From IT to Impact: My Journey of Career Change and Personal Growth

Transitions in career paths can be exciting and challenging. For me, it was a step beyond a simple career change; it was about finding a fulfilling path that aligns with my skills and passions. I started in the IT sector but found myself side-stepping over to support teachers and schools, leveraging my strengths in planning and designing educational programs to make learning more engaging.

The Path from IT to Education

I didn’t switch careers in the traditional sense; rather, I leveraged my existing skills in a new field. As a teacher, I always had a passion for curriculum design and creating lesson plans that fostered student engagement. The crowded nature of the curriculum often made it challenging for teachers to cover all content in an engaging way. Recognizing this gap, I saw an opportunity to use my strengths to support teachers in making the learning experience more meaningful for students.

Initially, I considered moving into a curriculum design role, working with museums, organizations, or businesses to create educational programs for schools. However, I stayed within the educational sector, aiming to contribute in a way that was both impactful and rewarding.

The Inspiration to Shift

The decision to change careers was not immediate. The turning point was a realization that my current job lacked impact. Despite being a hard worker, I found the work to be too insignificant, with no lasting impact on students or the broader community. The repetitive nature of transferring files from one server to another was decidedly unfulfilling.

The tipping point came when a job offer, which would have required me to work nights, didn’t materialize. Not getting the promotion pushed me to seriously consider a career change. Leaving the IT sector, I found myself at a carpet cleaning business, making significantly less money but gaining a wealth of experience and skills.

Learning to Hustle

I worked hard at the carpet cleaning business, learning sales, operations management, and problem-solving. This experience taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and hustle. Working in different climates and conditions, I developed a foundation of skills that have been invaluable to me, both professionally and personally. Cleaning carpets may not seem glamorous, but it provided the opportunity to create a bigger impact by managing a team, meeting deadlines, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Becoming a Better Version of Myself

After a short stint in the carpet cleaning business, I ventured into retail, where I continue to apply the principles I learned earlier. The core philosophy of delivering quality service and creating customer satisfaction remains central to my approach. Whether selling products or managing a team, I strive to leave a positive impact on those around me.

Like my previous ventures, running a retail store gives me the opportunity to create meaningful experiences. I remain committed to the idea of doing what I love, and this has been a guiding principle in my career choices. Four years on, I still wake up each day with a sense of purpose, ready to tackle new challenges and make a difference.

Advice for Those Considering a Career Change

If you’re considering a career change, especially from IT to another field, here are a few tips:

Assess Your Skills:#160;Recognize that your skills as a teacher or IT professional can be transferable to other sectors. For example, planning, problem-solving, and customer service are valuable in many industries. Be Prepared for Challenges:#160;Starting a new venture or changing careers can be difficult. Be ready to work hard, learn new skills, and adapt to new challenges. Seek Support:#160;Talk to mentors, family, and friends for support and advice. They can offer valuable insights and encouragement. Start Small:#160;If possible, start with a part-time or contract role to gain experience and build your network.

Ultimately, the decision to change careers should be driven by passion and a desire to make a difference. Take the leap—an exciting new chapter awaits!