Carving your own seat at the table: Ditching Perfectionism in a Career Shift

Career shifts are thrilling, yet often shadowed by that inner critic: perfectionism. We picture a flawless pivot, a seamless climb to a "dream job." But this pursuit of perfection can paralyse us, preventing us from taking necessary leaps. Repositioning yourself requires embracing imperfection.

Instead of chasing an unattainable ideal, focus on creating your own "seats and tables." This means defining your terms for a fulfilling career, rather than fitting into pre-existing moulds. Identify your core values, skills, and desired lifestyle. What truly matters? Craft a career path that aligns with those elements, even if it looks unconventional.

Start small. Experiment with freelance projects, voluntary work, or online courses. Each step, even a stumble, provides valuable data. Perfectionism thrives in the abstract; action grounds us in reality. Remember, "done is better than perfect."

Embrace the messy middle. It's in the uncertainty that true innovation arises. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins, acknowledge setbacks as learning opportunities, and continually refine your approach.

This journey is about building a career that suits you, not some idealised version of success. As Brené Brown reminds us, "Perfectionism is a self destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, live perfect,1 and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimise the painful feelings of blame, judgment, and shame." (https://brenebrown.com/blog/2013/01/perfectionism/).

Furthermore, recognising that career shifts are not linear and that you are not alone can be empowering. Check out resources like Harvard Business Review's advice on career reinvention, which suggests focusing on transferable skills and networking. (https://hbr.org/2021/04/how-to-reinvent-your-career) Also, explore the concept of a "portfolio career" as outlined by the author Charles Handy, focusing on multiple income streams and roles. (https://www.charleshandy.co.uk/portfolio-career/)

Let go of the illusion of control, and instead, embrace the empowering act of creating your own path.