What gave you the confidence to change your career?

[december2020]

I know the work topic is more relevant but it's quiet quiet so posting here for traffic.

I've been wanting to change industry/career for quite a while.

For lack of a better way to describe it, it's like I'm standing at the edge of a forest with 15 paths and I'm worried I'll take the wrong one so I end up just standing at the same spot doing nothing.

I finally have an opportunity to take a break from work (mat leave) and aim to use this time to finally break this inertia and take the first step (even if it includes doing training, a conversion course etc).

My question is how did you find the confidence to pick a path and take that first step?
Or did you always know where you wanted to go?

I had a 4 year unplanned career break (kids & following husband's career which took us to another country) when I came back to primary teaching I found I really didn't want to do it anymore and it was making me miserable. I quit with nothing to go to and no real ideas. I looked at a few masters courses, chose one, loved it and now lecture on that same course.
Still don't know what want to do when I really grow up though

Hatred to what i was doing and seeing others far less talented and nowhere near as 'special' or 'clever' as i thought you had to be going for it all the time and reaching it.

Following. Would like to change when my babies start school but it's so hard to settle on a path. I'm hoping that I get some kind of revelation.

I'm hoping that I get some kind of revelation.

Sorry to be harsh, but the people waiting for permission to change their lives are going to be waiting a while!

OP, I would work backwards from where you want to be in 5-10 years time in an ideal world. Not where you think you might be or what you think is realistic in light of all the obstacles, etc, but where you actually want to be. Then look at what you need to do to get there and weigh up whether it's worth the sacrifices, hassle, effort, etc. If the answer is no, perhaps that's not the career for you, so go back to the drawing board until you find a plan you feel is workable and worth it.

It sounds to me like you've decided you're not happy where you are (i.e. you're running from something) but until you can work out what you actually want your work life to look like (i.e. what you're running towards) it will be difficult to get there.

It's like the Cheshire Cat says in Alice in Wonderland - if you don't know where you want to get to, it really doesn't matter which way you go!

That's very sage advice @LonginesPrime and a way to find something that works well for my personality!
You're right I'm running from (not because it's been a bad day in the office but rather it's become apparent over the years that this isn't for me) but not running towards anything, hence the stagnation. I know the 'lifestyle' I'd like in 5-10 years but need to try find the career that could support it (that I'd enjoy) and as you say work back to see if it's worth the effort and sacrifice to get there.
I'm ambitious and hardworking so it's not a case of not working, but rather putting my time and effort into the right career path.

But very excited to finally break this inertia and work towards something.