I had been working as a project manager and got laid off. For some time, I knew traditional project management wasn’t the right fit for me. I wanted to apply what I learned about intent-based leadership and personal development coaching to my next role.
I always believed that after being laid off I should start updating my resume and calling people in my network immediately. But I was struggling with confidence. I didn’t think I had the experience to claim to be a coach or an expert in intent-based leadership.
Even though I had faith that I would find a job, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and how to proceed, and that made me anxious and feeling a little hopeless.
Then I was in an employment networking meeting, standing in front of everyone and I heard myself say I wanted to be a consultant and coach people in leadership. One of the facilitators asked me why and I stated I thought I’d be able to reach and impact more people.
He looked me in the eye and said, “I don’t believe you.”
And for a few milliseconds, I felt like giving up. I asked myself if I was really fooling myself. I believe there was divine intervention at that moment because the next thought that came to my mind was: God knows the truth.
I was able to see that there was a path for me in coaching.
So I decided to take inventory of my skills, talents, and experiences so I could determine the best path forward.
I still had to deal with the fact that I didn’t have a job and not enough experience to start a coaching business.
In the end I was offered a position that drew on my skills as a project manager and gave me the opportunity to lead and to coach individuals and teams. I also had time to coach people outside of work. This would be my way of getting more experience so one day I will be able to support myself through coaching. In the end I took a job that matched my skills, talents and experience, and supported my goals. And I gave myself a 10% raise 🙂
When all is said and done I was able to be confident in my job choice. And, in the end, all of this means I can gain the experience I need to start my own coaching business, so that I can positively impact a greater number of people.