5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Changing Careers

During a networking event, I met an incredible woman. She had spent 14 years climbing the corporate ladder, reaching a director-level position, before making the bold decision to leave it all behind and become a coach. While she loved her new path, she admitted to feeling anxious about self-promotion. Her biggest fear? Who would hire a newbie coach like me?

Her story touched me deeply because I had felt the same way when I started my own journey. By now, I know that it’s completely normal to feel insecure at the start of a new path.

As a group, we shared our biggest lessons from stepping into the unknown, hoping to encourage her and maybe to also remind ourselves how much we have grown in the process.

Here Are 5 Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Starting a New Career Path

1. Your Past Experience Made You Who You Are Today

When you start a new career path, it’s easy to feel like you’re starting from scratch. But in reality, every experience you’ve had—good or bad—has shaped you into the person you are today.

Instead of seeing my corporate past as irrelevant, I asked myself: How can I use what I’ve already learned to my advantage?

For example, my years in corporate marketing gave me skills in communication, strategy, and project management—all of which help me now as a coach. Also, my ability to collaborate, empathize, and problem-solve didn’t disappear just because I changed careers. In fact, it made me a more relatable and well-rounded entrepreneur.

So remember: You’re NOT starting from scratch. Your past experience is what makes you special on your new path.

Think about how you can convey that.

2. Don’t Burn Your Bridges

Many of us think that the moment we enter a new path, we have to completely close the door behind us—whether with the corporate world or our old network. And I believed that too.

But I’ve learned that staying connected can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Here’s what surprised me:

  • Two years after leaving my company, they invited me back for a freelance marketing project—while I was already coaching!
  • Former colleagues and managers still support my work, follow me on social media, and send me referrals.

Instead of shutting the door completely, I found that being open, honest, and authentic about my journey allowed people to cheer me on—even if they didn’t fully understand my new path.

Lesson learned: You never know what opportunities might come from your old network, so stay open!

3. Let Go of Your Ego to Embrace Being a Beginner Again

When you’ve been in the corporate world for years, you can get used to a certain level of respect, authority, and recognition. Stepping into something new—where you’re no longer the “expert”—can feel like a major blow to the ego.

But to thrive and succeed in your new career path, you need to let go of ego and enjoy being a beginner again—learning, exploring, and making mistakes.

And everyone agreed: The growth that comes from the journey itself is what makes any new pursuit meaningful and exciting.

4. Allow Your New Identity to Take Shape

Just like a baby learns to crawl before walking and running, you also need to move through each stage of growth—whether in a new role, business, or finding your authentic voice.

Even after 3 years of building my coaching practice, I still feel like I’m finding my footing—and that’s completely normal.

Instead of forcing yourself to have it all figured out, trust the process. Give yourself permission to grow, adapt, and discover what truly works for you.

5. Confidence Comes from the Messy Work Behind the Scenes

When I first started coaching, I was doing everything myself—building a website, writing newsletters, creating social media content, hosting workshops. Was it a lot? Yes. Was it overwhelming? Yes. Was it worth it? YES.

Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you’re “ready.” It comes from consistently doing the work, making mistakes, and showing up anyway.

Each imperfect step helps you learn, grow, and build the skills you need to thrive on your new path.

Final Thoughts

Starting a new career, business, or passion project is never easy.

You should be proud of yourself for making the decision to start—it takes real courage to step out of your comfort zone and face uncertainty!

No matter where you are in your journey, trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Keep going—you’ve got this.

Moni Le

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