Setting boundaries is one of the first steps in progressing toward a career change. Most of my clients are busy professionals with little free time. Asserting themselves—asking for what they need so they have space to think and dream—is one key skill to making a meaningful career transition.

As a leader, you are responsible for fostering psychological safety within your organization. This doesn’t mean you need to be nice at all costs, set low standards, or give team members free rein to talk about their personal challenges. It means you create the conditions for innovation and improvement.

A test-and-learn approach to transforming your career can bring freedom and flexibility. It liberates you from the pressure of committing to a specific path upfront while helping you discover what is appealing and feasible. This method of 'flirting with our possible selves' allows us to explore new identities until we find one that aligns with our values, interests, and skills.

Navigating a career transition can feel like wading through a swamp—both sulfuric and messy but also beautiful, surprising, nourishing, and full of growth.