Are you ready for a radical career reinvention?

What’s the most radical career shift you’ve heard of? Maybe you know an insurance adjuster who went off to become an artist? A lawyer who risked everything to open their own bistro? Or perhaps a financial analyst who decided to become a yoga instructor? These types of career moves are not just gear changes, they are complete reinventions, and they are becoming more and more common.

But following your passion isn’t without huge financial and career risks. That’s why this group are called the radical reinventors, they are treading an exciting but dangerous path to a brave new profession. Some people band this trend together with the great resignation, but it’s very different. There is no new-but-similar role waiting on LinkedIn for these folks and very limited support or guidance as they take a rarely trodden path.

Want to be a radical reinventor? Think carefully before taking the plunge. These are some of the most important questions to ask before you hand in your resignation.

Does your job bring you joy?

Sometimes we have a nagging sense that something isn’t right. You’re not enjoying your role and you can’t put your finger on why. This could be an indication that you need to make a real career change, but this is a decision you can only make if you can honestly reflect on where you are today and what’s driving your disenchantment.

Do you just want to get out or do you have a passion you want to pursue?

Simply wanting to get out of your current role isn’t enough to be a radical reinventor. You need to identify a passion, a path, a profession that you really want to be a part of and understand how you can get to where you want to be. Do your research and do it thoroughly, sometimes the idea of a different type of life is much more romantic than the reality.

What do you need to succeed?

Ok, you want to open a bakery with award-winning cupcakes, but what do you actually need to do that? Do you need to take a course or raise investment capital? Find premises? What qualifications – if any – will you have to achieve? Can you afford this path? This is the point when you have to get really practical and identify the steps you need to take to make all those daydreams a reality.

Have you talked to the people you are closest to about it?

Sometimes putting your idea out into the universe and simply talking about it with a trusted friend, partner, or relative can help you put it in perspective and help to make it real. It’s also important to bring anyone that your career shift is going to impact, financially or emotionally, along with you. Finding career cheerleaders and allies is not only a great way to stay motivated, they can help to accelerate your success.



Still sold on total career reinvention? Take it one step at a time or maybe combine your current role with a taste of your chosen new career to check that it really is for you. Even if things don’t work out, you’ll have something exciting to put on your CV. Ready to take the plunge?