Many people stay in professions they are unhappy in because making a change feels too difficult; there simply isn't time to muster up the energy required. "Not having time" then becomes an excuse for when making a change simply feels riskier than staying in a known situation.
However, a change doesn't have to be something that happens all at once. Instead, it can be calculated, tested, and implemented slowly. We recently asked 12 members of Forbes Coaches Council what they tell clients who want to change their professional path but “don’t have the time.” Here's what they said:
From left to right: Carmen Bolanos, Erin Kennedy, Brett Baughman, Leslie Mizerak, Jody Michael, John Tarnoff, Maureen Metcalf, Taylor Jacobson, Justin Sachs, Charlotte Weeks, Mary Schaefer, Connie Meyer. All photos courtesy of the individual members.
1. Think Metamorphosis, Not Overnight Stardom
A new path can mean the need for new training, time to save necessary money, or desire to gain experience in the new field. These changes can seem overwhelming when you are already super busy. Envision gradual change. Most people, if very motivated, can at least find an hour a day to devote to the goal. Plan your path and stay with it. Metamorphosis is slow and gradual, but eventually you'll fly. - Carmen Bolanos, Carmen Bolanos Coaching
2. If You Really Want It, You Will Find The Time
It's simple, really. It's like anything that is worth it. If you want the great results, you have to put in the time. Don't think of it as a burden; think of it as an investment in yourself. You make time for work and family needs, now make time for yourself. The time to act is now. If you don't, five years from now you'll kick yourself for not having made the change sooner. Go for it! - Erin Kennedy, Professional Resume Services, Inc.
3. Time Is What You Make Of It
When a client tells me they want to change but don't have time, I reply by saying, "It's not about having enough time, it's about making it!" When you're facing a problem you tend to make the wrong decisions. One of them is believing that you should continue to do what's not working. Uncover your true desire, make a plan to get it, and you will find more time and energy than before. - Brett Baughman, The Brett Baughman Companies, Inc.
4. Time Is Not The Issue
When this happens we talk about where their time goes and what their priorities really are. Recently, I had a client that had this concern. The client felt they did not have the time to do something, then realized they didn't have the time not to! We spent time reprioritizing her calendar and planning for a lateral move that put her on a new path towards a more fulfilling career. - Leslie Mizerak, Lead CoachMentor, LLC
5. Create The Career You Want By Making Deliberate Choices
Your career is your own piece of art; make the time to sculpt it. It’s easy to get caught in the minutia, but a clear focus allows you to stay true to your priorities. Creating the career you want involves deliberate choices when it comes to limited resources, including time. What items on your to-do list can you swap for something that will bring you closer to your professional goals? - Jody Michael, Jody Michael Associates
6. You Can't Afford To Ignore Your Future
Do you really think someone is going to magically do this for you? Can you afford to change your career in 30 minutes a week? Make a recurring appointment with yourself on your calendar that won't be compromised by external events. Start by searching for new contacts on LinkedIn who are doing the work and living the lifestyle you want. Reach out, get to know them, and get inspired. - John Tarnoff, Reinvention Group LLC
7. See The Change And Then Prioritize
Everyone is busy, and taking time for transition often requires more time than we would prefer. I like to help clients clarify their image of what they are moving toward so they can make a clear assessment of the trade-off. It is easier to invest in something I can see than in something I want in concept but can't yet clearly imagine. I use a visioning process where they see and feel the change. - Maureen Metcalf, Metcalf & Associates, Inc
8. Let Them Make The Decision
When a client gives an excuse it can be tempting to jump in with a solution, but this can do more harm than good, enabling a victim mentality. Instead, let it lie: “Got it. Sounds like you don’t have time.” And be silent. Or: “In my experience, 'I don’t have time' actually means it’s not a priority.” And then be silent. They may need to stew in their discontent a bit longer. - Taylor Jacobson, FocusMate
9. Time Is An Emotional Response
We've all heard the saying, "If you want to get something done, find the busiest person you know and they'll get it done." The reason for this is not because they know how to better manage their time, but because they aren't willing to experience the emotion of "not enough time." Decide today that there's always more time available to you to do your highest priority activities. - Justin Sachs, Motivational Press
10. Remember, It's Temporary
While career management should always be ongoing, an active job search is only temporary. It's easier to prioritize these activities when you know the process is only a matter of months. If you still can't make the time in the short term, ask yourself how much you really want to make a change. - Charlotte Weeks, Weeks Career Services, Inc.
11. Break It Down Into Bite Size Chunks
Create a goal per week that you know you can act on. Take brief breaks to find people who already do what you want to do. Interview them. Find a coach or mentor who can help you strategize to incorporate steps toward a change in professional path into your regular activities. Decide how long you are going to give this goal a little time versus the time it deserves. Adjust your priorities. - Mary Schaefer, Artemis Path, Inc.
12. Welcome "Not Knowing"
A desire for change encounters resistance when the destination and path do not seem clear. Begin by welcoming "not knowing." Give permission to explore with a wide angle view and notice what brings joy and energy. Dream. Notice synchronicity — unexpected new ideas and support. Launch an experiment. Identify the first action step and allow the next step to emerge. - Connie Meyer, Performance Partners
