You know for certain you need a career change and soon. Maybe you need a new challenge or your health is suffering from job stress and you are forced to seriously look at a change so you can take better care of yourself. I hope the latter is not the case but sadly I see it all the time with my clients. Whatever your reason, getting your partner on board for the ride is crucial for making a smooth transition to a new career.
So how do you present this life changing revelation to your partner?
Show your loved one you’re serious and committed. Although you don’t need to have all the details fleshed out right away, have a realistic, achievable goal and have a plan to go with it. Even the start of a plan helps when you first approach your partner with your ideas. If you lay it all out in a clear, thought out, balanced way, it is easier for him or her to take it all in, process how this will fit into your lifestyle and how you can both help make it happen.
Present your career change as a solution, not a problem. Show your partner you’ve got this. Share some of the exciting things you’re discovering about yourself, the new careers you’d like to explore, new employers you would like to work for and how it will all fit into your life. Talk about the research you’ve been doing such as further training you may need, how much it costs and where to get it. Show your spouse you’re exploring different avenues, weighing diverse options, assessing your skills as part of a comprehensive plan that will work for you both. Your partner may be happy to watch you do your thing and only be involved as much as you need or want. You’re not in this alone so don’t make any big decisions without first discussing it with your partner. Your actions will show that you are working your plan, always keeping your relationship and family needs in mind as you work through the process.
Test your plan and carefully assess opportunities before taking a big leap into the unknown. Investigate and explore thoroughly what will fit best with your needs, strengths and values and bring you the most happiness and reward in the next chapter of your life and career. This will help ease any of your partner's doubts and confirm your commitment.
Draw on the trust in your relationship. Remember this will be a time of uncertainty and stress and trust between you and your partner will be tested. Changing your career is a huge challenge to take on and you will both need to keep the lines of communication open and honest, expressing your needs in a respectful, collaborative way. Trust yourself first and trust your spouse as you explain honestly why you need this change. Show in your words and actions that it will create a stronger bond in your relationship as you move into a rewarding new career you love and leave behind stress, anxiety or sickness that is weighing you down.
Share with an open mind and heart. Ask for your partner's support. However, remember you don’t need permission from anyone (even your spouse) to take control of your career. Do what’s necessary and right for you to live, work and be healthy. Take empowered, solution-focused action to explore the changes you want, and communicate your goals and dreams in a logical, actionable step by step plan that your loving partner will happily support!
I encourage you to start the conversation with your partner today. It may be just what you need to get moving on your new career. I'd love to hear how it goes in the comments below. Good luck!
