It’s OK to Change Your Mind and Your Career
When Stepping Back is the Right Step Forward
We’ve all been there. That moment when you realise something isn’t quite right. It
could be a relationship, a hobby, or, in my case, a job. Sometimes, despite our best
intentions and careful planning, things don’t turn out as we expect. And that’s okay.
Recently, I went through a career experience that really brought this home for me.
After a period of growth and development in my field, a new opportunity arose – a
Head of Engineering position. I was encouraged to apply, and after a competitive
recruitment process, I was thrilled to be appointed. It felt like the next logical step in
my career progression.
Discovering the Reality
However, over the following months, it became increasingly clear that the reality of
the role didn’t align with the expectations I had going in. I’m not going to focus on the
specifics (as they’re unique to my situation), but I realised I simply was not happy.
More importantly, I knew I wouldn’t be happy in the longer term.
Taking a Step Back
This understanding presented me with a choice: do I stay in a role that wasn’t
fulfilling, or do I make a change? For me, the answer was clear. I decided to step
back into a previous role, one where I knew I could excel and had a proven track
record of success.
This decision wasn’t taken lightly. It involved careful consideration and a degree of
self-reflection. But ultimately, it was the right decision for me. And here’s the key
takeaway I want to share:
The Lesson
It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to decide that a choice was incorrect and to
alter your course.
We often put immense pressure on ourselves to make the “right” decisions,
especially when it comes to our careers. We fear judgment, we worry about
appearing indecisive, and we can get caught up in the sunk cost fallacy – the idea
that we should continue with something just because we’ve already invested time
and effort into it.
But the truth is, life is a journey of learning and discovery. Sometimes, that means
taking paths that don’t lead where we initially intended. It’s not a failure to recognise
that something isn’t working; it’s a sign of self-awareness and courage.
Stepping back wasn’t a retreat; it was a strategic move. It was about prioritising my
own well-being and recognising where I could make the most significant contribution.
It was about acknowledging that sometimes, the best way forward is to retrace your
steps and find a more solid foundation.
So, if you find yourself in a similar situation – feeling unfulfilled, realising a choice
wasn’t the right one – remember this: you have the power to change direction. Don’t
be afraid to reassess, to re-evaluate, and to make choices that align with your
happiness and your long-term goals. It’s okay to change your mind. In fact,
sometimes, it’s the bravest and most rewarding thing you can do.
Finally, it’s crucial to acknowledge the impact of such decisions on our mental health.
Staying in a situation that consistently causes stress, anxiety, or unhappiness can
have a significant negative impact on our overall well-being. Taking a step back,
even if it feels like a step down on paper, can be vital for preserving and restoring
good mental health. Prioritising your mental well-being is not a sign of weakness; it’s
a sign of strength and self-awareness. It allows you to create a more sustainable and
fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.
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