Like you, I had enjoyed many celebrations during my life, from marrying my soul mate to the brith of our children. I also had my fair share of set-backs including surviving cancer. But this would be different.
I walked out of the office and got into my car and drove home for the weekend. My hands grew sweaty as they gripped the steering wheel, my heart was racing and my mind was restless. I had been packaged out and had no idea what I was going to do. I had hit a “detour” in my career that I hadn’t prepared for.
As you can imagine it was a day that was filled with mixed emotions; fear, vulnerability, anxiety, hope, relief and doubt. I came home to a wife who has been my biggest supporter over the years and had to tell her I was out of a job. In her usual way she picked me up, dusted me off and gave me the kick in the ass I needed to “snap out of it”. By Sunday I knew it was time to get to work, I’m very lucky to have her in my life.
Now, let me set the record straight, I’m one of the lucky ones. I had an employment contract which had my exit clause pre-negotiated. I knew I had the luxury of time on my side. Depending on your particular situation you may have the luxury of pumping the brakes or you may need to hit the gas.
In an effort to help those who are stuck dealing with a detour I’ll be writing a series of posts focused on what I call the “5 Turn Detour”. They worked for me and I’m sure they will apply to any one’s detour situation.
Turn #1 – Reflection
Turn #2 – Preparation
Turn #3 – Networking
Turn #4 – Narrowing
Turn #5 – Choosing
I’ll be writing about each turn over the next 5 weeks to ensure I give it the attention it deserves. Each post will contain some practical tools you can use to work through each turn.
Career detours suck, but they can lead to an even better outcome if you are prepared and have a plan of attack. Come back next week when I’ll outline how Turn #1 – Reflection can get your journey off on the right foot.
If you’d like to chat live about your particular situation I’d be happy to line up a 20min chat, send an email to w.paul.hicks@outlook.com
The Inspirational Mobilizer 
Leave a Reply