I have been working in the IT world for over a decade, but I didn't start there. At one point, I felt I was stuck and made a career choice from which I would never recover. #career #pivot #change

Since starting as a 5th grade teacher and working my way to being a Director of Technical Program Management, I have learned a lot about what it takes to shift and move in small steps. It's not easy, but if I can do it, so can you!

Here are common things I've said to myself or others have said, and how to most past them:

Problem #1: I don't know where to even start!

If you feel this way, don't worry - you aren't alone. When I was a principal and my wife announced she was pregnant, I knew I didn't want to work 10+ hour days with an hour commute.

I started searching job sites using key words that I was already doing - things like curriculum planning, research, teaching, etc.

I received a starting point - multiple job titles that I'd never have considered otherwise. Some were not interesting to me; others were. I made a list of the potential career/job titles that were of interest...which led to the second problem.

Problem #2: I don't have those skills!

Next, I looked at the requirements and felt I'd never get there - and certainly couldn't afford more student loan debt (nor did I have the time!). I started listing transferable skills.

For me, teaching also meant I knew how to coach, present to large audiences, and train others. That one skill alone had many industry paths.

The key is to look at those job skills and think - "I may not have done that, but is it close to something I have done before?" You may surprise yourself at how much you have done related work.

Problem #3: I don't know how to be sure I can do this and get a job in that role!

Nerves here are quite normal! I know I felt them when looking around. Here's the key, which is also explained in more detail in Pivot by Jenny Blake.

Reach out on LinkedIn or Twitter to professionals in the role. You'd be surprised how many are willing to talk to you for 30 minutes to describe their experience.

Research shows people may not apply to jobs unless they fit all the criteria. I've never applied to a job where I've met 100% of the criteria - few do. Apply - and if you get an interview and not an offer - just ask a lot of questions and realize you learned more about the path.

In case you're wondering, the next role for me out of education was doing instructional design work. I loved the role and the people I got to work with - and that role led to the next, and the one after that.

Do these three things, and you will make progress to the "next thing." Life is too short to feel stuck - with enough effort and learning (along with the tips above), you can make that next move.