Unleashing My True Potential: Embracing Passions, Defying Conventions, and Paving a New Career Path

🌟 Embracing Passions and Building New Paths 🌟

As a kid, I revelled in a world of possibilities. Writing, sketching, and playing video games brought me endless joy. I dreamt of publishing my own novel or creating my very own video games. But as I grew older, I succumbed to societal pressures, prioritising stability and conventional success. The expectations around certain careers overshadowed my true passions, and I found myself doing more of what I didn't love and less of what set my soul on fire. The battle in my mind was constant, with the nagging question of "why?" lingering.

But here's what I've learned: at any given time, you can reclaim your passions and embark on a career that embraces your strengths. It's never too late. It took me over a decade to fully embrace my calling and actively pursue my interests. A few years ago, I made a conscious decision to be intentional in everything I do. Maybe it was triggered by my move to another country, or maybe it wasn't. Who knows? What I know for certain is that we are not rooted like trees; we have the power to choose, to move, to shape our own destinies. Success may not be guaranteed, but it will forever elude us if we never dare to try.

 🌱 Lessons from My Career Metamorphosis 🌱

After years of toiling away in jobs that didn't align with my passions and strengths, I finally mustered the courage to embark on a new career path. It wasn't an easy decision, and self-doubt and uncertainty loomed large. But looking back, I am eternally grateful that I seized the opportunity to explore the unknown.

In the realm of Tax and consulting, I relished the analytical and problem-solving aspects of the job. However, I yearned for more freedom, variety, and creativity in my work. After much soul-searching, I ventured into bid management—a field that combines my love for analysis with the thrill of high-stakes strategic projects involving senior execs and management. Convincing potential employers of my worth in the bid management realm wasn't a challenge. I focused on highlighting transferable skills acquired in my previous roles such as writing tax proposals and responding to RFPs, writing tax advice, managing diverse stakeholders, paying attention to detail, exhibiting strong communication and influencing abilities, and adeptly handling complex projects, managing teams and other skills. And it's a known thing that there isn't one known path to becoming a bid manager - very few graduates go to school with the intention of becoming a bid manager. Most colleagues I've spoken with sort of stumbled into bid management. It's never the first choice.

Throughout my career change, I learned a profound lesson—investing in my own education and skill development is paramount. I took courses, workshops, and hands-on experiences that propelled me forward. Not only did this endeavour help me build the necessary skills for my new career, but it also instilled in me a sense of confidence and purpose as I navigated the transition.

✨ A Journey of Many Hats ✨

Allow me to share a bit about my background. I started out as an Engineering graduate and delved into the realms of Tax and Accounting, honing my skills in two of the Big4 Accounting firms and a multinational company. Along the way, I provided technical support, delving into server issues, web hosting problems, email glitches, and various other IT challenges. But my thirst for knowledge knew no bounds—I dabbled in Python programming, CSS, and HTML, purely for the thrill of it. And now, I find myself happily immersed in bid and proposal management (a role that resonates deeply with my passions), copywriting and with a little bit of graphic design. As a bid and proposal manager, I get to combine my passion for creativity with the adrenaline rush that comes with winning. I love helping companies win new business and retain existing ones. I enjoy training bid teams on how to win and I defo embrace opportunities to implement proven bid processes.

Yes, you could say I've worn many hats, harbouring multiple passions. Some may deem it as confusion, but I see myself as a unique and one-of-a-kind individual. How often do you meet a chartered accountant with outstanding technology and business skills? Did I also mention that I once owned and operated a luxury home baking business? I can effortlessly switch between hats, allowing my curiosity and skills to guide me. However, you should know that no skill or knowledge is ever wasted—it all converges to create a rich tapestry of expertise.

💡 Gems of Wisdom 💡

Reflecting upon my journey, I've gathered a treasury of invaluable lessons which are below in no particular order of importance:

1.   Being good at something doesn't guarantee fulfilment. Unearth your passions—don't bury them.

2.   Pursuing diverse interests isn't a crime; you are the architect of your own destiny. Listen to everyone including the naysayers, but let their words wash away, for only you can define your path.

 3.   Setbacks are stepping stones, not roadblocks. They are fleeting, and they hold no power over your ultimate success.

 4.   Sometimes, to climb a greater mountain from the peak of another mountain, you may need to descend into the valley. Taking a pay cut or starting at a lower grade level to achieve your dreams is not a sign of failure but a testament to your unwavering determination.

 5.   Every life and professional experience adds value. Your transferable skills are the building blocks of greatness. Believe in yourself and embrace your limitless potential.

 6.   It is never too late to embark on a new career. Age is merely a number, and the pursuit of happiness knows no bounds. Remember, the grass isn't always greener, but if it isn't, keep pushing—you can always chart a different course. I've switched careers multiple times myself.

 7.   Personal development is the catalyst of growth. Invest in your skills and passions. Enrol in courses on platforms like LinkedIn, Udemy, Coursera and others. Your efforts will never go in vain.

 8.   When colleagues who genuinely care suggest that you're in the wrong profession, it isn't a reflection of your incompetence. They see your hidden talents and understand that you would flourish in a role that harnesses those gifts. Remember, being good at something doesn't always equate to genuine happiness.

 9.   Perception does matter in your professional life. Don't fall prey to the misconception that it doesn't. However, excellent perception management without true competence is a recipe for disaster. Know your stuff so you can hold your head up high.

10. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize. Do not despair when others receive promotions or forge ahead in their chosen careers. As a career changer, your path may deviate from the conventional timeline. Keep moving forward, keep believing, and eventually, you'll arrive at your destination. We all embark on unique life journeys—embrace yours with joy!

 🚀 Embrace Change, Unleash Your Potential 🚀

If you're contemplating a career change, my advice to you is to take the time to deeply analyse your options and cultivate a robust support network. It won't always be easy, but the reward of finding work that resonates with your passions and strengths is immeasurable. I'm exhilarated to continue my journey of learning and growth in my chosen career, forever grateful for the invaluable lessons I've gathered along the way.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Have you experienced or are you going through a career change yourself? I would love to hear your insights and stories in the comments. Together, let's inspire and guide those going through their own transformative phases.

 #CareerChange #NewBeginnings #ProfessionalDevelopment #bidmanagement