Aug
28
2014
Branching out: taking a step into the unknown
By Sally Pearman.
How taking on a project or hobby outside of work can reignite your passion for work, boost your confidence and challenge self-imposed ‘glass ceilings'.
After a quick browse, it seems that the internet is full of articles around career change and whether moving jobs is the right choice for you. It's actually something I've been able to coach in and it's certainly not a quick or easy decision to make!
Sometimes taking a step into the unknown can be so daunting that we're stifled into inaction. And it's very easy to see different career choices as opposing forces: security vs. instability; boredom vs. excitement; frying pan vs. fire. That The Clash were actually singing about career planning and you only have one choice - stay or go.
That's certainly how I felt when my career coach asked me whether I had any interests that I'd like to explore outside of work. Probably? Almost certainly, but I had never been asked to map them or speak openly about what they were. I was surprised. My education and career have primarily been focussed on expanding my business skills so the idea of doing something that didn't fit in with that narrative seemed, well, uncomfortable.
Branching project
And that was exactly the point, and why my coach had suggested that I consider a branching project. The thinking is that by doing something different, inside or outside of your work context, you will challenge what you perceive as your strengths and gain new insight on how you learn and what motivates you.
It took some time to cement my ideas, and to be honest about the things I wanted to do. But finally, with support from my coach, I decided I would like to start dancing. And that was it. As soon as I'd allowed myself the space to think about it I knew. And the rest, as they say, is history. Luckily I live in London and I was able to find nearby classes to build structure into my plan. I paid in advance for two months of lessons to avoid backing out and involved my partner so he'd encourage me to go if I was feeling tired (or if it was raining).
On reflection this process was hugely valuable. I've enjoyed the classes, have gained a new hobby, new friends, increased fitness and I am more comfortable in my own skin. By gaining a passion outside of work, studying, and my relationship, I've really noticed some positive changes in the way I feel about myself. Notably feeling happier about my work-life balance and feeling refreshed and more willing to try different approaches.
My biggest realisation is that harbouring negative ways of thinking can damage your development. This time last year I would have never believed I would be dancing and actually performing in front of an audience. And yet that was a belief I'd held onto for decades. This process has made me reflect upon the self imposed ‘glass ceilings' I have built and whether they really exist. And I secretly suspect that was the intention of my coach all along.
So what advice would I give to someone who was considering taking on a branching project?
1. Get some support, whether that's a colleague, partner or friend. I would have never followed through without having someone checking in with me and pushing me to keep going.
2. Be honest with yourself. If joining an action role play group or learning circus skills is actually what you want to do then go for it! At the start of this process I spent a lot of time trying to think of a hobby that might directly benefit my career (Photoshop, photography, mediation skills) but I was definitely missing the point. It's doing something you're passionate about that really matters.
3. Don't take on too much. We're all already busy people juggling social, domestic and work responsibilities. So think about how much time you can realistically commit to a new interest without it having a negative impact on the rest of your life.
4. Don't predict the outcome. As much as it seems unnatural, try not to predict the impact your branching project will have. If you put too much pressure on yourself you're not really going to engage with the activity. Just go with the flow but try and plan some time to reflect a few months in.
Sally Pearman is the Centre's Director of Learning and Development and has been with us for eight years. Sally oversees all of our management development programmes and consultancy projects. She also manages the Centre's delivery team and oversees our strategic projects.
