Second Act Success Career Podcast
Season 1 - Find Confidence In Your Career Decision Through Education (Podcast Workshop Series Day 3) | Ep #132
Episode - #132
Host: Shannon Russell
Transcription (*created by Descript and may not be perfectly accurate)

[00:00:00] Shannon Russell: We are talking about five ways that you can make a fearless career change over 40. Today on part three of my podcast workshop series,

we are talking about skills and education. And how, if you just take a beat to go back and look at all of the skills and all of the experiences that you have had in your career so far. That will lead you to confidently moving towards your second act.

[00:00:25] Shannon Russell: Hey, you, are you feeling stuck, desperate for a career change or thinking of starting a business, but you're just not sure how to make your first move? I'm television producer turned career coach, Shannon Russell, and this is the second act success career podcast. This is where you will not only get the career advice you've been craving, but you'll get tips from career and business experts.

along with inspiration from others who have made a career transition to find second act success. Let's get started.

Welcome back to the second [00:01:00] act success career podcast. I am your host, Shannon Russell. If you are just joining me, be sure to jump back to episode one 30 and 1 31 to listen to day one and day two of this series.

In episode one 30, we discussed the fears that you might have around making a career change and how you can assess and mitigate any risks that you may face along the way.

In episode 1 31, we really talked about the finances and how you can prepare now for a career change down the road.

[00:01:35] Shannon Russell: Today on part three of my podcast workshop series,

we are talking about skills and education. And how, if you just take a beat to go back and look at all of the skills and all of the experiences that you have had in your career so far. That will lead you confidently moving towards your second act. And of course, we're going to dive into the education piece and if you will need some extra [00:02:00] education or certifications or trainings, Before you move into this next role. Once you put all of your skills and education and truly feel informed about your decision, you will feel that much more confident about the decision you're making. I created a workbook to help you as you listen. You can grab that now at secondactsuccess.co/fearless, the workbook is packed with resources, questions, note pages,

this way you can take notes. Get all of that information from your head, put it down on paper so that you really can move forward confidently.

And also, I want to remind you about our live Q and a session happening this Thursday. April 25th at 1:00 PM. Eastern time. When you sign up at secondactsuccess.co/fearless, you will get access to this live Q and a where you can bring your questions, and we are going to discuss it together. Also, if [00:03:00] you can't make it live, do not stress. I will be sending out the replay afterwards. And if you do have questions that you want me to answer live. Feel free to go over to my Instagram.

I'm @secondactsuccess. . DM me the question you would like me to answer during the Q and a session and I will answer it live and you can listen to it back on the replay.

All right. So let's get into the topic of really understanding your past skills and the education that you have so that you can feel more confident about moving into a new opportunity.

Oftentimes, when we were thinking about moving from one role to another. We have that fear, right? We have that self doubt that imposter syndrome that creeps in. And I really wanted to discuss this topic today because I want more of us to truly respect and. Be grateful for all of the experience that we have had in our first act.

And especially if you are over the age of 40 or in that [00:04:00] mid-life. Age, you know, that you have done so much, you have gotten your education, you have worked, you have climbed that ladder, and you're just sitting in a place where you feel a little stuck and that you want more out of how you spend your day every day. You want to build something new and maybe challenge yourself. Okay, this is why you are listening today. We are. So proud of what we have done in our past and who we are. In the career that we are in at the moment, that it's hard to look past that. And to see that you can start over that you can start somewhere new, that you can build the same type of reputation. In a new role at a new company. it's really, I think a mindset shift in that sense that we can look at everything we've done. And say, okay.

I have accomplished so much and I'm going to take all of that with me. As I move forward. I am not leaving it [00:05:00] behind. I am just merely taking it. And I'm going to use that information, that education, those skills. In this new venture that I'm going into and this new role in this new department, in this new industry and it really can transfer quite easily.

but what we are really focusing on in this podcast episode. Is how being educated and informed about not only our past experience and skills and our education, but being educated and informed about the field that we are thinking about moving into. Because the more educated we are about. What we bring to the table and the more educated and informed we are about. That role that we really want. It will just boost our confidence

and give us that extra bit of knowing that we are making the right decision in changing careers, in opening a business, whatever our second act. Option is going to be.

First, we're going to talk about really [00:06:00] understanding our past. It can be as simple as writing down everything you've done or really examining your resume, looking at what you have done and not just look at your role.

Right? So many times we look at our title and we say, okay, I was in marketing. I was in accounting. I was a customer sales representative, whatever it was, we look at that title, but really underneath that title in our day to day of our roles in whatever job we have. There are so many things that we do.

There's so many skills that we have acquired and so many, things that we can take with us. So what I'd love for you to do first is really jot down. As many skills as you can think of for not only your current role, your current position, but everything you've done in the past. I think of anything that can really stand out. Maybe you gave great presentations, maybe you had great customer service.

Maybe you were [00:07:00] really great at the hands-on creative part of the projects that you and your team worked on. Maybe you won an award, maybe you got promoted quickly. . Just think about the experience and the skills that you have that list of all of your experience, and you're really looking at it. Immediately, you should feel that sense of pride and accomplishment. Because you have done so much and now you're looking at it all in list form in front of you. maybe you do know what you want to transition into.

Maybe, you know exactly where you are headed. You can take this list in front of you and kind of see which skills and which experience will transfer over. That will allow you to feel a little bit more confident that you do have what it takes from your past. To go with you into this new role.

You can kind of see how it aligns your past to your future.

If you do not yet know what career path you are going towards. You can [00:08:00] still use this method. You can look at everything that you have here and start individually breaking down your options, the different ideas that you have, of what you could potentially move towards and start looking at your skills and your past experience, your current. Accolades, if you will, and see what transfers to each of those new potential second act opportunities. You can kind of see, Ooh, maybe I need a little bit more, experience in this part of that field, or maybe I am really overqualified for this role.

It'll kind of give you that confidence and maybe a little bit of a clearer head as you move forward.

Okay.

Next, I really want you to dive in and understand the industry that you are thinking about moving towards. The more educated, you can be an informed through your research of what that feel, that industry, that company does. The more confident you can be in your decision to move towards that role as well.. Education [00:09:00] can provide you with that comprehensive. Understanding of what you're entering into. You'll learn about the trends, the challenges, any opportunities that that company may have, and it can give you just a clearer picture. Of what you can expect. as you do this research, you might find that that company is not aligned with your values and what you thought it would be.

Or you might find that in your research, there's another company that's quite similar, but has. Higher pay or better benefits or , work-life balance, maybe work from home options. So you want to kind of look around, do your research online. And then of course, I always suggest to my clients to reach out to someone who either works there now, currently. Or someone who has worked at that company. In the role that you're interested in in the past, , you can find this information very easily on LinkedIn, even going through your own network and seeing if there is a warm introduction to be had, where someone [00:10:00] can, introduce you to someone and you can really just ask them. If you can pick their brain for a little bit, get some information so that you can make the most informed decision about that role, about that company. you'll soon find out when you start this research process that you are feeling either more confident about this option in front of you, or you're feeling like, oh, that's not really what I want.

And you're able to cross that off your list. Either way, there's a confidence level of just being a little bit more informed and having that little bit of extra clarity as you ponder what's next.

Mhm.

Next let's talk about skills and skill development, having an opportunity to develop your skills. I get extra education, maybe a certification or extra training. Well, of course, booster confidence as well. You will feel more qualified about the role that you're applying for or the business that you're thinking about starting. Extra [00:11:00] education, getting extra training, taking courses online, whatever it may be. Is extremely helpful. However, you do want to understand how that will help you move forward. And if that investment is worth it, Now you can do that by just researching the companies as we've already discussed. And really looking at what will set you apart.

If you truly feel that if you get this extra degree or this training, or you do this online course, that that is something that's going to set you apart from other people, then that's something to consider. Or you might just want to get a certification or a little bit of extra training for your own. Self-confidence. it may not matter to the employer or the hiring manager that you have taken an online course and whatever it might be. But for you in applying for that job that is outside of your current industry, you might feel a little bit more confident by taking this [00:12:00] online course for six weeks, whatever it might be.

You may feel that extra boost of yeah. I took this course and now I feel. Like I can do this job. in that case, I say, go for it because whatever you can do to feel more confident for yourself. To move forward is excellent because then you will appear more confident. In your conversations with that company, you will present yourself in a more professional, confident. Manner during your interviews.

So if it's something that doesn't break the bank and you just want to learn a little bit more about the field, then investing in a certification online course, degree at your local college, whatever it is that you feel is important. To you to move forward. It's something that you have to look into and decide for yourself, but I'd say if it gives you that confidence, if you feel like it's going to put you a step above someone else,

then investing in this might be something that you want to [00:13:00] do to move you forward and give you that extra boost of confidence. If it doesn't. Then I would say research all you can via books, podcasts, and online, and make sure that you understand what the day to day in that field will be like,

what skills will be needed when you were in that role? And do you have those skills? You have to be honest with yourself, or is it something that you feel like you can get in entry-level and then maybe learn from there? It really depends on the role. Depends on the company, depends on the industry, but again, it goes back to the research to figure out where you kind of fall

and to see what you feel you need at this time.

Mhm.

Networking opportunities. Networking is such a valuable free way to research and get your education on any position business company field that you are interested in. . Networking comes in so many different ways, whether it's networking online in groups, on [00:14:00] LinkedIn, on Facebook and other social platforms. Whether it is asking around in your own personal network. Hey, do you know anyone who works in this field? Do you know anybody who does this? I'd really love to learn more about it.

So you can network amongst your friends and family. You can network online and social groups and social platforms. You can network in person. If you join different groups in your area. If you are interested in getting into business, you can join and network at local chambers of commerce in your town.

You can meet people at your local small business association. You can go to local colleges nearby and see what kind of meetings or workshops or free resources that they might have, where you can meet people. You can also network through educational programs. So if you do sign up for a certain certification or an online course, or join a mastermind or some kind of group online, A lot of these groups where you pay to get an education to go through [00:15:00] a program of some type. Most of these have a community aspect as well.

You can join one of these programs and meet other people who are aligned with your values, who are interested in the same field that you are, who may be on the same path that you are in trying to change careers. So you can network in this way and really build those connections, meet people in different industries, learn more, you can support each other. You can find out a lot about the industries or the roles that you're thinking about the businesses that you're considering. Through networking, you can get people's opinions.

You can find out the positives and the negatives. And make your own educated decision on if you want to follow that path towards that role, or if you want to pivot and look for something else. .

building these connections can lead to even potential job opportunities, which will boost your confidence even more knowing that someone is recommending you or getting you that [00:16:00] interview that you wanted.

And it will give you that boost in knowing. That you're speaking to other people who think that you would be a great fit for this role or for this business.

Networking is really a fantastic opportunity that all of us can take and really, really benefit from.

I have a membership program that I offer it's called the Career Clarity Collective. It is a membership program you pay each month or you can pay in bulk for the year. And every month you get new lessons on career change, you get new resources. We have live weekly coaching, and there's a community aspect where you get to meet these other women who are going through a similar career change and planning. A career pivot just like you.

I've been so fortunate to witness friendships, being formed through these conversations that happen in our community and in the conversations that we have alive during our group coaching calls, these women are really supporting each other.

Learning from each other. And I think that's the beauty [00:17:00] of networking.

Okay.

Next I'd love to talk about. Validation of competence. And what I mean by that is as you research more, as you take that certification as you network and meet other people, You are validating yourself. You're validating that you can do this job that you're thinking about. You're validating that your skills do transfer.

You're validating that you are not the title that you currently hold, that you are more than that. You're just validating. That you are competent and that you can move into this field because you've done the work , you have done the research, you have spoken to people, you have put in the effort, and now you're seeing that you are capable and that you can succeed in this path.

. Really, that is what you want more than anything. You want to have that confidence so that you can move forward.

Okay.

On the same note. A lot of times when we talk [00:18:00] about making a career change and saying, okay, I'm going to move from this role. And try to get into this industry to work at this role. A lot of times when we let others tell us what they think, and what I mean by others is family, friends that are close to us because they might look at this career change as fear.

They're scared for us leaving this one, potentially stable role and moving into something that is a little risky. so when you let other people know what you are considering, that's when the fears will come in. And we discuss this in episode one 30 of the series, but I want to bring it up again because I think it's important. In what we're talking about now with the confidence piece and the education piece, is that what I often tell my clients?

I truly believe that if you are considering a career transition of any kind. If you are worried about what people in your circle are going to think about this, and if you [00:19:00] are someone who is easily swayed, Or someone who will take what these other people have to say to heart, and that might change your mind. Then I urge you to validate your competence, do your research, look at your past skills, everything that we've been talking about for these last 10 minutes or so. Look at all of this, everything that we've been talking about on this episode.

You want to validate yourself and know that you can move forward and feel confident in shore. And then you can go and tell people what you're moving into, because you know what, once you feel confident yourself, Then when you start telling people at parties or in conversations over dinner, that, you know what I think I'm going to leave my job and I'm starting to apply at other companies in this field. If someone says. Are you crazy?

Why are you doing that? You have the validation, the education, and the knowledge to back up your statement to back up your thoughts and your decision. And this [00:20:00] way, no one can sway you. I really love the idea of validating your competence, because I think it just bleeds into that confidence piece that, that we really need. That keeps us strong and, and keeps our backbone where it needs to be. When we are in a pivot when we're looking to start something new. So I urge you to validate your confidence in any way that you can.

Okay.

Next let's talk about adaptability. As you were thinking about moving from career a to career B. You really want to think about being flexible and adaptable because you might be an exec at where you are now. You're on the executive level. You have a huge team below you. Well, now you are moving to another company and potentially another department in another role. You might not move to a parallel position. So you want to know that you are okay with that and maybe starting a little bit lower and working your way up, proving yourself.

And that's where the [00:21:00] adaptability comes into play. You want to have an attitude where you are open to learning.

You want to test yourself? You want to learn, you are up for the challenge. You are adaptable, and this will show again, in your interviews, it will show in your conversations with your hiring manager.

And that is something that a lot of times, people who are interviewing. We'll get asked the question. Why do you want to leave And why do you want to come over here? It really is showing that you have the passion. And that you are adaptable, that you want something new, you are up for the challenge. You want to be. Given new skills you want to be given new hurdles.

at your job, you want to be challenged. if you can explain that and you can really explain that it's more of a passion for you. That you want to take on this new role and you are confident that you can work your way up and prove yourself That is going to come across and really make you stand out

you Want to [00:22:00] really show that you're adaptable? You're flexible. You're a team player. And you're willing to get the education. You're willing to move to a new field and you won't know everything.

So you will be open to any kind of skills and education and training that that company will present to you and offer you. You're going to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to learn, and that is going to make you stand out.

Okay.

lastly, Let's talk about self discovery. We're discovering a lot about ourselves when we're thinking about shifting from this comfortable position that we're in. She is something that has those risks that has that. fear it has that uncertainty. We are going through that self discovery process. As we go through these steps that we've talked about in this episode, as we get educated, as we research, as we talk to people, as we let ourselves become adaptable. We can problem solve and that we can overcome these challenges. We are learning a lot about [00:23:00] ourselves.

We are educating ourselves and we are realizing that we are on this journey of self discovery. We want to. Take our past and create a better future. That's what you are learning about yourself through this process of change.

And you're able to learn more about your strengths, your weaknesses, your passions, your values. The skills that you have and how you can flex those and how you can adapt those. To the field that you want to move into and really Excel in. Learning a lot about yourself.

Just gives you that confidence that self-awareness, as you enter this new career that is really aligned with all of your interests and your abilities. Because you've done the research. You now know that yes. Where I'm moving towards. Is aligned with my skills and my values and my abilities.

I'm open for the challenge I am open to learn and I'm open to being a part of that team.

And it's the confidence and the passion that lights you up. That's going to make you be able to take those steps forward and [00:24:00] truly make this career transition.

Something that is going to fulfill you. And that's what we want at the end of the day.

Okay.

Overall being educated and informed about not only your current and past skills and accomplishments. But being informed and educated about the field and the role that you want to move into. By putting in the time, by putting in the effort to really learn about yourself and about this field and this role, this will all just enhance your knowledge and your overall skills, but it will also empower you.

And it will give you that confidence to pursue and really succeed in your new career path. And that is the most important thing that I think we can take with us. From our first act to our second act.

Okay, my friend that is it for part three of this five-part podcast workshop series.

Tomorrow I will be back with episode 1 33, where we will talk about flexibility and building a [00:25:00] contingency plan.

Before I leave you. I want to remind you again about going over to secondactsuccess.co/fearless, where you can download your free workbook that accompanies this series.

You will also get information about our live Q and a session where we will talk all things about being fearless and making a career change over 40. That is happening tomorrow. Thursday, April 25th at 1:00 PM Eastern time.

Lastly, I would love to invite you to join my Career Clarity Collective it's my monthly membership that I mentioned a little bit earlier in the show, it is a great place to really get the education. Get the support from a community, have live weekly coaching, where we can continue this conversation and I can truly support you along your career transition journey.

You can learn more information about the Career Clarity Collective over at secondactsuccess.co/membership and a link it in the show notes [00:26:00] as well below. If you are here and you're listening and you're getting something out of it and you're getting excited about a change. That is your next step. Head over to secondactsuccess.co/membership to learn more.

All right. That's all for now. Make it a great day and I'll catch you tomorrow for part four of our five-part podcast series on five ways to make a fearless career change over 40. CSE and my friend.

Thank you for joining us. I hope you found some gems of inspiration and some takeaways to help you on your path to 2nd Act success. To view show notes from this episode, visit 2ndActSuccess. co. Before you go, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode. Reviews only take a few moments and they really do mean so much.

Thank you again for listening. I'm Shannon Russell and this is 2nd Act Success.