Have you ever thought about making a big change in your life? The very idea of change is enough to stir deep feelings of anxiety because of the uncertainty it brings. What if you disregard all the doubts you have and go ahead with the change anyway? What would that be like, and how would it feel?

While change is scary, I took that plunge and started afresh with a marketing role. “Into the Unknown” from the 2019 Disney film Frozen II, perfectly encapsulates my experience.

While working with children is enjoyable, I don’t get the same rush of excitement as when I craft content in my side hustle as a book reviewer. The more time I spent being an active reviewer on social media, the more my interest in marketing burgeoned. I realised that my knowledge of marketing based on my book reviewing experience is barely scratching the tip of the iceberg. While I realised this will be a massive jump from working in early education and venturing to marketing, I understood that I had to start somewhere and possibly unlearn to relearn.

When the opportunity arose for an internship at Wantedly, I didn’t know what it was or where it’s going to take me. But I do know I have a lot of learnings ahead of me, and I was excited to get started!

If you’re considering making a major life change too, here are some steps you can consider taking:

Are you able to picture yourself there in the long run?

Like many who first started on a certain path, I too imagined myself rocketing up the career ladder. After working in the field for a few years, you get a sense of whether it’s “right” for you.

Then, you toy with the idea of the future you imagine for yourself in that role. Does that leave you weak in the knees or do you feel invigorated by the potential growth in your career journey?

What drives you?

What’s the reason that brought you into the industry? Perhaps, what you originally started out doing is no longer a part of your job. It’s when you feel a disconnect from when you started in the first place that you’ve got to dig deep within yourself. Understanding what draws you to your career will help you find the fundamental meaning in the job you are doing.

Do you like the person you are at work?

At work, you’re the perfect employee - you’re reliable, team-oriented, and self-motivated. Looks can be deceiving because in your heart you know you’re just not into it anymore. Trying to be something you’re not is exhausting. Over time, it’ll weigh you down mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Being true to yourself at work is important for self-growth as well.

Have you maxed out whatever you could learn?

Do you feel like you’re working on auto-pilot because your work has plateaued? If you find yourself gradually feeling bored with your tasks, identify why what you do is no longer challenging. Have conversations with your manager about new initiatives or that you’re ready for other responsibilities. Even after such conversations you feel static, it can be worth it to start exploring new opportunities.

Is your job affecting your personal life?

Are you losing sleep or getting that Sunday scaries as the new week approaches? Your body might be telling you that your current work is taking a toll on you. The lingering bitterness and dread that follows you after work can affect everyone in your immediate circle.

What would your life look like if you decided to take a leap of faith? The first step is always the hardest however asking myself these questions sparked me to reflect on my dreams and priorities. Reflection alone is not enough though. Use this to take informed steps about what happens next for you. Change itself is an act of bravery. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to realise it isn’t all a dream and that I made it to the other side whole!

Keep a lookout for my monthly intern diary where I'll let you in on my time at Wantedly, challenges, and learnings in my journey as a marketing intern at a tech startup.

Ready to make a gigantic change of your own? You can start at Wantedly! At Wantedly, we believe in connecting job seekers with companies based on values, passion, and mission. When you create your profile, you can get started on your search and apply for various roles from marketing, creative, tech, engineering, and more. Good luck!