Remember your first day of high school? The butterflies in your stomach, the excitement mixed with fear, and that sense that everything was about to change. Here’s something fascinating: the word “teenager” first entered our language in 1913, but it wasn’t until decades later that it took on its current meaning. Just like that word evolved, so do our careers—and sometimes we need to embrace being a “beginner” all over again.
You’re not alone if you’re feeling stuck in your current job. It’s a feeling that many of us have experienced at some point in our careers. Maybe you’ve climbed the corporate ladder only to realize you’re leaning against the wrong wall. Perhaps you’re earning good money but feeling empty inside. Or maybe you’re simply tired of making someone else’s dreams come true while yours collect dust. These feelings are more common than you might think.
According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. That means 77% of people—more than three out of four workers—are either not engaged or actively disengaged from their jobs.
These statistics reveal a painful truth. Most people spend 40+ hours a week doing work that doesn’t fulfill them. They’re trading their time for money without finding meaning or passion in their work. If you’re reading this and nodding your head, know that your feelings are valid and shared by millions of others.
Let’s talk about firsts for a moment. Think about some of the most important firsts in your life:
Your first kiss probably made your heart race and left you wondering if you did it right. But it was the beginning of understanding a romantic connection.
Your first time driving felt both terrifying and liberating. One moment, you were dependent on others for transportation, and the next, you held the keys to freedom.
Your first job taught you about responsibility, work ethic, and earning your own money. It was your initial step into the adult world.
Each of these firsts was scary, exciting, and ultimately transformative. They marked transitions from one phase of life to another. Here’s an interesting parallel: on January 28, 1896, Mr. Walter Arnold of East Peckham became the first person caught speeding in a motorized vehicle. He was doing a “heady” 8 mph—four times the 2-mph speed limit—and was chased for five miles by a policeman on a bicycle. Mr. Arnold was a pioneer, pushing boundaries and trying something new, even though it came with risks. Your career transition can be just as transformative and rewarding.
Your career deserves the same pioneer spirit.
Why Career Change Feels So Difficult
Career transitions often feel overwhelming because we’re wired to stay in our comfort zones. Our brains are designed to keep us safe, which means they resist change—even positive change. When you think about leaving your current job or starting your own business, your mind immediately jumps to worst-case scenarios.
Career change statistics compiled by GoRemotely suggests that at least 60% of would-be career changers do not end up making the transition. They get stuck in analysis paralysis, overwhelmed by options, or paralyzed by fear of failure. The result? They stay in jobs that drain their energy and limit their potential.
But here’s what successful career changers understand: every expert was once a beginner. Every successful business owner was once an employee, wondering “what if.” Every fulfilled professional was once someone asking themselves if there was something better out there.
The Role of a Career Ownership Coach™
Think of them not as someone who will magically solve your problems, but as a trusted guide who has helped countless others navigate the same journey you’re considering. They can provide you with the tools, strategies, and support you need to make a successful career change.
Assessment and Clarity: They help you identify your natural strengths, values, and passions. A coach enables you to get clear on what success looks like for you personally.
Option Exploration: There are thousands of opportunities and options available. A coach helps you explore possibilities you might never have considered and matches them to your specific situation, interests, and goals.
Accountability and Support: Making a career change is a process, not a single decision. A coach provides ongoing support, keeps you accountable to your goals, and helps you navigate challenges as they arise.
Your Next Professional First
Imagine the sense of fulfillment and excitement that could come from a career that truly aligns with your strengths, values, and passions. The question isn’t whether you’ll face career transitions—it’s whether you’ll approach them strategically or stumble through them unprepared.
Your first conversation with a Career Ownership Coach™—the moment you stop wondering “what if” and start exploring “how”
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and your career
That first call to a Career Ownership Coach™ might feel scary, but remember all the other firsts that initially felt intimidating but ultimately enriched your life. This conversation could be the beginning of the most fulfilling chapter of your professional journey.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. You don’t have to stay stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you. And you don’t have to wonder “what if” for the rest of your career. With the right support, you can make a successful career change and find a path that truly fulfills you.
Your next professional first step is waiting. The only question is: are you ready to take it?
Ready to explore your career ownership options? Contact The Entrepreneur’s Source today to schedule your complimentary consultation with a Career Ownership Coach™. Your future self will thank you for taking this first step.
We help them define their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals and provide education on the best ways to achieve them. We don’t sell franchises – we help people achieve their dreams of self-sufficiency through business ownership. The approach is different, the experience is different. And it works.