My Journey from Corporate to Coach
Quitting my job and embracing the unknown - no immediate source of income, medical coverage, or assurance of what the future was going to bring – is exactly what I did in 2018. Many thought I was crazy. Some said I was brave. Regardless of the label, I did not make the decision recklessly. This transition was in the works for close to 2 years.
What I learned during this period is a simple framework that allowed me to manage this transition with confidence. If you can (Name) what you are feeling based on your circumstances, then (Frame) a plan for how to make the best decision, you can (Claim) an approach to move yourself forward. Let me share how I used this framework to leave a career in human resources behind to become a certified life coach.
In early 2016, my brother suffered a stroke, and my best friend lost her battle with cancer, both devasting events that prompted me to embark on a journey of reevaluating my own life, career, and purpose. Throughout my life, I followed a path I thought I should – constantly being busy “doing”, always focusing on accomplishing something – however, spending little time reflecting on who I was and what brought me joy. My brother’s life forever altered by the stroke, and my friend leaving behind four children and an adoring husband, made me reevaluate all of this. They were both similar in age to me and in the prime of their lives. I set out to answer the question - what more was there for me to do in life?
My journey through discovery began in Arizona. In December 2016, I booked a trip to the Canyon Ranch. Even their tag line was inviting: “The power of possibility”. I recall feeling a bit guilty, asking, why focus on me? I had a wonderful son, great health, excellent job, supportive friendships, and loving family. What could possibly be missing in my life? That is a powerful question that I needed to answer. Something was making me restless. I needed to identify what it was. Maybe you can relate or have felt similarly at some point in your life. I seized the opportunity to start to unpack what I was doing in my career, my life, and truly lean into the uncomfortable feeling to determine my path forward.
Name It:
While at the Canyon Ranch, I embraced daily yoga, meditation, amazing hikes through the canyon trails, and of course, several visits to the spa. I let go of scheduling my time, and instead embraced new adventures and the ability to just “be”. I journaled every day and returned to my cabin to be greeted by inspirational cards left on my pillow. The saying on one made me wonder if someone may have known exactly why I was there – “At the center of your being you have the ANSWER; you know who you ARE and you know what you WANT.” – Lao Tzu. This became my mantra for months to come. By the time I returned from Arizona, I had named that uncomfortable feeling and identified what was making me restless. It started with the realization that the company I worked for and the role I was performing no longer fit me. I had outgrown the culture, was becoming disengaged and a master at hiding it. Based on my unwillingness to put in any more of my personal discretionary effort, I knew it was time to leave. Beginning to focus more on what was happening within, and identifying the feelings causing my disengagement, gave me the confidence to act. That feeling had a name – unfulfilled.
Frame It:
I began the new year, 2017, with renewed energy and jump started my plan to exit the organization. I set the intention to leave within the year and told a very close friend which helped me stay accountable.
The decision was clarified in June when my company offered early retirement – except, I only met 2 of the 3 criteria so was not eligible. My colleague, however, fit all criteria and since her role was still needed, I was asked to take it – essentially being asked to perform two full-time jobs. Then it hit me. For over 23 years I had always done what the company wanted - taken assignments, extra work, roles that the company needed me to do. When would my career goals matter? What about me? Yes, that question again. When was I going to follow my passion and explore my purpose? The answer to these questions was within my control, no one else.
It was time. Leaving was my best option regardless of the perceived risks. Framing was underway and my exit would be December 2017. I had a general idea of what I would do next. I enrolled in an 8-month coaching education program through (iPEC) that would start in 2018 to follow my passion for helping others thrive through life’s transitions. I had saved enough cash to live on, addressing one of the major obstacles that could have prevented me from following through with this decision, freeing me to explore this next chapter of my personal and career journey.
Claim It:
I had named it and framed it, and now all that was left was to claim it. I was ready to take the leap of faith to exit the company and live out my plan. I trusted my instincts and trusted I had prepared properly and believed I would be successful no matter how this next chapter unfolded. Trust the process and believe is what I kept telling myself over and over. December of 2017, my resignation in hand, I entered my manager’s office and handed it to him. Decision executed, and the beginning of this incredible journey set in motion.
Fast forward to the present. I became a certified coach and relocated to Florida which has always been a dream of mine. I launched my business: Ocean Sands Coaching (www.oceansandscoaching.com) where I leverage the Core Energy™ methodology to help clients uncover the inner barriers preventing success – including fear, limited beliefs, and assumptions, as well as how to lessen judgment and better manage stress in their lives.
Consider seeking support from a professional coach and leveraging this framework if you are contemplating a life transition or already experiencing one. If you can identify what is truly impacting your ability to move yourself forward in your career/ life (name it), map out a plan with milestones to address (frame it), then allow yourself to fully commit to making the change you are seeking (claim it), you will find an amazing journey and opportunities ahead that you never thought possible.