Fearless Friday: Advice for Pursuing Your Passion and Switching Careers

Last week was a great Fearless Friday...I am so inspired by the feedback that I decided to dive into another one of my favorite topics: transitioning careers. I've culled together five thought-provoking fearless females that inspire me all the time. They're my friends and they're changing the way you and I think about today's career woman.

This morning we're tackling a very relevant topic and one that's been on everyone's radar...pursuing your passion and switching career gears; as in a total 180. I see it more and more amongst the females that I encounter. It motivates me to work smarter, pitch more, push envelopes and refuse to take "no" for an answer. Why can't we have it all?

Thank you ladies...you are setting the benchmark higher and higher. Hear what my friend have to say on the topic:

Ashley

Ashley: Quitting my desk job was one of the most terrifying decisions of my adult life -- what if I can't afford insurance? Will I be able to save for retirement? Will I be able to buy a house? I had so many questions all rooted in fear. Ask yourself where your true passions lie and where you see yourself in 5 years. And start making that happen now -- life is too short to spend most of it in an office. Be prepared for more challenges than you can possibly image. Be prepared for the change. And be prepared to face who you truly are, faults and all, because nothing brings out someone's personality more than the stresses and triumphs of working for themselves. Accept that there will be struggle and errors -- you're starting a new career after all! But know that starting on a new path that you know is right for you is one of the surest ways to build confidence in yourself. I'm more fearless now than I ever would have been if I'd stayed at my desk job in finance and I'm grateful everyday that I took the plunge and didn't settle on a career I didn't completely love. @mushroomstew

Mar: Former Financier - Current Serial Entrepreneur - Private Yoga + VibeUP + Certified Thought Management Coach + Creator of Health & Wellness Events: It took finding my reflection in the mirror on my 4th flight of the month back to NYC from Chicago to continue my training for a senior role at one of the largest financial firms, to understand the depth of the effects of my inauthentic living. For starters, I didn't know who I was anymore and I no longer was happy at whoever that was in the mirror. I was consistently nervous, irritable and unable to be a loving friend, partner, family member or pleasant citizen due to the stress and unhappiness I endured. Throughout my last year of transition into entrepreneurship, I realize that I was living by the "should's" of life. The should's of life are our traps. We "should" have this job because it pays well...we "should" stay within the security of a corporate structure regardless of how much we dislike it...we "should" be in this relationship because it looks good on paper...we should, we should, we should. Truth is, we actually SHOULDN'T. Nothing worth it comes easy. The wealth of happiness and wellbeing comes from living authentically and away from the "should's". Create your own rules by knowing within who you truly are - which comes from understanding your deeply rooted beliefs and knowing what drives you. Fully comprehending who you want to be and what you want your life outcomes to look like makes room for the fulfillment and wealth to come - both monetarily & personally. @yogawithmar

Jen

Jen: I believe in pursuing your passions but with a plan.  Being an entrepreneur is a huge step and not only for your professional career but in your life.  Go into it with wide eyes, network, dedication and pursue everything to the fullest but definitely have a business plan on life as well.  The part that is the hardest is balance and finances; make sure to pursue the new purpose with a practical plan on how everything else will be.  I love what I do so despite the long hours it never feels like work! @redsolesandredwine

Ashley:  Here are my personal tips for gearing up to make the transition... y focus has been on strengthening my courage, listening to my intuition, and quieting the chatter of my fears. It's tempting to use fear as the roadblock to the path that has the most potential to offer us joy, because we believe it's there for a reason. However, it's often when we move in the direction of our intuition (aka the fears of our ego) that we find our passion and purpose. I'd rather flourish and thrive while conquering a healthy amount of fear than maintain status quo because it feels safe or practical. And when I'm at the end of the road looking back, I don't want to have to say "What if..." @blissfulbasil

Shontay

Shontay: The feeling of "what if" is so provoking that it pushes me to try even if I'm afraid. We all are going to have doubts and fears. Follow your heart, not your mind because the mind is too rationale and will tell you why your dream is not possible. Your heart will find a way and make sacrifices so that you can do what you love to do every second of the day, for the rest of your life.  xx-sp @passportbysp

Check out today's link ups: Style Elixir, Jo Lynn Shane, The Fashionista Momma, Lisa ala Mode,  Mix & Match Fashion