Navigating a career change can be daunting, especially when starting something new feels uncomfortable, and you fear failure. A year ago, I decided to change my career, and my life has transformed in many ways thanks to that decision and my dedication to achieving my goals. However, the process was and continues to be challenging. One key aspect I often reflect on is how to maintain confidence as a newcomer in a field, despite lacking experience and authority, and not knowing exactly how my professional profile will evolve.
In this post, I want to share the most important lessons I've learned and invite you, dear reader, to reflect on them. If you're also a career jumper, think about your previous experiences in becoming more skilled or even an expert in a particular field. The logic is simple: you've done it once, you can do it again. It's natural that those experiences include both good and bad moments. The important thing is to extract meaningful insights and learn from them. Here are some principles I often revisit:
- Embrace Being a Beginner
Everyone starts as a beginner. Embrace your current status as someone with a fresh perspective and high motivation. - Challenge Authorities
Even if you're new to the field, your mind is not a blank slate. Stay critical and speak up when necessary. - Cultivate Positive Attitude Toward Learning
Learning involves trial and error, thinking outside the box, making mistakes, and finding new ways. It can be painful because you're training your brain, but shouldn't feel heavy because you're being too hard on yourself (check out my article on the emotional aspects of leaning). - Be Cautious About Unfair Comparisons
If you always compare your dashboards to those created by people who have way more experience with Tableau, it can be discouraging. Instead, get inspired by them and keep doing your own thing! - Create and Practice
Practicing skills and creating on your own is vital. This is an aspect that easily gets neglected, as we are surrounded by so many distractions and resources out there nowadays. We can spend a lot of time watchting YouTube tutorials or listening to podcasts! However, hands-on practice is essential for real improvement. - Understand True Confidence
On my journey of yoga and meditation, I've learned that being confident is a natural state of being. Think about how confident and free small children are before they learn to be judgemental. By following the above advice, you will likely feel more confident in your new role, as it helps you accept and stay true to yourself.
I hope this post has put your mind at ease. While it's always hard to be in situations where you don't feel enough, reminding yourself of these guidelines can make the journey easier. With time, you can (and I hope I can too) cultivate a stronger sense of confidence and progress with more ease and joy.