In a May episode of my podcast series about Redefining Careers, I was inspired by insights from our first and last special guests Andy Pule, Colleague Strategy Director at McCarthy Stone and Siobhan Anderson, Learning Delivery Specialist at Heathrow.

Whether planned or unplanned, actively seeking new experiences gives us more resilience if options suddenly change (recessions, redundancies etc) and keeps us empowered and confident to leave if we are not happy in what we are doing.

As with so much in life, it’s about attitude. With a career blip, it’s about not letting it sit as a chip on your shoulder, but to flip it to a ‘what, how, when can I do something about this? to keep empowered and confident. Blip, chip, flip – it’s about valuing your unique skills and life is too short to stay stuck in a job that is not right for you. It may take a few years to create the safety net in your life to be able to have choices but having that exit plan reminds you that you matter.

Switching industries

Andy Pule loves his job, which you can absolutely hear in his voice. His career has been quite a journey, spanning retail, public, private, police, airports, and aviation. He’s succeeded through all those changes, so when people say they can’t switch industries or move because it’s all they know, Andy had some advice to share…

The best advice Andy ever received came in his first two months working at Heathrow Airport. He grew up in the ambulance service, met his wife there, and his children were born during his time there, so he knew that industry inside and out. But when he made the move to the aviation industry, he was overwhelmed. He barely slept for the first two months, trying to be all things to all people. The advice he received was to stop apologising for what he didn’t know and to remember why he’d been brought in to do the job. So, his advice is to just go for it if it feels right for you.

Your experience and knowledge don’t vanish when you change roles. If it doesn’t work out, you’re still as competent as before, but braver for having tried. Imagine never knowing what could have been if you hadn’t taken the chance.

Transitioning career pitfalls

When transitioning careers, pitfalls to watch out for include trying to do too much at once. For example, Andy keeps a prioritisation list to help him manage what’s important for both him and the business. Over-promising and under-delivering is another trap. It’s a quick way to lose your team’s trust. Stick to realistic plans. Lastly, focus on how you deliver rather than just what you deliver. Your approach and attitude are crucial.

Reflecting on his career, Andy has had influential mentors, including his wife, who believed he could become more. During our conversation, he felt it’s essential to have someone who sees your potential and pushes you. In your career, seek out those mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Emotional intelligence is key.

For those starting out, be inquisitive and open-minded. Try different roles within your company, build relationships, and focus on what you can control. Find a mentor or role model, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. As a leader, always aim to inspire and connect with your team. Even in difficult conversations, how you make people feel is what they remember.

Looking back, Andy says that changing industries was the best decision for him. It changed his perspective and leadership style. Now, he’s more optimistic and has a growth mindset. To anyone considering a mid-career change, just do it. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. Your past experiences don’t disappear; they shape who you are and can make a significant impact in a new industry. Be proud of your journey and take the leap.

Continuous professional development

Siobhan Anderson shared her inspiring journey of overcoming academic self-doubt through mentorship and skill enhancement. During our conversation, we explored how continuous professional development and nourishing relationships can propel your career forward. In a world that is becoming increasingly automated, meeting a wide range of people keeps our options open and all the research shows the mental health benefits of regular quality human interactions.

Siobhan claims that the biggest difference in her career progress has been taking the plunge to improve her academic skills. Her mentor advised her to assess her skills and address any gaps. She realised her academic skill set needed improvement, as she had stopped her schooling at A levels. Through hard work, she decided to work for a Bachelor’s degree and developed time management, organisation and data analysis skills, which were vital for her academic success. 

She discovered the Open University, researched it, and sought advice from her network. Their encouragement led her to enrol, and for three years, she balanced work, life, and school, ultimately earning her degree. This journey filled a critical gap in her skill set, transforming a negative early school experience into a positive outcome.

Nurturing your network

Siobhan learnt that maintaining a positive mindset and utilising your network are crucial for career success. Whether it’s a mentor or colleagues, they provide encouragement and opportunities for growth. For those without a close support network, social platforms, journaling, and self-motivation can help. Remember, everyone faces challenges, but taking the initiative to connect and seek support can lead to meaningful progress.

In her career, networking has been essential for Siobhan. It’s important to be genuine, start conversations and build relationships. Whether in your department or with someone who serves you coffee, small connections can lead to significant opportunities. Be open, authentic, and don’t shy away from saying hello. 

Siobhan’s journey, from school activities like the Duke of Edinburgh award to career milestones, has shown that connections and self-belief are key to flourishing in your career. As she continues to grow, Siobhan continues to rely on her network, family and self-motivation to propel her forward.

There are so many lessons we can take from career highs and lows experienced by others. My resounding takeaway, from these and other coaching conversations, is that there are always new opportunities waiting for you. If you’re brave enough to take the leap, tap into your network and believe in the skills you bring to every role, well, anything is possible!