Finding yourself at a crossroads in your career, especially when it involves leaving the family business, can be a daunting and emotionally charged experience.
As women in family businesses, we often feel a sense of obligation or pressure to continue the family legacy, even if it no longer aligns with our personal aspirations and goals. If you’re grappling with the decision to step away from the family business and unsure of your next career move, know that you’re not alone.
Here are some strategies to help you navigate this challenging transition.
- Reflect on Your Why: Before making any decisions, take the time to reflect on your motivations for wanting to leave the family business. What aspects of the business do you find unfulfilling or unsatisfying? What are your personal and professional goals, and how does staying in the family business align (or not align) with those goals? Understanding your why will help you articulate your decision to your family with clarity and conviction.
- Seek Clarity on Your Career Path: If you’re uncertain about what you want to do next in your career, consider exploring different options and pathways. Reflect on your interests, strengths, and values to gain clarity on potential career paths that resonate with you. Take advantage of career assessment tools, informational interviews, and networking opportunities to explore different industries and roles that pique your interest.
- Communicate Openly with Your Family: Communicating your decision to leave the family business can be challenging, but honesty and transparency are essential. Schedule a time to have a candid conversation with your family members about your decision and the reasons behind it. Express your gratitude for the opportunities the family business has provided while explaining your desire to pursue new challenges and opportunities outside of the business. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that your decision may impact the family dynamics but emphasizing that it’s ultimately about pursuing your own path to fulfillment and success.
- Seek Support Outside the Family: It’s natural to seek support and guidance from your family during times of transition, but it’s also essential to seek support outside the family circle. Consider enlisting the help of a career coach, mentor, or trusted advisor who can provide unbiased perspective and guidance as you navigate your career transition. Having an external support system can offer valuable insights and encouragement as you explore new opportunities and make decisions about your future.
- Take Small Steps Toward Exploration: Transitioning out of the family business and into a new career can feel overwhelming, but remember that it’s okay to take small steps toward exploration and discovery. Start by researching industries or roles that interest you, attending networking events or workshops, or even volunteering or taking on freelance projects to gain hands-on experience and test the waters in different areas. Each small step you take will bring you closer to finding clarity and direction in your career journey.
- Embrace the Unknown: It’s natural to feel apprehensive about the uncertainty that comes with leaving the familiarity of the family business and venturing into the unknown. However, try to embrace the uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and discovery. View this transition as a chance to reinvent yourself, explore new passions, and pursue opportunities that align more closely with your values and aspirations. Trust in your ability to adapt and thrive in new environments, knowing that each step you take is a step toward creating a fulfilling and meaningful career path for yourself.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Transitioning out of the family business and navigating a career transition can be emotionally challenging. Be kind to yourself throughout this process and practice self-compassion. Acknowledge any feelings of guilt, doubt, or fear that arise, and remind yourself that it’s okay to prioritize your own happiness and fulfillment. Celebrate your courage and resilience as you take steps toward creating a career and life that truly aligns with who you are and what you value.
Navigating the decision to leave the family business and exploring new career opportunities is a complex and emotionally charged process. By reflecting on your motivations, seeking clarity on your career path, communicating openly with your family, seeking support outside the family circle, taking small steps toward exploration, embracing the unknown, and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.
Remember that your career journey is uniquely yours, and it’s never too late to pursue a path that brings you joy, fulfillment, and success.
