24 top tips to making a brave career change

Do you want to escape from unfulfilling work? Are you craving freedom, passion, autonomy? Feeling a need to be more connected to your work and lead a more meaningful life? If so, you’re not alone!

It's been five years since we kicked off our Escape programmes, and in that time thousands of ambitious people have become Escape Alumni. We asked them to share their insights with future Escapees. 

Starting a business:

“Don’t fall in love with your solution too soon. Obsess about the problem and what your customers need. Check the business and lifestyle it gives you is aligned to your own values and lifestyle goals. Make the time however small to work on your idea consistently - find a rhythm to make small progress often.” Stacey

“Rather than focusing on a perfect idea, focus on the skillsets you don’t currently have and would like to develop. You can always pivot later.” Joppe

"Don't take too long thinking about starting - get going with your idea, see if it works, fail fast and move on if needed.” Alexei

“Deep breath, and try and sit with the ideas.” Alex

“Take your time to really, deeply, consider what success looks like to you...and not everyone else.” Michelle

“Embrace it - take your time and try whatever you feel is right at the time. This is a journey and everything you think, feel and learn is OK. Be open and honest with yourself and others - share. It’s okay not to be okay. Enjoy, and always remember what you have started this journey for!” Daniel

Making a career change:

“Take a deep breath and throw yourself headfirst into the process. Be open, be vulnerable and be engaged. It may be overwhelming and even scary at times but you are in good hands and it’s so worth it!” Joseph.

“Don't focus on there being an "outcome" of some sort at the end. Career change won't happen in just 12 weeks, and some of the most useful insights/skills might not become apparent until much later. Above all - embrace a growth mindset!” Paul.

"Remember that it’s not about getting a job, it’s about figuring out what sort of life/job you want and how you can get there.” Alex

“Put in as much time and effort as you can, but don't stress if you're not able to do as much as you'd like - the course is just the start of the journey, and what you learn and the people you meet will be with you forever.” Mark

“Use it as a set of tools for the future. Take action but also use the time to reflect on your whole life and not just your career. Also it’s ok to try something and learn it’s totally NOT what you want! Use the group for support and don’t be afraid to open up, the consequences of doing so will be tough, but worth it.” Jessica

“Dream big and take your time” Joey

“Become the Tribe. Act first, think later. Commit to making changes. Embrace the suck but celebrate the wins, however little.” Dave

Get out of your comfort zone:

“Fear is just a doorway. And on the other side of it is awesomeness you could never have imagined!” Rhiannon

“The more you are prepared to step out of your comfort zone the further you are going to get and the more successful you are going to be!” Viktoria

“The bigger the ambition, the more chance of success!” Joppe

“Don't feel pressured if you feel like others are making more progress than you. Take small steps. Take your time. Trust that transformation is happening.” Joey

“Get comfortable with living in the uncomfortable zone. Also, don't expect perfection early on. Better to get started, even if it's crap... you'll learn from 'doing' and eventually things will start to look great!” Alexei

“Be prepared to put in the work.” Hershil

“You get what you give!” Vicky

Making valuable connections:

“Look around the room at who’s with you there. The person who you might need could be sitting next to you, or they could know the person you need. Learning from others is an incredibly transformational experience and the tribe is there with you!” Margaret

“Make connections, learn from others, they will be your support network for a long time afterwards. The key thing is to build skills that you can use for now and the future, you don’t have to figure it all out now or have the right answer. You might even go through the process more times in the future.” Christina

“The network is so valuable, and the journey really starts at the end of the course.” Natasha

“Hold the silence for each other.” Sarah

If these escape tips have inspired you to make a career change:

• Sign up to get 10 job opportunities, every Monday, that could inspire you to Do Something Different.
• Join the Escape The City Facebook group to make connections with likeminded people.
• Check out an Escape Club membership to take your career in a new direction.