It wasn’t that long ago that I was in a job that made me miserable. But although I knew what I DIDN’T want, I wasn’t exactly sure what I DID. I had some ideas but they were vague and unformed, and anyway I had no idea about how to go about achieving them.
Moreover I was plagued by the doubt that doing something you really loved was even possible for “ordinary” people like me. It was a confusing, demoralising and lonely time.
Then one day I was surfing the net and came across a website that featured people who were now making a living doing what they truly enjoyed - or who were in the throes of making that happen. These people wanted more than a job. They wanted work which inspired them - which made them feel they were making the best possible use of their time on this planet. And they wanted more freedom and flexibilty in their lives - something which also resonated with me strongly. (The site was www.changingcourse.com)
Knowing that there were other people like me “out there” encouraged me to keep going with my own dreams. So I know how important it is to find like-minded people, even if they’re virtual!
Here are 10 websites or blogs which “spoke” to me in one way or another. Some are British, some American, and they all have a slightly different focus, style and tone. But they have in common a positive, can-do approach. I hope you find inspiration, information and ideas amongst them.
1. http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/
I’ve recommended this blog before before but it bears repeating! Pam Slim writes informally and wittily - but always wisely - on breaking out of corporate imprisonment to thrive as an entrepreneur.
Pamela has also just written the Escape From Cubicle Nation book - you can download a free sample chapter from her website and order from Amazon.
2. http://www.enterprisenation.com/
A free resource founded by Brit Emma Jones to help you start and grow your business at home. Register to access all the site’s features and post in their active forum - a great place to find information and advice on all aspects of starting a business, from input on strategy to basic stuff like finding a good printer.
A unique website set up by a former City of London lawyers to promote all the career and lifestyle options open to lawyers - within or outside of the legal sector. Some inspiring success stories, like the ex solicitor who set up an award-winning independent bookshop in Bath. You don’t need to be a lawyer to get something out of this site - it makes thought-provoking reading for anyone wanting to make a radical change.
4. http://www.careershifters.org
Run as a social enterprise, Careershifters is passionate about helping people to find work that makes them truly happy. The website features hundreds of articles by specialist career coaches (including myself), the Careershifters Guide ebook and the Shift Club, an online community for people to exchange ideas and support. They also hold affordable monthly workshops in London - I ran one in July and hope to do more during visits back to the UK.
Valerie Young is the “interests into income” expert who can see cows from her window. That one statement in an article on her website set off little bells in my head that years later led to me setting up my own business. What might you read on one of these sites that proves a turning point for you?
6. http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/
Chris Guillebeau’s blog is called The Art of Nonconformity - Unconventional Strategies for Life, Work and Travel. Chris has set himself the target of visiting every country in the world by the time he is 35. Check out his information products on breaking out of the 9-5, thriving as an artist (without selling out) and using social media to get your message out to the world.
One of the top 100 blogs on the internet with over 134,000 subscribers! Not about career change specifically, but full of positive messages about living more simply yet productively.
Sorry this one is just for the girls! Everywoman is the UK’s leading provider of training, resources and support services for women in business. Register (free) to join their female entrepreneur network and get your questions answered in the discussion forum.
Mind-bogglingly comprehensive website featuring free articles on developing leadership skills, time management, problem solving, project management, decision making, and more. Option to pay to join the Career Excellence Club which includes a discussion forum, coaching clinic and self study training modules.
10. http://www.cowsfrommywindow.com/blog/
OK I just couldn’t leave my own out! I post a couple of times a month on areas like building self-belief, defining your dream work, managing your career transition and reaching your potential. Come and have a browse - and let me know what else you’d like to see covered.
2 Comments
You forgot to mention howichangedcareers.com, great for profiles of how people went form one career to the next.
Thank you! I can’t load their site for some reason but will keep trying - sometimes it is tricky accessing blogs from China. I appreciate the new resource!