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Writer's pictureLaura DuBois

Your Career Change Starts Here: Lay the Groundwork Before You Leap

Let’s be honest—dreaming about leaving your current job to pursue something new can feel exciting and terrifying all at once. You’ve thought about it, maybe even fantasized about it during those long Monday meetings, but when it comes to actually doing it, there’s a fear that stops you in your tracks.


What if it doesn’t work out? What if you jump too soon and regret it? That fear of stepping off the ledge without a safety net is real, and it keeps a lot of people stuck in roles they’ve outgrown. But what if I told you that you don’t have to leap without a plan? You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow to start building a future you’ll love.


Instead, let’s talk about creating an “off-ramp”—a strategic, thoughtful way to transition from where you are now to where you want to be.


What’s an Off-Ramp, and Why Do You Need One?


Road with rainbow view to the side
How's this for an off-ramp? :)

An off-ramp is exactly what it sounds like: a carefully designed exit path that lets you leave your current career smoothly and confidently. Think of it as building the bridge before you actually need to cross it. This isn’t about throwing caution to the wind and jumping into something new without preparation. It’s about creating a path that sets you up for success while you’re still employed. (And hey, how do you think I began my switch from a physical therapy career to professional coaching all those years ago? 🙋‍♀️)


Why is this important? Because making a career change doesn’t have to be risky or overwhelming. In fact, rushing into a new role without a plan often leads to unnecessary stress and regret. The better approach? Begin the process now—while you still have the stability of your current job—so that when the time comes to make the switch, you’re ready.


The Fear of Jumping Without a Net


One of the biggest reasons people stay stuck in a job they’ve outgrown is the fear of failure. What if you leave your job, and things don’t work out? What if you can’t support yourself financially during the transition? These are valid concerns. But instead of letting fear keep you from pursuing your dream, you can take a more strategic approach.


An off-ramp allows you to test the waters, build skills, or even start a side project while maintaining the security of your full-time job. This way, you’re not jumping without a net—you’re building the net as you go. This path is especially helpful if you’re transitioning into something that requires new skills or connections.


Suspension of Judgment


Now, you might be thinking, “But won’t this take too long?” or “How can I possibly juggle both a full-time job and build something new?” These are common concerns, and the truth is, building something worthwhile does take time. But here’s where I invite you to suspend judgment—on yourself, on the timeline, on the idea that it has to be “all or nothing” right away.

Woman holding a mug with words "you are limitless"
My daily cuppa. Tell yourself good things!

Whether it takes six months, a year, or more to build your off-ramp, the important thing is that you’re making progress. And progress beats perfection every single time. It’s okay to take your time. The key is staying consistent, not being in a rush.


So, throw away the idea that it’s too hard to do both at once. Yes, it will take effort. Yes, you’ll have to stretch yourself. But this isn’t about burning the candle at both ends—it’s about strategically investing your time in a future that excites you.


Stay Motivated by Focusing on the Why


In any long-term goal, there will be moments when you feel like you’re treading water or that the effort isn’t worth it. This is why it’s so important to stay centered on your motivation for change. Why are you wanting this shift in the first place? What do you want to experience on the other side?


Getting clear on your “why” will give you the fuel to keep going. Think about how you want to feel in your new role. Imagine the sense of fulfillment, the excitement, and the alignment with your true passions. That’s the vision that will help you push through when things get tough.


You Don’t Have to Do It Alone


Here’s where many people get stuck: they try to figure it all out by themselves. Navigating a career change while still holding down a full-time job is no small feat, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where having a coach can make all the difference.


A qualified, experienced coach can help you:


- Define the small steps that get you moving in the right direction.

- Identify the mental blocks and habits that are keeping you stuck.

- Stay accountable so you continue making progress, even when life gets busy.


Think of a coach as your partner in this process—someone who will help you stay focused on your goals, push past the mental blocks, and make sure you don’t lose momentum.


Ready to Take the First Step?


If you’re ready to stop dreaming about your next career move and actually start building the path toward it, I invite you to schedule a free, 20-minute discovery call. We’ll use this time to explore what’s been holding you back and uncover the first action step that will get you moving in the right direction.


No scary leaps. No promises of instant transformation. Just a practical, focused conversation to get you started.


Click HERE to schedule your call and take that first step toward building your off-ramp.


With Straight Talk and a Little Mischief,

Laura 🌟


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