself to make contact with at least one friend/acquaintance every day and I took myself off on long walks, cycle rides and swimming. I established routine at home, based on cooking meals, baking bread etc. This filled up my time and made me feel really busy and useful.
How long did that process take you?
Nine months, because Covid then descended and disrupted everything again.
What were the key practical/ and or psychological difficulties you faced on your journey?
A sense of feeling worthless and useless. In a way, Covid galvanised me into some action because I could not tolerate being cooped up at home, so I took a job at minimum wage on a fruit farm and bizarrely really loved it!
Did you have to go through any further qualifications or undertake any further learning or training in order to make your career transition?
Yes, I realised that so long as I was outdoors and doing something practical, I was happy.
I then discovered the RHS Horticulture diploma. I decided to self- study and fortunately an opportunity to sit the exams came up 6 months later. Studying made the Covid months fly by and achieving the qualification recovered my confidence.
How long did it take you before you felt fully comfortable in your new identity and new role?
Three years, but this is complicated by my husband’s sudden illness and death during this period. The impact of these events both propelled and undermined my new career. There has been an element of necessity and also a tendency to excuse myself – this is not resolved but I have learned to accept.
William Bridges talks about the three stages of transition as : the letting go phase, the neutral zone (sometimes called the messy middle) and the new beginnings stage. How, if at all, do these relate to your journey?
Completely, except that life added its own complications!
What one thing in particular helped you on your journey?
My children and friends.
What would you advise others considering a major career transition?
Have courage about your convictions. Don’t think about it for too long, listen to your own feelings – if you are considering it – do it.
Any further thoughts you would like to add?
Value yourself and all the skills and experience that you accumulate. I have discovered that by valuing myself I can enjoy almost anything I may need to do – including picking strawberries at 5am! That minimum wage job was just as rewarding as any professional role I ever did.
