7: Reframe Your "Pause" as a Career Power Move (Regenerative Coaching with Shweta) | From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Description

In this regenerative coaching session, I guide Shweta through her journey of embracing stillness and self-discovery. We explore the delicate balance between honouring one's intuition and navigating the pressures of conventional career paths.

A former aerospace engineer who is drawn to work is systems change, Shweta shares her experience of consciously stepping away from the incessant work culture to reconnect with herself.

We discuss:

The Power of Stillness

How pausing can lead to profound personal insights
Overcoming the discomfort of being "different" in a fast-paced world

Redefining Success

Moving beyond traditional career metrics
Aligning work with personal values and energy

As Shweta contemplates her next steps, we address the fear of limited opportunities and the pressure to conform. I offer guidance on:

Trusting Your Inner Compass
Recognising when an opportunity truly resonates
The importance of saying 'yes' only when it feels right

Embracing Your Unique Path

Valuing non-traditional experiences
Confidently sharing your story with potential employers

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to meaningful, regenerative work often requires us to challenge societal norms and trust our inner wisdom.

For those feeling stuck or questioning their career direction, Shweta's story offers inspiration and practical insights for navigating this transformative process.

Need personalized support in navigating your regenerative career transition? Visit regenerativeworklife.com/discovery to explore how we can work together to bring your vision to life.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help your quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Reframe Your Pause as a Career Power Move

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP6: Embracing the Messy Path to Purpose in Regenerative Work

EP4: The Internal Work of a Regenerative Career Transition

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

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Transcription

Speaker #0
Today you're going to hear me coaching with Shweta, a former aerospace engineer turned sustainability professional who has upended her life and looking for new challenges in the field of systems change. But first I want to share a short update with you from Julia who I coached with back in episode two.
Speaker #1
I left that session, something shifted. It doesn't normally happen in coaching for me but it resonated really well with me. I kind of took my foot completely off the pedal in terms of business development but interestingly this has happened. I have four inbound new inquiries in the last two weeks. I've made two new sales. I have a new contract, which is pending. My social posts seem to be resonating at a higher level of impressions being made. I've also managed to get an opportunity to speak on local radio. So thank you very much for your work to date. It's just the start. I'm pretty sure of that.
Speaker #0
Are you feeling stuck in your transition into regenerative work? Feel the pull towards a more purpose-led career but don't know what the next right step is? Sign up today for a free 30-minute regenerative coaching session with me. Together we'll reframe your fears, shift your mindset, and identify tangible next steps to get you unstuck and moving forward. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point. Hello, Shrita, and welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. I'm so happy you're here today.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Alyssa. Nice to be here.
Speaker #0
Why don't you start by giving us an idea of what it was that brought you to do this coaching session today?
Speaker #2
First of all, the title itself, Regenerative Coaching. It totally connected me with the path that I am looking towards. which is this inherent principle of life being regenerative and walking away from this concept that we have to work all the time and that our identity is bound so much with work. And what does it even mean to experience a balanced life? And so when I saw the coaching opportunity and I read about your launch, I was like, okay, this is an opportunity that is another way to explore. and experience your own feelings about what is regeneration to your ethos, to your work-life balance. And so that's why I'm here.
Speaker #0
And I love how you express that because I think it's definitely something personal to each of us, how we understand regeneration. And I think it really should be as well. It's not one fixed definition. So where are you on your regenerative work journey?
Speaker #2
Well, let's... If we look at the journey as, you know, you start with the highs of experiencing different aspects of work through different jobs, different titles and different positions. I've experienced that in a certain setting, in a certain environment. And it has still, through that experience, let's say, I've come to a phase of stillness. And it's a conscious choice of... being still and taking a break from the continuous, incessant way of working. And that's where I am. And I'm regenerating in this phase. And literally, like just taking a break and really being with myself and asking myself, who am I and what am I here to do? What are my gifts to the world that I can bring and share with the communities that I'm going to be a part of? And that's where I am, like really asking those questions, sitting with the feelings of being uncomfortable and being different, which we all are. And to really embrace that difference, right? That's the challenge. Because it's so easy to give in to the state of, I want to be like everybody else. We want to be the same. So to be okay with being different. And then looking forward to the next phase, whatever that might be. I still don't know what that is. But I'm hoping I could get some more clarity through the coaching session of what that could be that's aligned with me and my values.
Speaker #0
So what I'm hearing is that you're allowing yourself this period of stillness and this space. And it sounds like you're already doing a lot of the work that I encourage clients to do. Particularly, you mentioned the discomfort, you know, and sitting in that discomfort and sitting. with questions it's you know it's not easy work and I applaud you for doing it I've been there myself um I describe it less as stillness as more as the kind of being lost period um and being consciously lost and and sort of embracing getting lost which is again not something as you say in this kind of this culture of always being on and incessantly working we don't allow ourselves space or stillness or to get lost um does it feel like you mentioned getting clarity on the sort of next steps does it feel like the right time for you start moving out of that stillness? Yes,
Speaker #2
I think the timing, I'm not sure to be honest, it does feel like the right time only because I've kind of checked the milestones of, you know, what I've made this transition, I've come from California, I'm here now in the UK, so there have been steps that I had to take in order to get here and get settled and I've checked all those boxes. and the one box that's pending is what about work like how do i be a part of a system where i feel nourished as i am producing as well um and it's in my nature to to create with a sense of passion with a sense of commitment and so i feel like it's time for me to step back out and participate in that in that culture again uh but this time It's different because I've changed jobs so many times. And usually I've just left one because I'm running away from something. And this is almost the first time that I've deliberately said, I'm not going to run away. I'm going to move towards something. And when you're moving towards something, it almost feels like I don't want to say yes to everything that comes my way. I want to be very conscious of what I... choose to apply to in terms of a job or in terms of networking with somebody and then saying yes to that movement. But it's scary because you don't have so many opportunities. Now you start, that's almost like a funnel and you're filtering more and more and more. So from a standpoint of just pure probability, I'm like, am I going to get that? Am I going to get what I'm really seeking? Will I have to compromise in the end? And it leaves me even with the question of, are we putting too much importance on job and what job brings into our lives? So it almost takes a very spiritual and philosophical set of questions that arises during this time. Yeah,
Speaker #0
I'm really interested by how you described this. And tell me where I'm wrong. What I'm hearing is that there is a fear. that if you filter too much um that at some point those possibilities or those opportunities are going to kind of dry up and and you'll be left with nothing is that am I hearing that correctly yes
Speaker #2
yeah absolutely and
Speaker #0
I also have a sense at the same time that you perhaps that you really want to trust yourself in that filtering and you know I'm hearing that you don't want to just say yes in the way that you might have in the past and you want to be really conscious and aware of what you're choosing and that there's this kind of tension between making those conscious choices and then this this fear that well what if it doesn't materialize yeah yeah it's it's exactly
Speaker #2
that tension you've articulated it correctly yep so shweta how do you know when an opportunity you mentioned something like networking a conversation or an event how do you know when it feels right to you um well my if i have to observe my body it's more in the sense of just the energy that flows through when i'm holding that conversation and it feels so much like i'm i'm getting charged up so if you if you think of a battery for instance i'm not getting drained i'm getting charged up as those conversations are happening. I'm going through an interview process. I don't come out of it feeling exhausted. I come out of it feeling like, oh my God, I really want this job. You know, that doubt isn't there. You're not in a state of, I don't know what this holds, but I might just say yes anyway. You don't have that. You're just like, yes, this is the person I want to work with or partner with or any of that. So it just charges me up. Yeah.
Speaker #0
So what would it be like to give yourself, you've given yourself this period of stillness and of questioning. Is it viable for you to give yourself a period of... only saying yes when something is charging your batteries?
Speaker #2
I think what holds me back there is how long is that period going to be? Because as you might know, it's always the fear of having a gap on your CV or having too much of a gap, right? I mean, I've still made a move. I still have, you know, a lot of steps that I've taken very strategically. to position myself for this career break and when the yes might be too long out there then I'm like how long do I have to wait so I guess it's the uncertainty of not knowing when that yes is coming I most definitely love to wait and say yes but if that's like eight months down the down the road that might be too much I don't know now when you say it might be too much
Speaker #0
In what sense? Because you described someone might look and question this gap on your CV. Totally understand that it's a very rational concern to have. It's also a very corporate way of seeing things, right? That we're supposed to have these kind of perfectly structured CVs that take us in this kind of, you know, incremental growth trajectory. And, you know, you talked about one of the things you wanted to do is kind of step out. of that kind of conventional way of seeing work so I just want to kind of highlight you know when you say well that might be too much too much is it is is it too much for a potential employer or you know is it too much for your nervous system is it too much for your financial reality like can we get kind of specific about what that too much means
Speaker #2
I think it'll be too much for my nervous system I do feel very privileged in having the resources to take the time off. So that is not weighing me down in any way, but it is more about just the nervous system. Yeah, you've got it right. Because what do you do if you're not working in a way that is fulfilling you, where you're generating, where you're creating? And a big aspect of work is also getting to meet different people and have the conversations, problem solving together, creating solutions. And a part of me misses that. I think a big part of me misses that quite a bit because I don't have that environment of interactions anymore. And so if I can't really see myself eight months down, I'm just putting a number out there. I hope it's not that long, but eight months down, I can't stay in that. state of isolation, I would want to continue to create and interact. And I think work is a way to do that.
Speaker #0
And those are really, you know, there's a really natural, you know, nature based kind of urges that you have, you know, to create, to generate, to connect, to be part of community. And, you know, the fact that you said that this is a nervous system kind of concern, I think gives us some real opportunities to go a bit deeper here because those things that you talked about wanting the creation the community you know the interactions there are things that you could potentially get outside of a kind of conventional employed salaried work situation you know just as an example you could maybe do you know volunteering as a way of having those kind of connections and giving yourself more time to you know, to really work with this filter of what is really charging my batteries. Yeah. And the reason that I'm suggesting that as a potential course for us just to consider is that I think that that filter that you described is your guide. You know, that feeling that you talked about of when I'm in a situation or a conversation or a person and it just fills up my energy, you know, and it's all yes for me. I think that is what is going to tell you that you're moving in the right direction. That is what's going to give you the clarity that you're looking for, because honestly, where else is it going to come from? You know, otherwise it's just it's coming from someone else's idea about what your next move should be. Right. Or, you know, my my idea about what it like. The only thing I believe that you can truly trust is how it feels to you. And you articulated it so clearly. You know, you knew immediately when I said, what does it feel like? You knew what it what it felt like. So you're right there connected to that feeling. And I think it would be so powerful to give yourself this opportunity to trust that feeling and see where it takes you.
Speaker #2
Yeah. And I have to I have to fully accept that almost it's I'm in that phase where I'm kind of oscillating between saying yes and staying in that state versus I then step back. And I think the fear of stepping back is because, you know, when you get on LinkedIn. and then you start seeing all your colleagues or you know other members if they're doing things they're posting stuff and then i'm like oh but i'm not doing that stuff and so the peer pressure comes up but you're right it i've also experienced the the downside of saying yes too soon because after a while the job doesn't excite me or i realized that my intuition always said no don't go for that wait and I said, oh no, I need a job, I'm going in. And then I've regretted it and I've come out of a pretty challenging work situation because I continued to ignore my intuition and kept moving ahead. And so I don't want to do that again. I want to, you know, really say yes only if it's a yes. And I did attempt to join Schumacher College for one of their foundation courses and really start networking through that and getting, you know, an amazing educational experience. But unfortunately, they closed. Yeah, and that's been a huge hit to the community. You know, and it's, but so that kind of takes a step back. So again, I'm back in that state of how do I connect? Like you mentioned volunteering. So how would I even approach that? Because I'm, again, new to the land here as well. So I don't have the connections to even start approaching those new ways of community, being in community.
Speaker #0
So in theory, would something like volunteering, if we take a put aside just for one second, the challenge that you mentioned of being, you know, new to new to this country and not having the connections right now, in theory, do you feel like like volunteering of some kind would give you that kind of creativity and connection that you're looking for?
Speaker #2
It depends on what type, I mean, what sector or what space. So the area that really excites me is kind of in the space of systems change and systems transformation where I'm able to you know look at a whole problem for instance and then come up with how those problems are interconnected or and how do you begin to define or identify leverage points and then start taking actions on those leverage points so very much like the Donella Meadows systems view of life and push of Capra and so on so you those are the kind of hubs and communities I want to be a part of, even in terms of volunteering, to actively participate in solving problems. And I don't know how that exists here and how to reach to those communities. I have a few, definitely, that I know of and I'm a part of, but it's not on a day-to-day basis or it's not in a very... what do you say, what's the word, in a very recurring basis. It's more like on and off here and there. They're very scattered.
Speaker #0
So have you, can you tell me about a time in your past when you've moved into a new area, maybe geographically or thematically, where you've had to sort of build things up from scratch? Have you had that experience?
Speaker #2
I have. So I was an aerospace engineer. And then I think seven years into the industry, I decided, okay, I want to change more into conservation and climate. And so that move was, it was not so organized. It just all happened in a span of a few days. So I started taking a degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins. And that was my way of stepping into this new area, this new sector. And. the education and learning new concepts really charged me. So education is something I really appreciate because you learn new things and that's always fulfilling to your nervous system, to your mind, and you come up with more ideas and more ways of understanding different situations. And so I started doing that and I was fortunate enough to reach out to my city. manager in California, this was back then, and she had an opening and I got in. It just happened overnight, literally. that was my big break but I did that firstly just by starting to learn about this new way or new sector and then just you know an accident a synchronous city or whatever you call it right and um I got the job so it was just it was less than a week that I was unemployed or I left a job and I got another job and that was my first non-profit experience and I learned a lot about how non-profits work through that. This situation right now is kind of different because I'm already in the sector, I'm in the space of climate change and sustainability that that's where I am and that's where I'd like to be but it's more that it's a new land and there are so many different organizations, there's so many different jobs and I don't know how to... how to apply or how to approach them and is project management I'll just use the title of project manager is that the same between US and UK or are they different?
Speaker #0
So I think you're saying that it's different this time but I want to challenge you on that because I'm not so sure that it's that different because what I heard from the experience that you shared before is that you made you know a pretty kind of dramatic shift in your career. in a very short space of time, right? And like you said, there was a lot of learning involved, you know, you must have had to, you know, learn and adapt very quickly in that situation to make it a success. And obviously it was a success, you know, you were offered this opportunity within a very short space of time, there was a lot of synchronicity happening. I'm wondering if what is different is not actually, you know, that that was something kind of topical, and this is something sort of geographic or, you know, cultural and... and learning to be in a new country but whether it's something around trusting yourself because what I felt when you were telling me that story of the shift you made in the past like even your whole face lit up when you were kind of telling me about it there was a sort of joy in it of like I don't know I had this feeling of like it just kind of happened and I just kind of went with it and am I right is that yes yeah right and so I'm I I feel like how how can you trust yourself in the same way now how can you kind of get that energy of like i'm gonna just i'm leaping into this because i know i can make these kind of shit how do i trust it's interesting you say that because that's been a big part of my my
Speaker #2
journey of stillness and healing where i am learning again to trust myself and there have and this is the challenge because the in the previous work experience that I've had I literally burnt out like twice and I didn't stop like I just kept going non-stop working all the time to the point where my body was starting to give up and these were like really intense work situations which everybody's work situation is intense and it you kind of have to respect yourself and your your own system and I didn't I just kept giving and not taking the time to receive and so I in the processes and the experiences that occurred I just kind of lost trust in myself as like how am I I'm not able to discern what is healthy versus what is not what is true versus what is what isn't and so I've kind of come back into the space where I'm learning to trust my own intuition and my own guidance like this whole move has been a an act of trust, just following myself. I feel like I'm rebuilding that trust, and I feel like I'm ready to now move into the space again with that sense of trust. It's almost like I'm waiting for the synchronicities to come back in play, so I find the right opportunity to appeal.
Speaker #0
You know, I think there's so many kind of nature analogies that kind of sprung up when you were describing that, you know, it's like you're in this period of hibernation or putting down roots and like all the growth that happens that we don't see externally. And then, you know, I mean, I think buds actually is one of my my favorite, you know, the way that the kind of buds form like right at the beginning of winter and then they just kind of sit there and nothing, nothing seems to be happening until spring and then they just blossom. And, you know, it's and I really. you know, I feel it's interesting as well that you say you're kind of waiting for the synchronicity. I, the words that are coming up for me is like, I feel like the synchronicity is waiting for you. Yeah.
Speaker #2
it feels, it feels good and I want it to be true. And if the synchronicity is waiting for me, let me ask a question then, then what is it that I need to, I need to do? Yeah.
Speaker #0
So I think, I think there's a couple of things. And what I would say is, first of all, I think you need to give yourself permission to be in this. um what I call like the lost stage or you know the stillness stage the questioning stage for as long as you need to be in it and that's a hard ask right but it's a real kind of act of faith you know you talked about your your rebuilding trust you're making major shifts outside of your work you know you've moved across the world you're in a completely new country there's a lot of change going on it's not the kind of change that the sort of logical part of your brain that's like, come on, what's next on the CV wants to see, right? You are really making those shifts and you are doing work, you know, you're not, you know, there's a lot of work happening right now. So I would really encourage you to just try to remind yourself that you are doing the work right now and that that process will take as long as it takes. And there is, you know, there is no rushing in it. And actually, as you said yourself, If you rush it or you push it, there is a real chance that you're going to end up back in a situation that doesn't feel right to you. You know, I'm sure that you could get a job in the next couple of weeks if it was just about getting a job, but it's not. So, you know, that's the first thing. And I would really try to sort of really remind yourself and actively remind your nervous system, like I'm doing the work. I'm right where I need to be. You know, something that you can kind of say to yourself, like when those thoughts come up of like. Like, what about this great big gap that's opening up on my CV? Like, I'm doing the work right now. I'm where I need to be. And then the second thing I would say is, and I'm speaking from my kind of personal experience here of exploring and coming out of, you know, being an entrepreneur for like 13 years. My company was, you know, my whole life. I took the decision to sell that company to my team and move on to. quote unquote the next chapter that is all I knew about it I knew that it was called the next chapter and you know the obvious thing for me to do would be to um I don't know take up board positions or consult for companies something like this and I just had no interest in doing it that was completely clear to me from the beginning but I really didn't know what it was that I wanted to do I knew that I loved coaching I'd kind of been exploring that just for myself but I didn't want to be a life coach and it just for a really long time I just kind of couldn't connect the dots between all of this experience that I had as an entrepreneur and my skills as a coach and then my kind of growing love of this concept of regeneration I just I really couldn't match it and you know and I really just think like I just kind of love nature and I don't I don't know how this is ever going to make sense um and I think that what looking back what I can see is what was important for me was actually just to say yes when I had that feeling you like you describe it as a charged up feeling um I think for me I used to describe as a sort of floating up feeling like it was this feeling like something like lifting me up and just really trust that and go with it like even if it made no kind of logical sense and I'll give you a kind of specific example that really now I can see kind of changed the course of things for me I saw a day advertised a day's course in forest bathing having never really heard of forest bathing at this point and something in me was just like yes like I I want to go and it was actually for like uh forest school teachers I think it was and I was like I'm not a forest school teacher but I really want to go and learn forest bathing so I signed up and I went on this day and I was I was so scared that I was just going to be kind of completely out my depth and with you know people I didn't kind of connect with at all and I had the most incredible experience I just absolutely I just loved it. I loved just sitting in nature, just, just being with nature. I was like, everybody needs to do this all the time. Um, it's incredible. And you know, I didn't, it wasn't that I was going to go and be a forest school, a forest bathing, you know, practitioner, um, that, that wasn't the course for me, but I just was able just to trust it. Um, So now I can see that that experience of me learning to really sit in nature and seeing how powerful it was for the other people in the group, their connection with nature and what that unlocked for them. Now I can see that that makes sense because in many ways, that's what I'm helping people to do with their careers. But, you know, back then, two years ago, it made absolutely no sense whatsoever. And there's been a lot of things along the path where I've been able just to say yes. And, you know, without any understanding of how that was all going to piece together. And then eventually, you know, at the beginning of this year, suddenly things just kind of clicked into place. And it's really like you said. it happened super quickly. Like it, you know, really quickly within the space of like a few days of thinking about this, I was like, oh, I know what I want to do. I know who I want to do it for. I know what it's called. I know the kinds of things I'm going to teach. Like it just really came together. And, you know, you mentioned, I think it's really important to say this, like it's a, it's a privileged position to be in, to do that kind of exploration. But if you have the means to do that, like, that's what I would say, like, let yourself. be in the stillness as long as you need to and at the same time when you get that yes go all in on that yes like whatever it is if it's the course you know it sounds like you got some of that yes with um the shoemaker college when you were looking i did like oh yeah so really disappointing that that isn't going to work out but you know what can you find that's that's similar to that you know what other organizations are there that are teaching in in similar ways i can I'll actually send you some links some ideas that I have uh after our call you know to similar organizations but just I feel like it's about just really really honoring that yes yeah like
Speaker #1
I'm really gonna follow that yes um what's coming up for you feels very empowering and I think that is part of what you miss is because your thoughts kind of get ahead of you and then you you then you lose this connection, which is what you were saying about being in that stillness and saying yes, only when it feels like a yes, and not questioning it, not trying to analyze it and dissect it, but just move ahead with that. And just allow everything to fall in place. Because we are co creators, we're not doing this in separation. And so trusting that really trusting that it feels right. And I, I want to be able to hold that intention or this this this energy that i feel right now and remind myself about that every time i i do a job search or every time i'm holding a conversation um and trusting that it's all it's all in the timing as well because if i'm meant to be in the stillness longer than what i longer than what my checklist shows me then i'm meant to be And if I'm meant to be in that stillness, then what am I trying to experience? That is, that I have to cultivate as I move forward, as I come out into spring. Is there more that I need to cultivate? I don't know.
Speaker #0
Let's take that question back to you. What is it that you need to experience? in this time?
Speaker #1
This time, I think it's a bit challenging for me to describe it because I really know the kind of work I want to do and the organizations I want to be a part of. Unfortunately, there aren't too many. And I guess this is the whole ecosystem of shifting the way we think, the regeneration of our social systems, our economic systems. They exist. And I want to be part of them rather than starting something by myself because I still feel like I want a mentor I want to be a part of an organization and co-create so that feels very much me and what do I need to experience in order to really get there don't know don't yeah if I have to be honest it's I don't know I think it's just having more confidence yeah and speaking my truth and speaking my about my experience because I've not taken a traditional route. I've had these ways of like interdisciplinary experiences so it looks it's not a traditional way of approaching work. I've approached it in a very non-traditional way as well so a lot of the times when I'm applying for a job or for an opportunity it's like will I be ignored or will I be seen as somebody who is not the traditional profile and so you know, not considered. So not having that confidence in how I present myself.
Speaker #0
I'm going to just point out something that I hear when you're talking about this, which is, I hear a lot of clarity about the kind of work you want to do around systems change. And you said you also, you know the kinds of organisations that you want to do it for. So I feel like there's already quite a lot of focus for you. And then you described that the part that's missing is this confidence and when it comes to kind of presenting yourself and telling a story and how it's going to be received. So it's interesting because the kinds of organizations that are involved in systems change the sort of response that I think you're maybe fearing is I think a response that's rooted in the old model of work and these new organizations like I wonder for example like what would it be like if you just told exactly your story if you talked about exactly what you've been describing to me right this this journey that you've been on because right from the beginning of our conversation, you were able to really clearly articulate like what it takes to what I kind of what I like to call like decorporatize or like, you know, decolonize or detangle ourselves from this old model of work. Like, I feel like any organization that is meaningfully engaged in systems change is going to have so much respect for someone who comes and says, I've taken a year or however long it is, right? to sit with these questions, to really, you know, to really think about what kind of world of work I want to be part of, what really matters to me, like this is now what's clear to me, this is what I really want to pursue, you know, that to me feels like a very empowered position to be in, rather than thinking of like, oh there's this kind of questionable eight-month pause on my CV, right, which is just total corporate, you know. Corporate nonsense, right?
Speaker #1
Yep, it is. It is. And I have to detach from that, from that way of thinking. And you're right. It is telling my story with a sense of inner belief as well. Like, I believe in my story. I believe in the actions that I've taken. And I think I'm coming to see that I actually believe in myself. Because a lot of the times the experiences that... have shaped us sometimes take us away from that belief system just not believing in ourselves because we're so programmed to believe in everything outside of us rather than in us and even coming to the UK has been stepping stone in helping me believe in myself and so it is holding that and just being confident about it and not seeing the work as something that you that you absolutely are beholden to like we almost have the slave mentality just like my god i have to i have to say xyz and even tweak my profile in a certain way because you need to be accepted and
Speaker #0
just taking a step back into something you manipulate yourself into anything other than who you are and where you are yeah yeah and yeah i have i have a homework suggestion for you okay which is when yeah take some time and write how long has it been since you left your your last employment uh me me right right so not that long okay so since since that time i want you to write the most beautiful story about where you are right now the as i said the work that you're doing this internal work that you're doing the incredible questions that have come up from you the discomfort that you've been brave enough to face the shift in perspective that you've had as you've stepped out of that um model of work you know where it's this kind of ceaseless um productivity and work and like you said this beholden kind of relationship like write that story don't write it for anyone else other than yourself and just write it in all its kind of beauty and honesty and vulnerability and you may never do anything with it you may just have that story but I think it will really help you to get the confidence of what is the true story about this pause that you're taking in the career because this like kind of old conditioning voice wants to creep in and tell you that it's you know this this is this kind of inconvenience on your CV that people are not going to respond to very well so you know hi voice we see you And this is the true story, right? So. Write it for yourself. And who knows, you may even find that it's a story that you want to start weaving into conversations that you're having, maybe applications that you're doing. But just start by writing it for yourself.
Speaker #1
I will do that. I have been meaning to do something like this and I just didn't know where to start. But I think this is this is a very good homework almost for me to to write this. And it's important to have that clarity. written down it's almost like the actualization in a physical form you just write it and it's there yeah yeah I will do that thank you wonderful you're so welcome you're so welcome um
Speaker #0
I hope you have a really joyful experience of writing that that story and yeah thank you for joining us on the podcast today yeah thank you so much this was very uh it's very like releasing to be able to
Speaker #1
talk to somebody and really be guided in your thoughts and in your feelings it's we need more of this i hope that today's coaching episode unlocked something for you remember
Speaker #0
you can sign up for your own on-air coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point wherever you are on your regenerative journey Whatever dreams you have of a purpose-led career, together we can get you unstuck and moving forward with clarity and confidence. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

If you’re stuck in corporate — exhausted by burnout, questioning your work life balance, or secretly wondering “is this really it?” — you’re not alone. And you don’t have to tolerate it.

From Corporate Into Calling is your lifeline. I’m Alisa Murphy, a regenerative business mentor and former CEO who walked away from corporate systems to build meaningful work of my own. Now I help others do the same: leave behind burnout and misalignment, and create careers — often businesses or consultancies — that bring life back, to you and to the world.

This isn’t about polishing your CV or slotting into another misaligned role. It’s about career change with purpose. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to find your purpose, build your own business, and create work that matters.

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

A former aerospace engineer who is drawn to work is systems change, Shweta shares her experience of consciously stepping away from the incessant work culture to reconnect with herself.

We discuss:

The Power of Stillness

How pausing can lead to profound personal insights
Overcoming the discomfort of being "different" in a fast-paced world

Redefining Success

Moving beyond traditional career metrics
Aligning work with personal values and energy

As Shweta contemplates her next steps, we address the fear of limited opportunities and the pressure to conform. I offer guidance on:

Trusting Your Inner Compass
Recognising when an opportunity truly resonates
The importance of saying 'yes' only when it feels right

Embracing Your Unique Path

Valuing non-traditional experiences
Confidently sharing your story with potential employers

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to meaningful, regenerative work often requires us to challenge societal norms and trust our inner wisdom.

For those feeling stuck or questioning their career direction, Shweta's story offers inspiration and practical insights for navigating this transformative process.

Need personalized support in navigating your regenerative career transition? Visit regenerativeworklife.com/discovery to explore how we can work together to bring your vision to life.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help your quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Reframe Your Pause as a Career Power Move

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP6: Embracing the Messy Path to Purpose in Regenerative Work

EP4: The Internal Work of a Regenerative Career Transition

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Today you're going to hear me coaching with Shweta, a former aerospace engineer turned sustainability professional who has upended her life and looking for new challenges in the field of systems change. But first I want to share a short update with you from Julia who I coached with back in episode two.
Speaker #1
I left that session, something shifted. It doesn't normally happen in coaching for me but it resonated really well with me. I kind of took my foot completely off the pedal in terms of business development but interestingly this has happened. I have four inbound new inquiries in the last two weeks. I've made two new sales. I have a new contract, which is pending. My social posts seem to be resonating at a higher level of impressions being made. I've also managed to get an opportunity to speak on local radio. So thank you very much for your work to date. It's just the start. I'm pretty sure of that.
Speaker #0
Are you feeling stuck in your transition into regenerative work? Feel the pull towards a more purpose-led career but don't know what the next right step is? Sign up today for a free 30-minute regenerative coaching session with me. Together we'll reframe your fears, shift your mindset, and identify tangible next steps to get you unstuck and moving forward. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point. Hello, Shrita, and welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. I'm so happy you're here today.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Alyssa. Nice to be here.
Speaker #0
Why don't you start by giving us an idea of what it was that brought you to do this coaching session today?
Speaker #2
First of all, the title itself, Regenerative Coaching. It totally connected me with the path that I am looking towards. which is this inherent principle of life being regenerative and walking away from this concept that we have to work all the time and that our identity is bound so much with work. And what does it even mean to experience a balanced life? And so when I saw the coaching opportunity and I read about your launch, I was like, okay, this is an opportunity that is another way to explore. and experience your own feelings about what is regeneration to your ethos, to your work-life balance. And so that's why I'm here.
Speaker #0
And I love how you express that because I think it's definitely something personal to each of us, how we understand regeneration. And I think it really should be as well. It's not one fixed definition. So where are you on your regenerative work journey?
Speaker #2
Well, let's... If we look at the journey as, you know, you start with the highs of experiencing different aspects of work through different jobs, different titles and different positions. I've experienced that in a certain setting, in a certain environment. And it has still, through that experience, let's say, I've come to a phase of stillness. And it's a conscious choice of... being still and taking a break from the continuous, incessant way of working. And that's where I am. And I'm regenerating in this phase. And literally, like just taking a break and really being with myself and asking myself, who am I and what am I here to do? What are my gifts to the world that I can bring and share with the communities that I'm going to be a part of? And that's where I am, like really asking those questions, sitting with the feelings of being uncomfortable and being different, which we all are. And to really embrace that difference, right? That's the challenge. Because it's so easy to give in to the state of, I want to be like everybody else. We want to be the same. So to be okay with being different. And then looking forward to the next phase, whatever that might be. I still don't know what that is. But I'm hoping I could get some more clarity through the coaching session of what that could be that's aligned with me and my values.
Speaker #0
So what I'm hearing is that you're allowing yourself this period of stillness and this space. And it sounds like you're already doing a lot of the work that I encourage clients to do. Particularly, you mentioned the discomfort, you know, and sitting in that discomfort and sitting. with questions it's you know it's not easy work and I applaud you for doing it I've been there myself um I describe it less as stillness as more as the kind of being lost period um and being consciously lost and and sort of embracing getting lost which is again not something as you say in this kind of this culture of always being on and incessantly working we don't allow ourselves space or stillness or to get lost um does it feel like you mentioned getting clarity on the sort of next steps does it feel like the right time for you start moving out of that stillness? Yes,
Speaker #2
I think the timing, I'm not sure to be honest, it does feel like the right time only because I've kind of checked the milestones of, you know, what I've made this transition, I've come from California, I'm here now in the UK, so there have been steps that I had to take in order to get here and get settled and I've checked all those boxes. and the one box that's pending is what about work like how do i be a part of a system where i feel nourished as i am producing as well um and it's in my nature to to create with a sense of passion with a sense of commitment and so i feel like it's time for me to step back out and participate in that in that culture again uh but this time It's different because I've changed jobs so many times. And usually I've just left one because I'm running away from something. And this is almost the first time that I've deliberately said, I'm not going to run away. I'm going to move towards something. And when you're moving towards something, it almost feels like I don't want to say yes to everything that comes my way. I want to be very conscious of what I... choose to apply to in terms of a job or in terms of networking with somebody and then saying yes to that movement. But it's scary because you don't have so many opportunities. Now you start, that's almost like a funnel and you're filtering more and more and more. So from a standpoint of just pure probability, I'm like, am I going to get that? Am I going to get what I'm really seeking? Will I have to compromise in the end? And it leaves me even with the question of, are we putting too much importance on job and what job brings into our lives? So it almost takes a very spiritual and philosophical set of questions that arises during this time. Yeah,
Speaker #0
I'm really interested by how you described this. And tell me where I'm wrong. What I'm hearing is that there is a fear. that if you filter too much um that at some point those possibilities or those opportunities are going to kind of dry up and and you'll be left with nothing is that am I hearing that correctly yes
Speaker #2
yeah absolutely and
Speaker #0
I also have a sense at the same time that you perhaps that you really want to trust yourself in that filtering and you know I'm hearing that you don't want to just say yes in the way that you might have in the past and you want to be really conscious and aware of what you're choosing and that there's this kind of tension between making those conscious choices and then this this fear that well what if it doesn't materialize yeah yeah it's it's exactly
Speaker #2
that tension you've articulated it correctly yep so shweta how do you know when an opportunity you mentioned something like networking a conversation or an event how do you know when it feels right to you um well my if i have to observe my body it's more in the sense of just the energy that flows through when i'm holding that conversation and it feels so much like i'm i'm getting charged up so if you if you think of a battery for instance i'm not getting drained i'm getting charged up as those conversations are happening. I'm going through an interview process. I don't come out of it feeling exhausted. I come out of it feeling like, oh my God, I really want this job. You know, that doubt isn't there. You're not in a state of, I don't know what this holds, but I might just say yes anyway. You don't have that. You're just like, yes, this is the person I want to work with or partner with or any of that. So it just charges me up. Yeah.
Speaker #0
So what would it be like to give yourself, you've given yourself this period of stillness and of questioning. Is it viable for you to give yourself a period of... only saying yes when something is charging your batteries?
Speaker #2
I think what holds me back there is how long is that period going to be? Because as you might know, it's always the fear of having a gap on your CV or having too much of a gap, right? I mean, I've still made a move. I still have, you know, a lot of steps that I've taken very strategically. to position myself for this career break and when the yes might be too long out there then I'm like how long do I have to wait so I guess it's the uncertainty of not knowing when that yes is coming I most definitely love to wait and say yes but if that's like eight months down the down the road that might be too much I don't know now when you say it might be too much
Speaker #0
In what sense? Because you described someone might look and question this gap on your CV. Totally understand that it's a very rational concern to have. It's also a very corporate way of seeing things, right? That we're supposed to have these kind of perfectly structured CVs that take us in this kind of, you know, incremental growth trajectory. And, you know, you talked about one of the things you wanted to do is kind of step out. of that kind of conventional way of seeing work so I just want to kind of highlight you know when you say well that might be too much too much is it is is it too much for a potential employer or you know is it too much for your nervous system is it too much for your financial reality like can we get kind of specific about what that too much means
Speaker #2
I think it'll be too much for my nervous system I do feel very privileged in having the resources to take the time off. So that is not weighing me down in any way, but it is more about just the nervous system. Yeah, you've got it right. Because what do you do if you're not working in a way that is fulfilling you, where you're generating, where you're creating? And a big aspect of work is also getting to meet different people and have the conversations, problem solving together, creating solutions. And a part of me misses that. I think a big part of me misses that quite a bit because I don't have that environment of interactions anymore. And so if I can't really see myself eight months down, I'm just putting a number out there. I hope it's not that long, but eight months down, I can't stay in that. state of isolation, I would want to continue to create and interact. And I think work is a way to do that.
Speaker #0
And those are really, you know, there's a really natural, you know, nature based kind of urges that you have, you know, to create, to generate, to connect, to be part of community. And, you know, the fact that you said that this is a nervous system kind of concern, I think gives us some real opportunities to go a bit deeper here because those things that you talked about wanting the creation the community you know the interactions there are things that you could potentially get outside of a kind of conventional employed salaried work situation you know just as an example you could maybe do you know volunteering as a way of having those kind of connections and giving yourself more time to you know, to really work with this filter of what is really charging my batteries. Yeah. And the reason that I'm suggesting that as a potential course for us just to consider is that I think that that filter that you described is your guide. You know, that feeling that you talked about of when I'm in a situation or a conversation or a person and it just fills up my energy, you know, and it's all yes for me. I think that is what is going to tell you that you're moving in the right direction. That is what's going to give you the clarity that you're looking for, because honestly, where else is it going to come from? You know, otherwise it's just it's coming from someone else's idea about what your next move should be. Right. Or, you know, my my idea about what it like. The only thing I believe that you can truly trust is how it feels to you. And you articulated it so clearly. You know, you knew immediately when I said, what does it feel like? You knew what it what it felt like. So you're right there connected to that feeling. And I think it would be so powerful to give yourself this opportunity to trust that feeling and see where it takes you.
Speaker #2
Yeah. And I have to I have to fully accept that almost it's I'm in that phase where I'm kind of oscillating between saying yes and staying in that state versus I then step back. And I think the fear of stepping back is because, you know, when you get on LinkedIn. and then you start seeing all your colleagues or you know other members if they're doing things they're posting stuff and then i'm like oh but i'm not doing that stuff and so the peer pressure comes up but you're right it i've also experienced the the downside of saying yes too soon because after a while the job doesn't excite me or i realized that my intuition always said no don't go for that wait and I said, oh no, I need a job, I'm going in. And then I've regretted it and I've come out of a pretty challenging work situation because I continued to ignore my intuition and kept moving ahead. And so I don't want to do that again. I want to, you know, really say yes only if it's a yes. And I did attempt to join Schumacher College for one of their foundation courses and really start networking through that and getting, you know, an amazing educational experience. But unfortunately, they closed. Yeah, and that's been a huge hit to the community. You know, and it's, but so that kind of takes a step back. So again, I'm back in that state of how do I connect? Like you mentioned volunteering. So how would I even approach that? Because I'm, again, new to the land here as well. So I don't have the connections to even start approaching those new ways of community, being in community.
Speaker #0
So in theory, would something like volunteering, if we take a put aside just for one second, the challenge that you mentioned of being, you know, new to new to this country and not having the connections right now, in theory, do you feel like like volunteering of some kind would give you that kind of creativity and connection that you're looking for?
Speaker #2
It depends on what type, I mean, what sector or what space. So the area that really excites me is kind of in the space of systems change and systems transformation where I'm able to you know look at a whole problem for instance and then come up with how those problems are interconnected or and how do you begin to define or identify leverage points and then start taking actions on those leverage points so very much like the Donella Meadows systems view of life and push of Capra and so on so you those are the kind of hubs and communities I want to be a part of, even in terms of volunteering, to actively participate in solving problems. And I don't know how that exists here and how to reach to those communities. I have a few, definitely, that I know of and I'm a part of, but it's not on a day-to-day basis or it's not in a very... what do you say, what's the word, in a very recurring basis. It's more like on and off here and there. They're very scattered.
Speaker #0
So have you, can you tell me about a time in your past when you've moved into a new area, maybe geographically or thematically, where you've had to sort of build things up from scratch? Have you had that experience?
Speaker #2
I have. So I was an aerospace engineer. And then I think seven years into the industry, I decided, okay, I want to change more into conservation and climate. And so that move was, it was not so organized. It just all happened in a span of a few days. So I started taking a degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins. And that was my way of stepping into this new area, this new sector. And. the education and learning new concepts really charged me. So education is something I really appreciate because you learn new things and that's always fulfilling to your nervous system, to your mind, and you come up with more ideas and more ways of understanding different situations. And so I started doing that and I was fortunate enough to reach out to my city. manager in California, this was back then, and she had an opening and I got in. It just happened overnight, literally. that was my big break but I did that firstly just by starting to learn about this new way or new sector and then just you know an accident a synchronous city or whatever you call it right and um I got the job so it was just it was less than a week that I was unemployed or I left a job and I got another job and that was my first non-profit experience and I learned a lot about how non-profits work through that. This situation right now is kind of different because I'm already in the sector, I'm in the space of climate change and sustainability that that's where I am and that's where I'd like to be but it's more that it's a new land and there are so many different organizations, there's so many different jobs and I don't know how to... how to apply or how to approach them and is project management I'll just use the title of project manager is that the same between US and UK or are they different?
Speaker #0
So I think you're saying that it's different this time but I want to challenge you on that because I'm not so sure that it's that different because what I heard from the experience that you shared before is that you made you know a pretty kind of dramatic shift in your career. in a very short space of time, right? And like you said, there was a lot of learning involved, you know, you must have had to, you know, learn and adapt very quickly in that situation to make it a success. And obviously it was a success, you know, you were offered this opportunity within a very short space of time, there was a lot of synchronicity happening. I'm wondering if what is different is not actually, you know, that that was something kind of topical, and this is something sort of geographic or, you know, cultural and... and learning to be in a new country but whether it's something around trusting yourself because what I felt when you were telling me that story of the shift you made in the past like even your whole face lit up when you were kind of telling me about it there was a sort of joy in it of like I don't know I had this feeling of like it just kind of happened and I just kind of went with it and am I right is that yes yeah right and so I'm I I feel like how how can you trust yourself in the same way now how can you kind of get that energy of like i'm gonna just i'm leaping into this because i know i can make these kind of shit how do i trust it's interesting you say that because that's been a big part of my my
Speaker #2
journey of stillness and healing where i am learning again to trust myself and there have and this is the challenge because the in the previous work experience that I've had I literally burnt out like twice and I didn't stop like I just kept going non-stop working all the time to the point where my body was starting to give up and these were like really intense work situations which everybody's work situation is intense and it you kind of have to respect yourself and your your own system and I didn't I just kept giving and not taking the time to receive and so I in the processes and the experiences that occurred I just kind of lost trust in myself as like how am I I'm not able to discern what is healthy versus what is not what is true versus what is what isn't and so I've kind of come back into the space where I'm learning to trust my own intuition and my own guidance like this whole move has been a an act of trust, just following myself. I feel like I'm rebuilding that trust, and I feel like I'm ready to now move into the space again with that sense of trust. It's almost like I'm waiting for the synchronicities to come back in play, so I find the right opportunity to appeal.
Speaker #0
You know, I think there's so many kind of nature analogies that kind of sprung up when you were describing that, you know, it's like you're in this period of hibernation or putting down roots and like all the growth that happens that we don't see externally. And then, you know, I mean, I think buds actually is one of my my favorite, you know, the way that the kind of buds form like right at the beginning of winter and then they just kind of sit there and nothing, nothing seems to be happening until spring and then they just blossom. And, you know, it's and I really. you know, I feel it's interesting as well that you say you're kind of waiting for the synchronicity. I, the words that are coming up for me is like, I feel like the synchronicity is waiting for you. Yeah.
Speaker #2
it feels, it feels good and I want it to be true. And if the synchronicity is waiting for me, let me ask a question then, then what is it that I need to, I need to do? Yeah.
Speaker #0
So I think, I think there's a couple of things. And what I would say is, first of all, I think you need to give yourself permission to be in this. um what I call like the lost stage or you know the stillness stage the questioning stage for as long as you need to be in it and that's a hard ask right but it's a real kind of act of faith you know you talked about your your rebuilding trust you're making major shifts outside of your work you know you've moved across the world you're in a completely new country there's a lot of change going on it's not the kind of change that the sort of logical part of your brain that's like, come on, what's next on the CV wants to see, right? You are really making those shifts and you are doing work, you know, you're not, you know, there's a lot of work happening right now. So I would really encourage you to just try to remind yourself that you are doing the work right now and that that process will take as long as it takes. And there is, you know, there is no rushing in it. And actually, as you said yourself, If you rush it or you push it, there is a real chance that you're going to end up back in a situation that doesn't feel right to you. You know, I'm sure that you could get a job in the next couple of weeks if it was just about getting a job, but it's not. So, you know, that's the first thing. And I would really try to sort of really remind yourself and actively remind your nervous system, like I'm doing the work. I'm right where I need to be. You know, something that you can kind of say to yourself, like when those thoughts come up of like. Like, what about this great big gap that's opening up on my CV? Like, I'm doing the work right now. I'm where I need to be. And then the second thing I would say is, and I'm speaking from my kind of personal experience here of exploring and coming out of, you know, being an entrepreneur for like 13 years. My company was, you know, my whole life. I took the decision to sell that company to my team and move on to. quote unquote the next chapter that is all I knew about it I knew that it was called the next chapter and you know the obvious thing for me to do would be to um I don't know take up board positions or consult for companies something like this and I just had no interest in doing it that was completely clear to me from the beginning but I really didn't know what it was that I wanted to do I knew that I loved coaching I'd kind of been exploring that just for myself but I didn't want to be a life coach and it just for a really long time I just kind of couldn't connect the dots between all of this experience that I had as an entrepreneur and my skills as a coach and then my kind of growing love of this concept of regeneration I just I really couldn't match it and you know and I really just think like I just kind of love nature and I don't I don't know how this is ever going to make sense um and I think that what looking back what I can see is what was important for me was actually just to say yes when I had that feeling you like you describe it as a charged up feeling um I think for me I used to describe as a sort of floating up feeling like it was this feeling like something like lifting me up and just really trust that and go with it like even if it made no kind of logical sense and I'll give you a kind of specific example that really now I can see kind of changed the course of things for me I saw a day advertised a day's course in forest bathing having never really heard of forest bathing at this point and something in me was just like yes like I I want to go and it was actually for like uh forest school teachers I think it was and I was like I'm not a forest school teacher but I really want to go and learn forest bathing so I signed up and I went on this day and I was I was so scared that I was just going to be kind of completely out my depth and with you know people I didn't kind of connect with at all and I had the most incredible experience I just absolutely I just loved it. I loved just sitting in nature, just, just being with nature. I was like, everybody needs to do this all the time. Um, it's incredible. And you know, I didn't, it wasn't that I was going to go and be a forest school, a forest bathing, you know, practitioner, um, that, that wasn't the course for me, but I just was able just to trust it. Um, So now I can see that that experience of me learning to really sit in nature and seeing how powerful it was for the other people in the group, their connection with nature and what that unlocked for them. Now I can see that that makes sense because in many ways, that's what I'm helping people to do with their careers. But, you know, back then, two years ago, it made absolutely no sense whatsoever. And there's been a lot of things along the path where I've been able just to say yes. And, you know, without any understanding of how that was all going to piece together. And then eventually, you know, at the beginning of this year, suddenly things just kind of clicked into place. And it's really like you said. it happened super quickly. Like it, you know, really quickly within the space of like a few days of thinking about this, I was like, oh, I know what I want to do. I know who I want to do it for. I know what it's called. I know the kinds of things I'm going to teach. Like it just really came together. And, you know, you mentioned, I think it's really important to say this, like it's a, it's a privileged position to be in, to do that kind of exploration. But if you have the means to do that, like, that's what I would say, like, let yourself. be in the stillness as long as you need to and at the same time when you get that yes go all in on that yes like whatever it is if it's the course you know it sounds like you got some of that yes with um the shoemaker college when you were looking i did like oh yeah so really disappointing that that isn't going to work out but you know what can you find that's that's similar to that you know what other organizations are there that are teaching in in similar ways i can I'll actually send you some links some ideas that I have uh after our call you know to similar organizations but just I feel like it's about just really really honoring that yes yeah like
Speaker #1
I'm really gonna follow that yes um what's coming up for you feels very empowering and I think that is part of what you miss is because your thoughts kind of get ahead of you and then you you then you lose this connection, which is what you were saying about being in that stillness and saying yes, only when it feels like a yes, and not questioning it, not trying to analyze it and dissect it, but just move ahead with that. And just allow everything to fall in place. Because we are co creators, we're not doing this in separation. And so trusting that really trusting that it feels right. And I, I want to be able to hold that intention or this this this energy that i feel right now and remind myself about that every time i i do a job search or every time i'm holding a conversation um and trusting that it's all it's all in the timing as well because if i'm meant to be in the stillness longer than what i longer than what my checklist shows me then i'm meant to be And if I'm meant to be in that stillness, then what am I trying to experience? That is, that I have to cultivate as I move forward, as I come out into spring. Is there more that I need to cultivate? I don't know.
Speaker #0
Let's take that question back to you. What is it that you need to experience? in this time?
Speaker #1
This time, I think it's a bit challenging for me to describe it because I really know the kind of work I want to do and the organizations I want to be a part of. Unfortunately, there aren't too many. And I guess this is the whole ecosystem of shifting the way we think, the regeneration of our social systems, our economic systems. They exist. And I want to be part of them rather than starting something by myself because I still feel like I want a mentor I want to be a part of an organization and co-create so that feels very much me and what do I need to experience in order to really get there don't know don't yeah if I have to be honest it's I don't know I think it's just having more confidence yeah and speaking my truth and speaking my about my experience because I've not taken a traditional route. I've had these ways of like interdisciplinary experiences so it looks it's not a traditional way of approaching work. I've approached it in a very non-traditional way as well so a lot of the times when I'm applying for a job or for an opportunity it's like will I be ignored or will I be seen as somebody who is not the traditional profile and so you know, not considered. So not having that confidence in how I present myself.
Speaker #0
I'm going to just point out something that I hear when you're talking about this, which is, I hear a lot of clarity about the kind of work you want to do around systems change. And you said you also, you know the kinds of organisations that you want to do it for. So I feel like there's already quite a lot of focus for you. And then you described that the part that's missing is this confidence and when it comes to kind of presenting yourself and telling a story and how it's going to be received. So it's interesting because the kinds of organizations that are involved in systems change the sort of response that I think you're maybe fearing is I think a response that's rooted in the old model of work and these new organizations like I wonder for example like what would it be like if you just told exactly your story if you talked about exactly what you've been describing to me right this this journey that you've been on because right from the beginning of our conversation, you were able to really clearly articulate like what it takes to what I kind of what I like to call like decorporatize or like, you know, decolonize or detangle ourselves from this old model of work. Like, I feel like any organization that is meaningfully engaged in systems change is going to have so much respect for someone who comes and says, I've taken a year or however long it is, right? to sit with these questions, to really, you know, to really think about what kind of world of work I want to be part of, what really matters to me, like this is now what's clear to me, this is what I really want to pursue, you know, that to me feels like a very empowered position to be in, rather than thinking of like, oh there's this kind of questionable eight-month pause on my CV, right, which is just total corporate, you know. Corporate nonsense, right?
Speaker #1
Yep, it is. It is. And I have to detach from that, from that way of thinking. And you're right. It is telling my story with a sense of inner belief as well. Like, I believe in my story. I believe in the actions that I've taken. And I think I'm coming to see that I actually believe in myself. Because a lot of the times the experiences that... have shaped us sometimes take us away from that belief system just not believing in ourselves because we're so programmed to believe in everything outside of us rather than in us and even coming to the UK has been stepping stone in helping me believe in myself and so it is holding that and just being confident about it and not seeing the work as something that you that you absolutely are beholden to like we almost have the slave mentality just like my god i have to i have to say xyz and even tweak my profile in a certain way because you need to be accepted and
Speaker #0
just taking a step back into something you manipulate yourself into anything other than who you are and where you are yeah yeah and yeah i have i have a homework suggestion for you okay which is when yeah take some time and write how long has it been since you left your your last employment uh me me right right so not that long okay so since since that time i want you to write the most beautiful story about where you are right now the as i said the work that you're doing this internal work that you're doing the incredible questions that have come up from you the discomfort that you've been brave enough to face the shift in perspective that you've had as you've stepped out of that um model of work you know where it's this kind of ceaseless um productivity and work and like you said this beholden kind of relationship like write that story don't write it for anyone else other than yourself and just write it in all its kind of beauty and honesty and vulnerability and you may never do anything with it you may just have that story but I think it will really help you to get the confidence of what is the true story about this pause that you're taking in the career because this like kind of old conditioning voice wants to creep in and tell you that it's you know this this is this kind of inconvenience on your CV that people are not going to respond to very well so you know hi voice we see you And this is the true story, right? So. Write it for yourself. And who knows, you may even find that it's a story that you want to start weaving into conversations that you're having, maybe applications that you're doing. But just start by writing it for yourself.
Speaker #1
I will do that. I have been meaning to do something like this and I just didn't know where to start. But I think this is this is a very good homework almost for me to to write this. And it's important to have that clarity. written down it's almost like the actualization in a physical form you just write it and it's there yeah yeah I will do that thank you wonderful you're so welcome you're so welcome um
Speaker #0
I hope you have a really joyful experience of writing that that story and yeah thank you for joining us on the podcast today yeah thank you so much this was very uh it's very like releasing to be able to
Speaker #1
talk to somebody and really be guided in your thoughts and in your feelings it's we need more of this i hope that today's coaching episode unlocked something for you remember
Speaker #0
you can sign up for your own on-air coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point wherever you are on your regenerative journey Whatever dreams you have of a purpose-led career, together we can get you unstuck and moving forward with clarity and confidence. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Description

A former aerospace engineer who is drawn to work is systems change, Shweta shares her experience of consciously stepping away from the incessant work culture to reconnect with herself.

We discuss:

The Power of Stillness

How pausing can lead to profound personal insights
Overcoming the discomfort of being "different" in a fast-paced world

Redefining Success

Moving beyond traditional career metrics
Aligning work with personal values and energy

As Shweta contemplates her next steps, we address the fear of limited opportunities and the pressure to conform. I offer guidance on:

Trusting Your Inner Compass
Recognising when an opportunity truly resonates
The importance of saying 'yes' only when it feels right

Embracing Your Unique Path

Valuing non-traditional experiences
Confidently sharing your story with potential employers

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to meaningful, regenerative work often requires us to challenge societal norms and trust our inner wisdom.

For those feeling stuck or questioning their career direction, Shweta's story offers inspiration and practical insights for navigating this transformative process.

Need personalized support in navigating your regenerative career transition? Visit regenerativeworklife.com/discovery to explore how we can work together to bring your vision to life.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help your quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Reframe Your Pause as a Career Power Move

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP6: Embracing the Messy Path to Purpose in Regenerative Work

EP4: The Internal Work of a Regenerative Career Transition

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Today you're going to hear me coaching with Shweta, a former aerospace engineer turned sustainability professional who has upended her life and looking for new challenges in the field of systems change. But first I want to share a short update with you from Julia who I coached with back in episode two.
Speaker #1
I left that session, something shifted. It doesn't normally happen in coaching for me but it resonated really well with me. I kind of took my foot completely off the pedal in terms of business development but interestingly this has happened. I have four inbound new inquiries in the last two weeks. I've made two new sales. I have a new contract, which is pending. My social posts seem to be resonating at a higher level of impressions being made. I've also managed to get an opportunity to speak on local radio. So thank you very much for your work to date. It's just the start. I'm pretty sure of that.
Speaker #0
Are you feeling stuck in your transition into regenerative work? Feel the pull towards a more purpose-led career but don't know what the next right step is? Sign up today for a free 30-minute regenerative coaching session with me. Together we'll reframe your fears, shift your mindset, and identify tangible next steps to get you unstuck and moving forward. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point. Hello, Shrita, and welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. I'm so happy you're here today.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Alyssa. Nice to be here.
Speaker #0
Why don't you start by giving us an idea of what it was that brought you to do this coaching session today?
Speaker #2
First of all, the title itself, Regenerative Coaching. It totally connected me with the path that I am looking towards. which is this inherent principle of life being regenerative and walking away from this concept that we have to work all the time and that our identity is bound so much with work. And what does it even mean to experience a balanced life? And so when I saw the coaching opportunity and I read about your launch, I was like, okay, this is an opportunity that is another way to explore. and experience your own feelings about what is regeneration to your ethos, to your work-life balance. And so that's why I'm here.
Speaker #0
And I love how you express that because I think it's definitely something personal to each of us, how we understand regeneration. And I think it really should be as well. It's not one fixed definition. So where are you on your regenerative work journey?
Speaker #2
Well, let's... If we look at the journey as, you know, you start with the highs of experiencing different aspects of work through different jobs, different titles and different positions. I've experienced that in a certain setting, in a certain environment. And it has still, through that experience, let's say, I've come to a phase of stillness. And it's a conscious choice of... being still and taking a break from the continuous, incessant way of working. And that's where I am. And I'm regenerating in this phase. And literally, like just taking a break and really being with myself and asking myself, who am I and what am I here to do? What are my gifts to the world that I can bring and share with the communities that I'm going to be a part of? And that's where I am, like really asking those questions, sitting with the feelings of being uncomfortable and being different, which we all are. And to really embrace that difference, right? That's the challenge. Because it's so easy to give in to the state of, I want to be like everybody else. We want to be the same. So to be okay with being different. And then looking forward to the next phase, whatever that might be. I still don't know what that is. But I'm hoping I could get some more clarity through the coaching session of what that could be that's aligned with me and my values.
Speaker #0
So what I'm hearing is that you're allowing yourself this period of stillness and this space. And it sounds like you're already doing a lot of the work that I encourage clients to do. Particularly, you mentioned the discomfort, you know, and sitting in that discomfort and sitting. with questions it's you know it's not easy work and I applaud you for doing it I've been there myself um I describe it less as stillness as more as the kind of being lost period um and being consciously lost and and sort of embracing getting lost which is again not something as you say in this kind of this culture of always being on and incessantly working we don't allow ourselves space or stillness or to get lost um does it feel like you mentioned getting clarity on the sort of next steps does it feel like the right time for you start moving out of that stillness? Yes,
Speaker #2
I think the timing, I'm not sure to be honest, it does feel like the right time only because I've kind of checked the milestones of, you know, what I've made this transition, I've come from California, I'm here now in the UK, so there have been steps that I had to take in order to get here and get settled and I've checked all those boxes. and the one box that's pending is what about work like how do i be a part of a system where i feel nourished as i am producing as well um and it's in my nature to to create with a sense of passion with a sense of commitment and so i feel like it's time for me to step back out and participate in that in that culture again uh but this time It's different because I've changed jobs so many times. And usually I've just left one because I'm running away from something. And this is almost the first time that I've deliberately said, I'm not going to run away. I'm going to move towards something. And when you're moving towards something, it almost feels like I don't want to say yes to everything that comes my way. I want to be very conscious of what I... choose to apply to in terms of a job or in terms of networking with somebody and then saying yes to that movement. But it's scary because you don't have so many opportunities. Now you start, that's almost like a funnel and you're filtering more and more and more. So from a standpoint of just pure probability, I'm like, am I going to get that? Am I going to get what I'm really seeking? Will I have to compromise in the end? And it leaves me even with the question of, are we putting too much importance on job and what job brings into our lives? So it almost takes a very spiritual and philosophical set of questions that arises during this time. Yeah,
Speaker #0
I'm really interested by how you described this. And tell me where I'm wrong. What I'm hearing is that there is a fear. that if you filter too much um that at some point those possibilities or those opportunities are going to kind of dry up and and you'll be left with nothing is that am I hearing that correctly yes
Speaker #2
yeah absolutely and
Speaker #0
I also have a sense at the same time that you perhaps that you really want to trust yourself in that filtering and you know I'm hearing that you don't want to just say yes in the way that you might have in the past and you want to be really conscious and aware of what you're choosing and that there's this kind of tension between making those conscious choices and then this this fear that well what if it doesn't materialize yeah yeah it's it's exactly
Speaker #2
that tension you've articulated it correctly yep so shweta how do you know when an opportunity you mentioned something like networking a conversation or an event how do you know when it feels right to you um well my if i have to observe my body it's more in the sense of just the energy that flows through when i'm holding that conversation and it feels so much like i'm i'm getting charged up so if you if you think of a battery for instance i'm not getting drained i'm getting charged up as those conversations are happening. I'm going through an interview process. I don't come out of it feeling exhausted. I come out of it feeling like, oh my God, I really want this job. You know, that doubt isn't there. You're not in a state of, I don't know what this holds, but I might just say yes anyway. You don't have that. You're just like, yes, this is the person I want to work with or partner with or any of that. So it just charges me up. Yeah.
Speaker #0
So what would it be like to give yourself, you've given yourself this period of stillness and of questioning. Is it viable for you to give yourself a period of... only saying yes when something is charging your batteries?
Speaker #2
I think what holds me back there is how long is that period going to be? Because as you might know, it's always the fear of having a gap on your CV or having too much of a gap, right? I mean, I've still made a move. I still have, you know, a lot of steps that I've taken very strategically. to position myself for this career break and when the yes might be too long out there then I'm like how long do I have to wait so I guess it's the uncertainty of not knowing when that yes is coming I most definitely love to wait and say yes but if that's like eight months down the down the road that might be too much I don't know now when you say it might be too much
Speaker #0
In what sense? Because you described someone might look and question this gap on your CV. Totally understand that it's a very rational concern to have. It's also a very corporate way of seeing things, right? That we're supposed to have these kind of perfectly structured CVs that take us in this kind of, you know, incremental growth trajectory. And, you know, you talked about one of the things you wanted to do is kind of step out. of that kind of conventional way of seeing work so I just want to kind of highlight you know when you say well that might be too much too much is it is is it too much for a potential employer or you know is it too much for your nervous system is it too much for your financial reality like can we get kind of specific about what that too much means
Speaker #2
I think it'll be too much for my nervous system I do feel very privileged in having the resources to take the time off. So that is not weighing me down in any way, but it is more about just the nervous system. Yeah, you've got it right. Because what do you do if you're not working in a way that is fulfilling you, where you're generating, where you're creating? And a big aspect of work is also getting to meet different people and have the conversations, problem solving together, creating solutions. And a part of me misses that. I think a big part of me misses that quite a bit because I don't have that environment of interactions anymore. And so if I can't really see myself eight months down, I'm just putting a number out there. I hope it's not that long, but eight months down, I can't stay in that. state of isolation, I would want to continue to create and interact. And I think work is a way to do that.
Speaker #0
And those are really, you know, there's a really natural, you know, nature based kind of urges that you have, you know, to create, to generate, to connect, to be part of community. And, you know, the fact that you said that this is a nervous system kind of concern, I think gives us some real opportunities to go a bit deeper here because those things that you talked about wanting the creation the community you know the interactions there are things that you could potentially get outside of a kind of conventional employed salaried work situation you know just as an example you could maybe do you know volunteering as a way of having those kind of connections and giving yourself more time to you know, to really work with this filter of what is really charging my batteries. Yeah. And the reason that I'm suggesting that as a potential course for us just to consider is that I think that that filter that you described is your guide. You know, that feeling that you talked about of when I'm in a situation or a conversation or a person and it just fills up my energy, you know, and it's all yes for me. I think that is what is going to tell you that you're moving in the right direction. That is what's going to give you the clarity that you're looking for, because honestly, where else is it going to come from? You know, otherwise it's just it's coming from someone else's idea about what your next move should be. Right. Or, you know, my my idea about what it like. The only thing I believe that you can truly trust is how it feels to you. And you articulated it so clearly. You know, you knew immediately when I said, what does it feel like? You knew what it what it felt like. So you're right there connected to that feeling. And I think it would be so powerful to give yourself this opportunity to trust that feeling and see where it takes you.
Speaker #2
Yeah. And I have to I have to fully accept that almost it's I'm in that phase where I'm kind of oscillating between saying yes and staying in that state versus I then step back. And I think the fear of stepping back is because, you know, when you get on LinkedIn. and then you start seeing all your colleagues or you know other members if they're doing things they're posting stuff and then i'm like oh but i'm not doing that stuff and so the peer pressure comes up but you're right it i've also experienced the the downside of saying yes too soon because after a while the job doesn't excite me or i realized that my intuition always said no don't go for that wait and I said, oh no, I need a job, I'm going in. And then I've regretted it and I've come out of a pretty challenging work situation because I continued to ignore my intuition and kept moving ahead. And so I don't want to do that again. I want to, you know, really say yes only if it's a yes. And I did attempt to join Schumacher College for one of their foundation courses and really start networking through that and getting, you know, an amazing educational experience. But unfortunately, they closed. Yeah, and that's been a huge hit to the community. You know, and it's, but so that kind of takes a step back. So again, I'm back in that state of how do I connect? Like you mentioned volunteering. So how would I even approach that? Because I'm, again, new to the land here as well. So I don't have the connections to even start approaching those new ways of community, being in community.
Speaker #0
So in theory, would something like volunteering, if we take a put aside just for one second, the challenge that you mentioned of being, you know, new to new to this country and not having the connections right now, in theory, do you feel like like volunteering of some kind would give you that kind of creativity and connection that you're looking for?
Speaker #2
It depends on what type, I mean, what sector or what space. So the area that really excites me is kind of in the space of systems change and systems transformation where I'm able to you know look at a whole problem for instance and then come up with how those problems are interconnected or and how do you begin to define or identify leverage points and then start taking actions on those leverage points so very much like the Donella Meadows systems view of life and push of Capra and so on so you those are the kind of hubs and communities I want to be a part of, even in terms of volunteering, to actively participate in solving problems. And I don't know how that exists here and how to reach to those communities. I have a few, definitely, that I know of and I'm a part of, but it's not on a day-to-day basis or it's not in a very... what do you say, what's the word, in a very recurring basis. It's more like on and off here and there. They're very scattered.
Speaker #0
So have you, can you tell me about a time in your past when you've moved into a new area, maybe geographically or thematically, where you've had to sort of build things up from scratch? Have you had that experience?
Speaker #2
I have. So I was an aerospace engineer. And then I think seven years into the industry, I decided, okay, I want to change more into conservation and climate. And so that move was, it was not so organized. It just all happened in a span of a few days. So I started taking a degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins. And that was my way of stepping into this new area, this new sector. And. the education and learning new concepts really charged me. So education is something I really appreciate because you learn new things and that's always fulfilling to your nervous system, to your mind, and you come up with more ideas and more ways of understanding different situations. And so I started doing that and I was fortunate enough to reach out to my city. manager in California, this was back then, and she had an opening and I got in. It just happened overnight, literally. that was my big break but I did that firstly just by starting to learn about this new way or new sector and then just you know an accident a synchronous city or whatever you call it right and um I got the job so it was just it was less than a week that I was unemployed or I left a job and I got another job and that was my first non-profit experience and I learned a lot about how non-profits work through that. This situation right now is kind of different because I'm already in the sector, I'm in the space of climate change and sustainability that that's where I am and that's where I'd like to be but it's more that it's a new land and there are so many different organizations, there's so many different jobs and I don't know how to... how to apply or how to approach them and is project management I'll just use the title of project manager is that the same between US and UK or are they different?
Speaker #0
So I think you're saying that it's different this time but I want to challenge you on that because I'm not so sure that it's that different because what I heard from the experience that you shared before is that you made you know a pretty kind of dramatic shift in your career. in a very short space of time, right? And like you said, there was a lot of learning involved, you know, you must have had to, you know, learn and adapt very quickly in that situation to make it a success. And obviously it was a success, you know, you were offered this opportunity within a very short space of time, there was a lot of synchronicity happening. I'm wondering if what is different is not actually, you know, that that was something kind of topical, and this is something sort of geographic or, you know, cultural and... and learning to be in a new country but whether it's something around trusting yourself because what I felt when you were telling me that story of the shift you made in the past like even your whole face lit up when you were kind of telling me about it there was a sort of joy in it of like I don't know I had this feeling of like it just kind of happened and I just kind of went with it and am I right is that yes yeah right and so I'm I I feel like how how can you trust yourself in the same way now how can you kind of get that energy of like i'm gonna just i'm leaping into this because i know i can make these kind of shit how do i trust it's interesting you say that because that's been a big part of my my
Speaker #2
journey of stillness and healing where i am learning again to trust myself and there have and this is the challenge because the in the previous work experience that I've had I literally burnt out like twice and I didn't stop like I just kept going non-stop working all the time to the point where my body was starting to give up and these were like really intense work situations which everybody's work situation is intense and it you kind of have to respect yourself and your your own system and I didn't I just kept giving and not taking the time to receive and so I in the processes and the experiences that occurred I just kind of lost trust in myself as like how am I I'm not able to discern what is healthy versus what is not what is true versus what is what isn't and so I've kind of come back into the space where I'm learning to trust my own intuition and my own guidance like this whole move has been a an act of trust, just following myself. I feel like I'm rebuilding that trust, and I feel like I'm ready to now move into the space again with that sense of trust. It's almost like I'm waiting for the synchronicities to come back in play, so I find the right opportunity to appeal.
Speaker #0
You know, I think there's so many kind of nature analogies that kind of sprung up when you were describing that, you know, it's like you're in this period of hibernation or putting down roots and like all the growth that happens that we don't see externally. And then, you know, I mean, I think buds actually is one of my my favorite, you know, the way that the kind of buds form like right at the beginning of winter and then they just kind of sit there and nothing, nothing seems to be happening until spring and then they just blossom. And, you know, it's and I really. you know, I feel it's interesting as well that you say you're kind of waiting for the synchronicity. I, the words that are coming up for me is like, I feel like the synchronicity is waiting for you. Yeah.
Speaker #2
it feels, it feels good and I want it to be true. And if the synchronicity is waiting for me, let me ask a question then, then what is it that I need to, I need to do? Yeah.
Speaker #0
So I think, I think there's a couple of things. And what I would say is, first of all, I think you need to give yourself permission to be in this. um what I call like the lost stage or you know the stillness stage the questioning stage for as long as you need to be in it and that's a hard ask right but it's a real kind of act of faith you know you talked about your your rebuilding trust you're making major shifts outside of your work you know you've moved across the world you're in a completely new country there's a lot of change going on it's not the kind of change that the sort of logical part of your brain that's like, come on, what's next on the CV wants to see, right? You are really making those shifts and you are doing work, you know, you're not, you know, there's a lot of work happening right now. So I would really encourage you to just try to remind yourself that you are doing the work right now and that that process will take as long as it takes. And there is, you know, there is no rushing in it. And actually, as you said yourself, If you rush it or you push it, there is a real chance that you're going to end up back in a situation that doesn't feel right to you. You know, I'm sure that you could get a job in the next couple of weeks if it was just about getting a job, but it's not. So, you know, that's the first thing. And I would really try to sort of really remind yourself and actively remind your nervous system, like I'm doing the work. I'm right where I need to be. You know, something that you can kind of say to yourself, like when those thoughts come up of like. Like, what about this great big gap that's opening up on my CV? Like, I'm doing the work right now. I'm where I need to be. And then the second thing I would say is, and I'm speaking from my kind of personal experience here of exploring and coming out of, you know, being an entrepreneur for like 13 years. My company was, you know, my whole life. I took the decision to sell that company to my team and move on to. quote unquote the next chapter that is all I knew about it I knew that it was called the next chapter and you know the obvious thing for me to do would be to um I don't know take up board positions or consult for companies something like this and I just had no interest in doing it that was completely clear to me from the beginning but I really didn't know what it was that I wanted to do I knew that I loved coaching I'd kind of been exploring that just for myself but I didn't want to be a life coach and it just for a really long time I just kind of couldn't connect the dots between all of this experience that I had as an entrepreneur and my skills as a coach and then my kind of growing love of this concept of regeneration I just I really couldn't match it and you know and I really just think like I just kind of love nature and I don't I don't know how this is ever going to make sense um and I think that what looking back what I can see is what was important for me was actually just to say yes when I had that feeling you like you describe it as a charged up feeling um I think for me I used to describe as a sort of floating up feeling like it was this feeling like something like lifting me up and just really trust that and go with it like even if it made no kind of logical sense and I'll give you a kind of specific example that really now I can see kind of changed the course of things for me I saw a day advertised a day's course in forest bathing having never really heard of forest bathing at this point and something in me was just like yes like I I want to go and it was actually for like uh forest school teachers I think it was and I was like I'm not a forest school teacher but I really want to go and learn forest bathing so I signed up and I went on this day and I was I was so scared that I was just going to be kind of completely out my depth and with you know people I didn't kind of connect with at all and I had the most incredible experience I just absolutely I just loved it. I loved just sitting in nature, just, just being with nature. I was like, everybody needs to do this all the time. Um, it's incredible. And you know, I didn't, it wasn't that I was going to go and be a forest school, a forest bathing, you know, practitioner, um, that, that wasn't the course for me, but I just was able just to trust it. Um, So now I can see that that experience of me learning to really sit in nature and seeing how powerful it was for the other people in the group, their connection with nature and what that unlocked for them. Now I can see that that makes sense because in many ways, that's what I'm helping people to do with their careers. But, you know, back then, two years ago, it made absolutely no sense whatsoever. And there's been a lot of things along the path where I've been able just to say yes. And, you know, without any understanding of how that was all going to piece together. And then eventually, you know, at the beginning of this year, suddenly things just kind of clicked into place. And it's really like you said. it happened super quickly. Like it, you know, really quickly within the space of like a few days of thinking about this, I was like, oh, I know what I want to do. I know who I want to do it for. I know what it's called. I know the kinds of things I'm going to teach. Like it just really came together. And, you know, you mentioned, I think it's really important to say this, like it's a, it's a privileged position to be in, to do that kind of exploration. But if you have the means to do that, like, that's what I would say, like, let yourself. be in the stillness as long as you need to and at the same time when you get that yes go all in on that yes like whatever it is if it's the course you know it sounds like you got some of that yes with um the shoemaker college when you were looking i did like oh yeah so really disappointing that that isn't going to work out but you know what can you find that's that's similar to that you know what other organizations are there that are teaching in in similar ways i can I'll actually send you some links some ideas that I have uh after our call you know to similar organizations but just I feel like it's about just really really honoring that yes yeah like
Speaker #1
I'm really gonna follow that yes um what's coming up for you feels very empowering and I think that is part of what you miss is because your thoughts kind of get ahead of you and then you you then you lose this connection, which is what you were saying about being in that stillness and saying yes, only when it feels like a yes, and not questioning it, not trying to analyze it and dissect it, but just move ahead with that. And just allow everything to fall in place. Because we are co creators, we're not doing this in separation. And so trusting that really trusting that it feels right. And I, I want to be able to hold that intention or this this this energy that i feel right now and remind myself about that every time i i do a job search or every time i'm holding a conversation um and trusting that it's all it's all in the timing as well because if i'm meant to be in the stillness longer than what i longer than what my checklist shows me then i'm meant to be And if I'm meant to be in that stillness, then what am I trying to experience? That is, that I have to cultivate as I move forward, as I come out into spring. Is there more that I need to cultivate? I don't know.
Speaker #0
Let's take that question back to you. What is it that you need to experience? in this time?
Speaker #1
This time, I think it's a bit challenging for me to describe it because I really know the kind of work I want to do and the organizations I want to be a part of. Unfortunately, there aren't too many. And I guess this is the whole ecosystem of shifting the way we think, the regeneration of our social systems, our economic systems. They exist. And I want to be part of them rather than starting something by myself because I still feel like I want a mentor I want to be a part of an organization and co-create so that feels very much me and what do I need to experience in order to really get there don't know don't yeah if I have to be honest it's I don't know I think it's just having more confidence yeah and speaking my truth and speaking my about my experience because I've not taken a traditional route. I've had these ways of like interdisciplinary experiences so it looks it's not a traditional way of approaching work. I've approached it in a very non-traditional way as well so a lot of the times when I'm applying for a job or for an opportunity it's like will I be ignored or will I be seen as somebody who is not the traditional profile and so you know, not considered. So not having that confidence in how I present myself.
Speaker #0
I'm going to just point out something that I hear when you're talking about this, which is, I hear a lot of clarity about the kind of work you want to do around systems change. And you said you also, you know the kinds of organisations that you want to do it for. So I feel like there's already quite a lot of focus for you. And then you described that the part that's missing is this confidence and when it comes to kind of presenting yourself and telling a story and how it's going to be received. So it's interesting because the kinds of organizations that are involved in systems change the sort of response that I think you're maybe fearing is I think a response that's rooted in the old model of work and these new organizations like I wonder for example like what would it be like if you just told exactly your story if you talked about exactly what you've been describing to me right this this journey that you've been on because right from the beginning of our conversation, you were able to really clearly articulate like what it takes to what I kind of what I like to call like decorporatize or like, you know, decolonize or detangle ourselves from this old model of work. Like, I feel like any organization that is meaningfully engaged in systems change is going to have so much respect for someone who comes and says, I've taken a year or however long it is, right? to sit with these questions, to really, you know, to really think about what kind of world of work I want to be part of, what really matters to me, like this is now what's clear to me, this is what I really want to pursue, you know, that to me feels like a very empowered position to be in, rather than thinking of like, oh there's this kind of questionable eight-month pause on my CV, right, which is just total corporate, you know. Corporate nonsense, right?
Speaker #1
Yep, it is. It is. And I have to detach from that, from that way of thinking. And you're right. It is telling my story with a sense of inner belief as well. Like, I believe in my story. I believe in the actions that I've taken. And I think I'm coming to see that I actually believe in myself. Because a lot of the times the experiences that... have shaped us sometimes take us away from that belief system just not believing in ourselves because we're so programmed to believe in everything outside of us rather than in us and even coming to the UK has been stepping stone in helping me believe in myself and so it is holding that and just being confident about it and not seeing the work as something that you that you absolutely are beholden to like we almost have the slave mentality just like my god i have to i have to say xyz and even tweak my profile in a certain way because you need to be accepted and
Speaker #0
just taking a step back into something you manipulate yourself into anything other than who you are and where you are yeah yeah and yeah i have i have a homework suggestion for you okay which is when yeah take some time and write how long has it been since you left your your last employment uh me me right right so not that long okay so since since that time i want you to write the most beautiful story about where you are right now the as i said the work that you're doing this internal work that you're doing the incredible questions that have come up from you the discomfort that you've been brave enough to face the shift in perspective that you've had as you've stepped out of that um model of work you know where it's this kind of ceaseless um productivity and work and like you said this beholden kind of relationship like write that story don't write it for anyone else other than yourself and just write it in all its kind of beauty and honesty and vulnerability and you may never do anything with it you may just have that story but I think it will really help you to get the confidence of what is the true story about this pause that you're taking in the career because this like kind of old conditioning voice wants to creep in and tell you that it's you know this this is this kind of inconvenience on your CV that people are not going to respond to very well so you know hi voice we see you And this is the true story, right? So. Write it for yourself. And who knows, you may even find that it's a story that you want to start weaving into conversations that you're having, maybe applications that you're doing. But just start by writing it for yourself.
Speaker #1
I will do that. I have been meaning to do something like this and I just didn't know where to start. But I think this is this is a very good homework almost for me to to write this. And it's important to have that clarity. written down it's almost like the actualization in a physical form you just write it and it's there yeah yeah I will do that thank you wonderful you're so welcome you're so welcome um
Speaker #0
I hope you have a really joyful experience of writing that that story and yeah thank you for joining us on the podcast today yeah thank you so much this was very uh it's very like releasing to be able to
Speaker #1
talk to somebody and really be guided in your thoughts and in your feelings it's we need more of this i hope that today's coaching episode unlocked something for you remember
Speaker #0
you can sign up for your own on-air coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point wherever you are on your regenerative journey Whatever dreams you have of a purpose-led career, together we can get you unstuck and moving forward with clarity and confidence. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

A former aerospace engineer who is drawn to work is systems change, Shweta shares her experience of consciously stepping away from the incessant work culture to reconnect with herself.

We discuss:

The Power of Stillness

How pausing can lead to profound personal insights
Overcoming the discomfort of being "different" in a fast-paced world

Redefining Success

Moving beyond traditional career metrics
Aligning work with personal values and energy

As Shweta contemplates her next steps, we address the fear of limited opportunities and the pressure to conform. I offer guidance on:

Trusting Your Inner Compass
Recognising when an opportunity truly resonates
The importance of saying 'yes' only when it feels right

Embracing Your Unique Path

Valuing non-traditional experiences
Confidently sharing your story with potential employers

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to meaningful, regenerative work often requires us to challenge societal norms and trust our inner wisdom.

For those feeling stuck or questioning their career direction, Shweta's story offers inspiration and practical insights for navigating this transformative process.

Need personalized support in navigating your regenerative career transition? Visit regenerativeworklife.com/discovery to explore how we can work together to bring your vision to life.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help your quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Reframe Your Pause as a Career Power Move

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP6: Embracing the Messy Path to Purpose in Regenerative Work

EP4: The Internal Work of a Regenerative Career Transition

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Today you're going to hear me coaching with Shweta, a former aerospace engineer turned sustainability professional who has upended her life and looking for new challenges in the field of systems change. But first I want to share a short update with you from Julia who I coached with back in episode two.
Speaker #1
I left that session, something shifted. It doesn't normally happen in coaching for me but it resonated really well with me. I kind of took my foot completely off the pedal in terms of business development but interestingly this has happened. I have four inbound new inquiries in the last two weeks. I've made two new sales. I have a new contract, which is pending. My social posts seem to be resonating at a higher level of impressions being made. I've also managed to get an opportunity to speak on local radio. So thank you very much for your work to date. It's just the start. I'm pretty sure of that.
Speaker #0
Are you feeling stuck in your transition into regenerative work? Feel the pull towards a more purpose-led career but don't know what the next right step is? Sign up today for a free 30-minute regenerative coaching session with me. Together we'll reframe your fears, shift your mindset, and identify tangible next steps to get you unstuck and moving forward. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point. Hello, Shrita, and welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. I'm so happy you're here today.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Alyssa. Nice to be here.
Speaker #0
Why don't you start by giving us an idea of what it was that brought you to do this coaching session today?
Speaker #2
First of all, the title itself, Regenerative Coaching. It totally connected me with the path that I am looking towards. which is this inherent principle of life being regenerative and walking away from this concept that we have to work all the time and that our identity is bound so much with work. And what does it even mean to experience a balanced life? And so when I saw the coaching opportunity and I read about your launch, I was like, okay, this is an opportunity that is another way to explore. and experience your own feelings about what is regeneration to your ethos, to your work-life balance. And so that's why I'm here.
Speaker #0
And I love how you express that because I think it's definitely something personal to each of us, how we understand regeneration. And I think it really should be as well. It's not one fixed definition. So where are you on your regenerative work journey?
Speaker #2
Well, let's... If we look at the journey as, you know, you start with the highs of experiencing different aspects of work through different jobs, different titles and different positions. I've experienced that in a certain setting, in a certain environment. And it has still, through that experience, let's say, I've come to a phase of stillness. And it's a conscious choice of... being still and taking a break from the continuous, incessant way of working. And that's where I am. And I'm regenerating in this phase. And literally, like just taking a break and really being with myself and asking myself, who am I and what am I here to do? What are my gifts to the world that I can bring and share with the communities that I'm going to be a part of? And that's where I am, like really asking those questions, sitting with the feelings of being uncomfortable and being different, which we all are. And to really embrace that difference, right? That's the challenge. Because it's so easy to give in to the state of, I want to be like everybody else. We want to be the same. So to be okay with being different. And then looking forward to the next phase, whatever that might be. I still don't know what that is. But I'm hoping I could get some more clarity through the coaching session of what that could be that's aligned with me and my values.
Speaker #0
So what I'm hearing is that you're allowing yourself this period of stillness and this space. And it sounds like you're already doing a lot of the work that I encourage clients to do. Particularly, you mentioned the discomfort, you know, and sitting in that discomfort and sitting. with questions it's you know it's not easy work and I applaud you for doing it I've been there myself um I describe it less as stillness as more as the kind of being lost period um and being consciously lost and and sort of embracing getting lost which is again not something as you say in this kind of this culture of always being on and incessantly working we don't allow ourselves space or stillness or to get lost um does it feel like you mentioned getting clarity on the sort of next steps does it feel like the right time for you start moving out of that stillness? Yes,
Speaker #2
I think the timing, I'm not sure to be honest, it does feel like the right time only because I've kind of checked the milestones of, you know, what I've made this transition, I've come from California, I'm here now in the UK, so there have been steps that I had to take in order to get here and get settled and I've checked all those boxes. and the one box that's pending is what about work like how do i be a part of a system where i feel nourished as i am producing as well um and it's in my nature to to create with a sense of passion with a sense of commitment and so i feel like it's time for me to step back out and participate in that in that culture again uh but this time It's different because I've changed jobs so many times. And usually I've just left one because I'm running away from something. And this is almost the first time that I've deliberately said, I'm not going to run away. I'm going to move towards something. And when you're moving towards something, it almost feels like I don't want to say yes to everything that comes my way. I want to be very conscious of what I... choose to apply to in terms of a job or in terms of networking with somebody and then saying yes to that movement. But it's scary because you don't have so many opportunities. Now you start, that's almost like a funnel and you're filtering more and more and more. So from a standpoint of just pure probability, I'm like, am I going to get that? Am I going to get what I'm really seeking? Will I have to compromise in the end? And it leaves me even with the question of, are we putting too much importance on job and what job brings into our lives? So it almost takes a very spiritual and philosophical set of questions that arises during this time. Yeah,
Speaker #0
I'm really interested by how you described this. And tell me where I'm wrong. What I'm hearing is that there is a fear. that if you filter too much um that at some point those possibilities or those opportunities are going to kind of dry up and and you'll be left with nothing is that am I hearing that correctly yes
Speaker #2
yeah absolutely and
Speaker #0
I also have a sense at the same time that you perhaps that you really want to trust yourself in that filtering and you know I'm hearing that you don't want to just say yes in the way that you might have in the past and you want to be really conscious and aware of what you're choosing and that there's this kind of tension between making those conscious choices and then this this fear that well what if it doesn't materialize yeah yeah it's it's exactly
Speaker #2
that tension you've articulated it correctly yep so shweta how do you know when an opportunity you mentioned something like networking a conversation or an event how do you know when it feels right to you um well my if i have to observe my body it's more in the sense of just the energy that flows through when i'm holding that conversation and it feels so much like i'm i'm getting charged up so if you if you think of a battery for instance i'm not getting drained i'm getting charged up as those conversations are happening. I'm going through an interview process. I don't come out of it feeling exhausted. I come out of it feeling like, oh my God, I really want this job. You know, that doubt isn't there. You're not in a state of, I don't know what this holds, but I might just say yes anyway. You don't have that. You're just like, yes, this is the person I want to work with or partner with or any of that. So it just charges me up. Yeah.
Speaker #0
So what would it be like to give yourself, you've given yourself this period of stillness and of questioning. Is it viable for you to give yourself a period of... only saying yes when something is charging your batteries?
Speaker #2
I think what holds me back there is how long is that period going to be? Because as you might know, it's always the fear of having a gap on your CV or having too much of a gap, right? I mean, I've still made a move. I still have, you know, a lot of steps that I've taken very strategically. to position myself for this career break and when the yes might be too long out there then I'm like how long do I have to wait so I guess it's the uncertainty of not knowing when that yes is coming I most definitely love to wait and say yes but if that's like eight months down the down the road that might be too much I don't know now when you say it might be too much
Speaker #0
In what sense? Because you described someone might look and question this gap on your CV. Totally understand that it's a very rational concern to have. It's also a very corporate way of seeing things, right? That we're supposed to have these kind of perfectly structured CVs that take us in this kind of, you know, incremental growth trajectory. And, you know, you talked about one of the things you wanted to do is kind of step out. of that kind of conventional way of seeing work so I just want to kind of highlight you know when you say well that might be too much too much is it is is it too much for a potential employer or you know is it too much for your nervous system is it too much for your financial reality like can we get kind of specific about what that too much means
Speaker #2
I think it'll be too much for my nervous system I do feel very privileged in having the resources to take the time off. So that is not weighing me down in any way, but it is more about just the nervous system. Yeah, you've got it right. Because what do you do if you're not working in a way that is fulfilling you, where you're generating, where you're creating? And a big aspect of work is also getting to meet different people and have the conversations, problem solving together, creating solutions. And a part of me misses that. I think a big part of me misses that quite a bit because I don't have that environment of interactions anymore. And so if I can't really see myself eight months down, I'm just putting a number out there. I hope it's not that long, but eight months down, I can't stay in that. state of isolation, I would want to continue to create and interact. And I think work is a way to do that.
Speaker #0
And those are really, you know, there's a really natural, you know, nature based kind of urges that you have, you know, to create, to generate, to connect, to be part of community. And, you know, the fact that you said that this is a nervous system kind of concern, I think gives us some real opportunities to go a bit deeper here because those things that you talked about wanting the creation the community you know the interactions there are things that you could potentially get outside of a kind of conventional employed salaried work situation you know just as an example you could maybe do you know volunteering as a way of having those kind of connections and giving yourself more time to you know, to really work with this filter of what is really charging my batteries. Yeah. And the reason that I'm suggesting that as a potential course for us just to consider is that I think that that filter that you described is your guide. You know, that feeling that you talked about of when I'm in a situation or a conversation or a person and it just fills up my energy, you know, and it's all yes for me. I think that is what is going to tell you that you're moving in the right direction. That is what's going to give you the clarity that you're looking for, because honestly, where else is it going to come from? You know, otherwise it's just it's coming from someone else's idea about what your next move should be. Right. Or, you know, my my idea about what it like. The only thing I believe that you can truly trust is how it feels to you. And you articulated it so clearly. You know, you knew immediately when I said, what does it feel like? You knew what it what it felt like. So you're right there connected to that feeling. And I think it would be so powerful to give yourself this opportunity to trust that feeling and see where it takes you.
Speaker #2
Yeah. And I have to I have to fully accept that almost it's I'm in that phase where I'm kind of oscillating between saying yes and staying in that state versus I then step back. And I think the fear of stepping back is because, you know, when you get on LinkedIn. and then you start seeing all your colleagues or you know other members if they're doing things they're posting stuff and then i'm like oh but i'm not doing that stuff and so the peer pressure comes up but you're right it i've also experienced the the downside of saying yes too soon because after a while the job doesn't excite me or i realized that my intuition always said no don't go for that wait and I said, oh no, I need a job, I'm going in. And then I've regretted it and I've come out of a pretty challenging work situation because I continued to ignore my intuition and kept moving ahead. And so I don't want to do that again. I want to, you know, really say yes only if it's a yes. And I did attempt to join Schumacher College for one of their foundation courses and really start networking through that and getting, you know, an amazing educational experience. But unfortunately, they closed. Yeah, and that's been a huge hit to the community. You know, and it's, but so that kind of takes a step back. So again, I'm back in that state of how do I connect? Like you mentioned volunteering. So how would I even approach that? Because I'm, again, new to the land here as well. So I don't have the connections to even start approaching those new ways of community, being in community.
Speaker #0
So in theory, would something like volunteering, if we take a put aside just for one second, the challenge that you mentioned of being, you know, new to new to this country and not having the connections right now, in theory, do you feel like like volunteering of some kind would give you that kind of creativity and connection that you're looking for?
Speaker #2
It depends on what type, I mean, what sector or what space. So the area that really excites me is kind of in the space of systems change and systems transformation where I'm able to you know look at a whole problem for instance and then come up with how those problems are interconnected or and how do you begin to define or identify leverage points and then start taking actions on those leverage points so very much like the Donella Meadows systems view of life and push of Capra and so on so you those are the kind of hubs and communities I want to be a part of, even in terms of volunteering, to actively participate in solving problems. And I don't know how that exists here and how to reach to those communities. I have a few, definitely, that I know of and I'm a part of, but it's not on a day-to-day basis or it's not in a very... what do you say, what's the word, in a very recurring basis. It's more like on and off here and there. They're very scattered.
Speaker #0
So have you, can you tell me about a time in your past when you've moved into a new area, maybe geographically or thematically, where you've had to sort of build things up from scratch? Have you had that experience?
Speaker #2
I have. So I was an aerospace engineer. And then I think seven years into the industry, I decided, okay, I want to change more into conservation and climate. And so that move was, it was not so organized. It just all happened in a span of a few days. So I started taking a degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins. And that was my way of stepping into this new area, this new sector. And. the education and learning new concepts really charged me. So education is something I really appreciate because you learn new things and that's always fulfilling to your nervous system, to your mind, and you come up with more ideas and more ways of understanding different situations. And so I started doing that and I was fortunate enough to reach out to my city. manager in California, this was back then, and she had an opening and I got in. It just happened overnight, literally. that was my big break but I did that firstly just by starting to learn about this new way or new sector and then just you know an accident a synchronous city or whatever you call it right and um I got the job so it was just it was less than a week that I was unemployed or I left a job and I got another job and that was my first non-profit experience and I learned a lot about how non-profits work through that. This situation right now is kind of different because I'm already in the sector, I'm in the space of climate change and sustainability that that's where I am and that's where I'd like to be but it's more that it's a new land and there are so many different organizations, there's so many different jobs and I don't know how to... how to apply or how to approach them and is project management I'll just use the title of project manager is that the same between US and UK or are they different?
Speaker #0
So I think you're saying that it's different this time but I want to challenge you on that because I'm not so sure that it's that different because what I heard from the experience that you shared before is that you made you know a pretty kind of dramatic shift in your career. in a very short space of time, right? And like you said, there was a lot of learning involved, you know, you must have had to, you know, learn and adapt very quickly in that situation to make it a success. And obviously it was a success, you know, you were offered this opportunity within a very short space of time, there was a lot of synchronicity happening. I'm wondering if what is different is not actually, you know, that that was something kind of topical, and this is something sort of geographic or, you know, cultural and... and learning to be in a new country but whether it's something around trusting yourself because what I felt when you were telling me that story of the shift you made in the past like even your whole face lit up when you were kind of telling me about it there was a sort of joy in it of like I don't know I had this feeling of like it just kind of happened and I just kind of went with it and am I right is that yes yeah right and so I'm I I feel like how how can you trust yourself in the same way now how can you kind of get that energy of like i'm gonna just i'm leaping into this because i know i can make these kind of shit how do i trust it's interesting you say that because that's been a big part of my my
Speaker #2
journey of stillness and healing where i am learning again to trust myself and there have and this is the challenge because the in the previous work experience that I've had I literally burnt out like twice and I didn't stop like I just kept going non-stop working all the time to the point where my body was starting to give up and these were like really intense work situations which everybody's work situation is intense and it you kind of have to respect yourself and your your own system and I didn't I just kept giving and not taking the time to receive and so I in the processes and the experiences that occurred I just kind of lost trust in myself as like how am I I'm not able to discern what is healthy versus what is not what is true versus what is what isn't and so I've kind of come back into the space where I'm learning to trust my own intuition and my own guidance like this whole move has been a an act of trust, just following myself. I feel like I'm rebuilding that trust, and I feel like I'm ready to now move into the space again with that sense of trust. It's almost like I'm waiting for the synchronicities to come back in play, so I find the right opportunity to appeal.
Speaker #0
You know, I think there's so many kind of nature analogies that kind of sprung up when you were describing that, you know, it's like you're in this period of hibernation or putting down roots and like all the growth that happens that we don't see externally. And then, you know, I mean, I think buds actually is one of my my favorite, you know, the way that the kind of buds form like right at the beginning of winter and then they just kind of sit there and nothing, nothing seems to be happening until spring and then they just blossom. And, you know, it's and I really. you know, I feel it's interesting as well that you say you're kind of waiting for the synchronicity. I, the words that are coming up for me is like, I feel like the synchronicity is waiting for you. Yeah.
Speaker #2
it feels, it feels good and I want it to be true. And if the synchronicity is waiting for me, let me ask a question then, then what is it that I need to, I need to do? Yeah.
Speaker #0
So I think, I think there's a couple of things. And what I would say is, first of all, I think you need to give yourself permission to be in this. um what I call like the lost stage or you know the stillness stage the questioning stage for as long as you need to be in it and that's a hard ask right but it's a real kind of act of faith you know you talked about your your rebuilding trust you're making major shifts outside of your work you know you've moved across the world you're in a completely new country there's a lot of change going on it's not the kind of change that the sort of logical part of your brain that's like, come on, what's next on the CV wants to see, right? You are really making those shifts and you are doing work, you know, you're not, you know, there's a lot of work happening right now. So I would really encourage you to just try to remind yourself that you are doing the work right now and that that process will take as long as it takes. And there is, you know, there is no rushing in it. And actually, as you said yourself, If you rush it or you push it, there is a real chance that you're going to end up back in a situation that doesn't feel right to you. You know, I'm sure that you could get a job in the next couple of weeks if it was just about getting a job, but it's not. So, you know, that's the first thing. And I would really try to sort of really remind yourself and actively remind your nervous system, like I'm doing the work. I'm right where I need to be. You know, something that you can kind of say to yourself, like when those thoughts come up of like. Like, what about this great big gap that's opening up on my CV? Like, I'm doing the work right now. I'm where I need to be. And then the second thing I would say is, and I'm speaking from my kind of personal experience here of exploring and coming out of, you know, being an entrepreneur for like 13 years. My company was, you know, my whole life. I took the decision to sell that company to my team and move on to. quote unquote the next chapter that is all I knew about it I knew that it was called the next chapter and you know the obvious thing for me to do would be to um I don't know take up board positions or consult for companies something like this and I just had no interest in doing it that was completely clear to me from the beginning but I really didn't know what it was that I wanted to do I knew that I loved coaching I'd kind of been exploring that just for myself but I didn't want to be a life coach and it just for a really long time I just kind of couldn't connect the dots between all of this experience that I had as an entrepreneur and my skills as a coach and then my kind of growing love of this concept of regeneration I just I really couldn't match it and you know and I really just think like I just kind of love nature and I don't I don't know how this is ever going to make sense um and I think that what looking back what I can see is what was important for me was actually just to say yes when I had that feeling you like you describe it as a charged up feeling um I think for me I used to describe as a sort of floating up feeling like it was this feeling like something like lifting me up and just really trust that and go with it like even if it made no kind of logical sense and I'll give you a kind of specific example that really now I can see kind of changed the course of things for me I saw a day advertised a day's course in forest bathing having never really heard of forest bathing at this point and something in me was just like yes like I I want to go and it was actually for like uh forest school teachers I think it was and I was like I'm not a forest school teacher but I really want to go and learn forest bathing so I signed up and I went on this day and I was I was so scared that I was just going to be kind of completely out my depth and with you know people I didn't kind of connect with at all and I had the most incredible experience I just absolutely I just loved it. I loved just sitting in nature, just, just being with nature. I was like, everybody needs to do this all the time. Um, it's incredible. And you know, I didn't, it wasn't that I was going to go and be a forest school, a forest bathing, you know, practitioner, um, that, that wasn't the course for me, but I just was able just to trust it. Um, So now I can see that that experience of me learning to really sit in nature and seeing how powerful it was for the other people in the group, their connection with nature and what that unlocked for them. Now I can see that that makes sense because in many ways, that's what I'm helping people to do with their careers. But, you know, back then, two years ago, it made absolutely no sense whatsoever. And there's been a lot of things along the path where I've been able just to say yes. And, you know, without any understanding of how that was all going to piece together. And then eventually, you know, at the beginning of this year, suddenly things just kind of clicked into place. And it's really like you said. it happened super quickly. Like it, you know, really quickly within the space of like a few days of thinking about this, I was like, oh, I know what I want to do. I know who I want to do it for. I know what it's called. I know the kinds of things I'm going to teach. Like it just really came together. And, you know, you mentioned, I think it's really important to say this, like it's a, it's a privileged position to be in, to do that kind of exploration. But if you have the means to do that, like, that's what I would say, like, let yourself. be in the stillness as long as you need to and at the same time when you get that yes go all in on that yes like whatever it is if it's the course you know it sounds like you got some of that yes with um the shoemaker college when you were looking i did like oh yeah so really disappointing that that isn't going to work out but you know what can you find that's that's similar to that you know what other organizations are there that are teaching in in similar ways i can I'll actually send you some links some ideas that I have uh after our call you know to similar organizations but just I feel like it's about just really really honoring that yes yeah like
Speaker #1
I'm really gonna follow that yes um what's coming up for you feels very empowering and I think that is part of what you miss is because your thoughts kind of get ahead of you and then you you then you lose this connection, which is what you were saying about being in that stillness and saying yes, only when it feels like a yes, and not questioning it, not trying to analyze it and dissect it, but just move ahead with that. And just allow everything to fall in place. Because we are co creators, we're not doing this in separation. And so trusting that really trusting that it feels right. And I, I want to be able to hold that intention or this this this energy that i feel right now and remind myself about that every time i i do a job search or every time i'm holding a conversation um and trusting that it's all it's all in the timing as well because if i'm meant to be in the stillness longer than what i longer than what my checklist shows me then i'm meant to be And if I'm meant to be in that stillness, then what am I trying to experience? That is, that I have to cultivate as I move forward, as I come out into spring. Is there more that I need to cultivate? I don't know.
Speaker #0
Let's take that question back to you. What is it that you need to experience? in this time?
Speaker #1
This time, I think it's a bit challenging for me to describe it because I really know the kind of work I want to do and the organizations I want to be a part of. Unfortunately, there aren't too many. And I guess this is the whole ecosystem of shifting the way we think, the regeneration of our social systems, our economic systems. They exist. And I want to be part of them rather than starting something by myself because I still feel like I want a mentor I want to be a part of an organization and co-create so that feels very much me and what do I need to experience in order to really get there don't know don't yeah if I have to be honest it's I don't know I think it's just having more confidence yeah and speaking my truth and speaking my about my experience because I've not taken a traditional route. I've had these ways of like interdisciplinary experiences so it looks it's not a traditional way of approaching work. I've approached it in a very non-traditional way as well so a lot of the times when I'm applying for a job or for an opportunity it's like will I be ignored or will I be seen as somebody who is not the traditional profile and so you know, not considered. So not having that confidence in how I present myself.
Speaker #0
I'm going to just point out something that I hear when you're talking about this, which is, I hear a lot of clarity about the kind of work you want to do around systems change. And you said you also, you know the kinds of organisations that you want to do it for. So I feel like there's already quite a lot of focus for you. And then you described that the part that's missing is this confidence and when it comes to kind of presenting yourself and telling a story and how it's going to be received. So it's interesting because the kinds of organizations that are involved in systems change the sort of response that I think you're maybe fearing is I think a response that's rooted in the old model of work and these new organizations like I wonder for example like what would it be like if you just told exactly your story if you talked about exactly what you've been describing to me right this this journey that you've been on because right from the beginning of our conversation, you were able to really clearly articulate like what it takes to what I kind of what I like to call like decorporatize or like, you know, decolonize or detangle ourselves from this old model of work. Like, I feel like any organization that is meaningfully engaged in systems change is going to have so much respect for someone who comes and says, I've taken a year or however long it is, right? to sit with these questions, to really, you know, to really think about what kind of world of work I want to be part of, what really matters to me, like this is now what's clear to me, this is what I really want to pursue, you know, that to me feels like a very empowered position to be in, rather than thinking of like, oh there's this kind of questionable eight-month pause on my CV, right, which is just total corporate, you know. Corporate nonsense, right?
Speaker #1
Yep, it is. It is. And I have to detach from that, from that way of thinking. And you're right. It is telling my story with a sense of inner belief as well. Like, I believe in my story. I believe in the actions that I've taken. And I think I'm coming to see that I actually believe in myself. Because a lot of the times the experiences that... have shaped us sometimes take us away from that belief system just not believing in ourselves because we're so programmed to believe in everything outside of us rather than in us and even coming to the UK has been stepping stone in helping me believe in myself and so it is holding that and just being confident about it and not seeing the work as something that you that you absolutely are beholden to like we almost have the slave mentality just like my god i have to i have to say xyz and even tweak my profile in a certain way because you need to be accepted and
Speaker #0
just taking a step back into something you manipulate yourself into anything other than who you are and where you are yeah yeah and yeah i have i have a homework suggestion for you okay which is when yeah take some time and write how long has it been since you left your your last employment uh me me right right so not that long okay so since since that time i want you to write the most beautiful story about where you are right now the as i said the work that you're doing this internal work that you're doing the incredible questions that have come up from you the discomfort that you've been brave enough to face the shift in perspective that you've had as you've stepped out of that um model of work you know where it's this kind of ceaseless um productivity and work and like you said this beholden kind of relationship like write that story don't write it for anyone else other than yourself and just write it in all its kind of beauty and honesty and vulnerability and you may never do anything with it you may just have that story but I think it will really help you to get the confidence of what is the true story about this pause that you're taking in the career because this like kind of old conditioning voice wants to creep in and tell you that it's you know this this is this kind of inconvenience on your CV that people are not going to respond to very well so you know hi voice we see you And this is the true story, right? So. Write it for yourself. And who knows, you may even find that it's a story that you want to start weaving into conversations that you're having, maybe applications that you're doing. But just start by writing it for yourself.
Speaker #1
I will do that. I have been meaning to do something like this and I just didn't know where to start. But I think this is this is a very good homework almost for me to to write this. And it's important to have that clarity. written down it's almost like the actualization in a physical form you just write it and it's there yeah yeah I will do that thank you wonderful you're so welcome you're so welcome um
Speaker #0
I hope you have a really joyful experience of writing that that story and yeah thank you for joining us on the podcast today yeah thank you so much this was very uh it's very like releasing to be able to
Speaker #1
talk to somebody and really be guided in your thoughts and in your feelings it's we need more of this i hope that today's coaching episode unlocked something for you remember
Speaker #0
you can sign up for your own on-air coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point wherever you are on your regenerative journey Whatever dreams you have of a purpose-led career, together we can get you unstuck and moving forward with clarity and confidence. Book your coaching session at regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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