The biggest challenge I faced in my career change was inertia. I wanted to change, but I didn't want to risk the security of the job I had.
I was comfortably uncomfortable.
I would have bursts of energy to do something about my career, followed by periods where I'd get swept back into 'life', surfacing weeks or months later and realising nothing had changed.
I only really started to make progress when I deliberately put others around me.
I started seeking out others in my company who also wanted to escape; I got a coach; and I started to meet and hang out with different types of people (one of which was to end up leading me to a job I loved – see more below).
The net effect was different ideas, different connections, and accountability – all of which led, finally, to forward movement.
Think of your career change as an expedition, not a day-trip.
If you were climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest, it's possible you could do it by yourself, but it's highly likely you'd want to go with others – peers, a guide, a support team. It makes the journey safer, faster and, heck, a lot more fun.
3. If you decided to change careers, what would you do first?