Back in May 2023, with a glass of wine in hand and a restless feeling in my chest, I embarked on what felt like a whimsical adventure—a late-night job search on Seek.com.au. I’d been grappling with the looming shadow of a corporate restructure, and somewhere between scanning job ads and sipping Shiraz, I thought, "Why not pursue a role I've always dreamed of?" That night set the wheels in motion for a life-changing leap. Six weeks later, I received an offer for a dream role in Perth, Western Australia—4,000 kilometres from home. It wasn’t just a new job; it was a complete realignment of my career and purpose. And while the decision felt bold, it wasn’t reckless. It was intentional, strategic, and grounded in lessons I’ve captured in my From Stuck to Thriving e-book—principles you can apply to your own journey.
Aligning My Career With My Passions
I’ve always been passionate about community, arts, and culture. I studied psychology and human services in university, but like many of us, my career path veered away from my original interests. Over the years, I worked in diverse industries like telecommunications and local government gaining skills but feeling increasingly disconnected from my purpose. When my sister passed away at 43, it was a wake-up call. It forced me to reflect on how I was living my life and what I truly valued. I was working long hours in a role that drained me, in an environment I didn’t enjoy. With less than 20 years until retirement, I knew I couldn’t keep trudging through unfulfilling work. I wanted more—a career that aligned with my passions, made an impact, and allowed me to thrive.
Recognising My Strengths and Taking the Leap
The impending restructure became my catalyst. Instead of clinging to the familiar, I let myself dream about what a values-aligned role could look like. I gave myself permission to imagine a future where my skills and passions came together. And then, I found it: a cultural services manager role overseeing a library, museum, and community development initiatives. It was everything I’d ever wanted—and everything I was terrified to go after.
But here’s the thing: thriving isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about taking the next step. So I took the leap. I clicked "apply." At every stage of the hiring process, I showcased my transferable skills—adaptability, problem-solving, strategic planning—and articulated my vision for the role. And with each round, I was surprised and hopeful.
From Fear to Fulfilment
Six weeks later, I got the call. I had the job. Suddenly, I was packing up my life and moving to Perth—a city I’d never lived in—for a role that not only challenged me but also aligned perfectly with my purpose. It was a massive shift, but it reminded me that thriving rarely happens within the confines of comfort zones.
The lessons I learned during this journey—reconnecting with what matters, identifying transferable skills, and taking bold steps—became the foundation of my From Stuck to Thriving e-book. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your next move, or afraid to take that leap, I wrote this for you.
Your Next Step
What could your life look like if you stopped dismissing your dreams as "too unrealistic" and started chasing them? What bold move could you make today to move closer to a life that aligns with your values, passions, and purpose?
If my story resonates, I encourage you to purchase my e-book From Stuck to Thriving.
Inside, I share the strategies I used to break free from stagnation, rediscover my purpose, and make a life-changing career shift.
It’s your turn. Let’s get you from stuck to thriving.
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