Changing careers isn’t always something you plan—it’s something you feel. It starts as a quiet nudge, then grows into a pull you can’t ignore. That’s how it happened for me. After years in one field, I found myself needing something different. I didn’t know exactly what that would look like at first, but I knew it was time to shift course.
As someone who’s spent a lot of time on the water—particularly solo sailing—I’ve realized that career transitions are a lot like navigating unpredictable lakes. They require patience, self-trust, and the ability to adjust your sails when the wind changes direction. You don’t always get a clear map, but if you keep moving and stay open to change, you’ll find your way.
Here’s what the water—and the workplace—have taught me about navigating career change.
Pay Attention to the Inner Current
Before any big shift happens on the surface, there’s usually something stirring beneath. For me, it was a growing sense that I needed a new challenge, something that aligned more closely with my values and interests. I had spent a long time in a demanding, high-responsibility role that had taught me a lot—but I was starting to feel stuck.
In sailing, the water gives you clues—subtle changes in wind direction, ripples that hint at currents underneath. In life, the same thing happens. Maybe you’re not as energized by your work as you once were. Maybe you start daydreaming about different roles or find yourself seeking out new learning opportunities. Those signs matter. You don’t always have to act immediately, but you do need to listen.
Know When to Leave the Safe Harbor
There’s comfort in routine. It’s safe. Predictable. You know the people, the systems, the expectations. But growth rarely happens when you’re anchored in one spot.
When I made the decision to leave my previous career, it wasn’t because I hated it. It was because I wanted more. I wanted to grow in a new direction, to explore new skills, and to contribute in a different way. That kind of decision isn’t easy—it means letting go of what you know in order to discover what could be next.
In sailing, you eventually have to leave the calm harbor if you want to reach a new destination. The same goes for your career. At some point, you have to trust your instincts and push off.
Expect Storms—But Don’t Panic
No matter how well you plan, change is rarely smooth. There were moments during my career transition where I questioned everything. Was I making the right choice? Did I have the right skills? Would I feel fulfilled in a new environment?
That’s normal. In fact, it’s a good sign. Growth often comes with discomfort. In sailing, I’ve faced rough weather, moments where visibility was low and progress felt impossible. But panic never helps. You slow down, check your bearings, and keep moving forward—maybe not fast, but steady.
During my transition into recruitment, I had to learn new systems, build new relationships, and think in a different way. There were setbacks. But I reminded myself that every sailor faces storms—and that resilience is built by pushing through them, not avoiding them.
Use Your Past as Fuel
One thing I’ve come to appreciate is how much our past experiences can shape our success in new roles—even if they seem unrelated. I spent years in leadership positions, managing teams, supporting peers, and making high-pressure decisions. Those skills didn’t disappear when I switched careers—they came with me.
Now, in recruitment, I use those same abilities every day. I listen carefully. I support people through stressful situations. I solve problems, guide conversations, and help others find their next opportunity. The context changed, but the core strengths remained.
Career change doesn’t mean starting from zero. It’s more like repurposing your experience to serve a new mission.
Enjoy the New Horizon
Today, I feel more aligned in my work than I have in a long time. I get to help people discover meaningful careers. I work with great teams. I continue to learn and grow. And most importantly, I’ve found purpose in a new way.
Sailing has taught me that every trip—no matter how uncertain—comes with a horizon. Sometimes it takes a while to see it. Sometimes you get turned around. But with time, patience, and effort, you get there.
Career change is the same. It’s not always a straight line. It’s rarely easy. But if you keep showing up, keep adjusting your sails, and stay focused on what matters most to you, you’ll eventually find yourself exactly where you’re meant to be.
If you’re standing on the edge of a career change—maybe just starting to feel that pull, or already halfway through the transition—know that you’re not alone. And know that the skills, lessons, and instincts you’ve developed up to this point are going to help you navigate whatever’s next.
It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to ask the questions, brave enough to take the leap, and patient enough to ride out the storms. Whether you’re steering a boat or steering your life, the same rules apply: trust the process, stay steady, and keep your eyes on the horizon.
You’ll get there.