When I look back at my own career, there are two decisions that stand out as true turning points.

The first was leaving the British Army, where I was an AH-64 Apache Helicopter Technician.

The second was quitting my role as Managing Director to take what many would call a “step down” into a middle management role in a big corporate.

Both required courage, risk, and stepping away from the comfort of the known. But in each case, I felt a bigger calling pulling me forward - and just as importantly, a frustration I knew I needed to leave behind.

Looking back now, I can see how powerful those moments were. They weren’t just job changes. They were life pivots. They shaped not only my career, but who I have become.

And it makes me wonder: what really motivates us to make big career changes?

Pain or Pleasure?

When we decide to take a leap, is it the desire for something better - or the discomfort of what we’re leaving behind - that drives us?

In my experience, it’s often a mix of both.

• The pain of staying stuck becomes unbearable.
• The pull of something better becomes undeniable.
  

And somewhere between the two, we hit a sweet spot. Where the compound of the pain and the pleasure together motivates us to make a change or take a big leap of faith.

Think about it:

• Maybe you stayed in a job you didn’t enjoy for too long and it started impacting the way you show up around your loved ones, your health, your happinesss - but you didn't have anything to look forward to so stayed stuck.
• Or maybe you were were looking forward to something super exciting - an opportunity, a challenge, a new chapter - but you were too comfortable where you were so you stayed stuck. 

It is the mixture of push and pull that is the magic sauce that can get us moving, so what one are you missing?

Are You Ready for a Career-Defining Moment?

Here’s a quick self-reflection exercise to see where you are right now. Answer honestly:

1. Pain check: On a scale of 1-10, how frustrated or disengaged do you feel in your current role?
2. Desire check: On a scale of 1-10, how strong is your pull toward something different, more exciting, or more aligned?
3. Action check: What’s one step you could take this week if you were ready to move forward? 
   

If you scored high on pain and desire, chances are you’re close to that sweet spot. The place where action becomes not just possible, but necessary.

Using Past Moments to Shape Your Future

Here’s what I’ve learned from my own career-defining moments:

• You don’t need to have the whole plan figured out before you start - you just need to trust the first step. I’d take progress over perfection every time.
• Fear is normal. Bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving forward despite it. Brené brown is my go-to person when I need a pep up on this topic, check out her TedX talks if you need some inspiration too.
• Each bold decision you’ve already made is evidence that you can do it again. Step into your next one knowing that you’ve got what it takes to make it work.
  

So take a minute to think: what have been the defining moments in your career so far? Are you on the edge of a big change, is it a push, pull or both? 

And ask yourself, how can you prepare for it? (Update your CV and LinkedIn profile? Take that new qualification you’ve been eyeing up a while? Maybe find a new mentor?)

Because your future defining moment might be just around the corner.

And if you’re not sure where to start, my free Career Clarity Compass can help you figure out exactly what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus next.

👉 Download your Career Clarity Compass here

Always with love,

Elsa x