Vera Wang is indeed one of the most successful fashion designers globally. But did you know she also had a passion for figure skating and was professional in her teenage years? When one day, Vera abandoned her Olympic dreams when she placed only fifth in the junior pairs competition at the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. After graduating from college, she quit the sport altogether: "When my Olympic dream ended, I was completely lost. Bereft. I needed to find something else that I could love as much. It turned out to be fashion." - Vera Wang said at a 2005 WWD summit.
Vera Wang had a long career as an editor at Vogue's well-regarded fashion publication and gained experience at the Ralph Lauren clothing brand. She had the meaning of what she was doing - she wanted to transform people’s perception of wedding gowns, making them more modern, artistic, inventive, and stylish. But even in her fashion career, she faced challenges: "But my career has been as much about adversity as it has about passion, coupled with the necessary willingness to accept change."
This whole story makes me think that choosing a career path is an important life decision determining your personality, income, and lifestyle. At some point in life, we may decide to pursue a hobby, earn extra income, or consider leaving work to make a change. It is an important decision that requires careful planning and thought. If this decision brings inner satisfaction and the willingness to face and overcome fears, then taking the risk may be worth it.
I want to share with you a simple yet effective approach for getting the best answers to your questions about making important decisions. It's called the "3Whys" theory. By delving more profound, you can decide whether to continue moving forward in your current career path or start from scratch.
Be Honest. Start by asking yourself why you want to leave your current job. Is it management, colleagues, or low pay? What is weighing you down? Like Vera Wong, you may find out one day that she has a passion for fashion, not ice skating. It can give you the freedom to start your dream job. That's why it's essential to be honest with yourself in this first step.
Make a note of your final goal. Initially, it is difficult to plan new career goals for the long term, but it helps to visualise what kind of life you want to build because work is part of your life. Try to visualise what you would like to do, what kind of people you would like to work with, and how you would like the work to go; also, keep your concentration on the feelings you would like to feel about your new job.
How does it feel right for you? Do you feel creativity and curiosity? Or passion and boundless energy, the sensation of spreading your wings, or feeling “ready to move mountains”?
When you know you want to change your career and can even visualise it, the next step is planning. At this stage, you can help yourself with questions like:
This step is essential to understanding how to reach your desired goal. Review your list of what you need to do to get closer to your goal and change it boldly as needed.
If we go back to the story of Vera Wang, she did not immediately start her career in the fashion industry. Still, she decided to work even as an editor in the famous edition of Vogue and gained experience in the clothing brand Ralph Lauren. But simultaneously, she had a purpose that pushed her through feelings and dreams. So, when approaching self-evaluation, try it always with awareness, curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
We often overestimate what we can achieve in one year and underestimate what we can accomplish in five. While you can change your career or move to a new location, doing both at once is unlikely. Gradual change is more sustainable, so dream big but take small steps.
Start by researching job opportunities and exploring industries and companies that align with your career goals and values. Stay updated on trends and labour market demands to decide when and where it is better to make a career change. You can seek advice from mentors, career coaches, or professional networks to navigate the career change.
Career changes can be complex due to the inner voice that drives a new lifestyle. It's important to unpack this process gradually, recognising your capabilities, talents, and resources. When the time comes, approach it with curiosity and creativity to explore your new career path.
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