You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. (Brian Tracy)

We’ve all done it – been the new girl (or boy) at some stage. Goodness knows I’ve done it enough throughout my life from moving around with my family as a child and then again throughout my 20s whilst working and travelling around the world. But then what do you do when you’ve been working for the same company for nine years. Now, here I am again; taking on a completely new role.

Far out! Four weeks ago, my working world as I knew it turned upside down. This wasn’t something forced upon me; it was all my own doing. I loved my job in Customer Service, the people and the lifestyle it allowed me to create around shift work. My new Talent Acquisition Co-ordinator secondment was a chance though to try something new for a short time and then eventually return to my “normal” — stepping outside my comfort zone. From those first moments of excitement being told I got the job to the day before starting, mildly freaking out (“What have I done?!”).

That first week was a blur: so many people to meet, names to remember (I have a picture on my desk of who sits where!) — so different to what I had come from. All the while I had to keep telling myself, “It will all be OK.” The advantage was that I knew the company; I know what they are about.

The thing to remember when making such a career change: ask questions, ask questions, ask questions! You won’t know everything to start with but with plenty of questions, you will get there. This is now week four for me and, slowly, I’m getting used to this foreign language that surrounds me. Soon, I hope to be past beginner level!

What I’ve learnt so far from moving out of my comfort zone:

• Customer service and recruitment are fast paced, just in a different way
• An alarm call at 6.00am is far nicer than one at 2.30am
• Never stop asking those questions

Next, to get used to working “normal” hours when my life has been about shift work. And how to keep up an exercise routine when it’s dark by the time I’m home. Also, how to continue with major house renovations when only having weekends off… that’s maybe another topic.

Until then, I’ll leave you with this.

Photo credit: Phil Whitehouse