Stop Sabotaging Your Transition to Remote Work
Apr 29, 2025
In this episode, Camille delves into the subtle ways self-sabotage can hinder the pursuit of remote work opportunities. Through the personal journeys of Carol and Thomas (not their real names), she illustrates how those internal voices and perceived limitations can block progress. She emphasizes the importance of reframing these thoughts to unlock your potential and align with your goals. Carol and Thomas reflect 2 conversation Camille had with them during the most recent live Coaching Circle. These sessions are held twice monthly and are an integral part of her online coaching program, Remote Work School.
1. Carol's Journey: From Nursing to Freelance Bookkeeping
Recognizing the Desire for Autonomy:
After a long career in nursing, Carol feels a pull towards work that offers solitude and flexibility. Bookkeeping appeals to her as it would allow her to work independently, set her own hours, and focus on tasks without external pressures.
Confronting Internal Doubts:
Carol struggles with self-doubt stemming from past health challenges. These experiences have led her to question her capability to start a new business, fearing that her health history might impede her performance and deter potential clients.
Reframing Health Challenges as Strengths:
Camille guided Carol to view her health journey not as a liability but as a unique asset. Her firsthand experience with setbacks and recovery positions her to understand and support clients facing similar challenges, making her an empathetic and resilient service provider.
Developing a Unique Value Proposition:
By integrating her health experiences into her professional narrative, Carol could market herself as a bookkeeper who specializes in creating "healthy books" for clients, emphasizing stability and resilience in financial management.
2. Thomas's Experience: Rethinking the Concept of a Career Pivot
Identifying the Pattern of Retreat:
Thomas has noticed and acknowledges a recurring behavior: he initiates steps towards remote work but then withdraws, feeling unprepared or overwhelmed. This cycle of starting and stopping hinders his progress.
Understanding the Impact of the Word 'Pivot':
To Thomas the term “pivot” means a complete and abrupt change from his background in sales to an entirely new field. This perception makes the transition seem daunting and unattainable.
Embracing Incremental Shifts:
Camille encouraged Thomas to consider "small shifts" instead of a full pivot. By identifying aspects of his sales experience he enjoys, such as client interactions and training, he can then explore roles that incorporate these elements, easing the transition.
Redefining Career Trajectory:
By focusing on roles adjacent to his experience, like corporate training, Thomas can leverage his existing skills while gradually moving towards his desired remote work lifestyle, making the change more manageable and less intimidating.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-awareness is crucial: Recognizing patterns of self-sabotage is the first step towards change.
- Reframe challenges as strengths: Personal setbacks can be transformed into unique value propositions in your professional life.
- Language matters: The words we use to describe our career changes can influence our perception and approach.
- Small steps lead to significant change: Gradual shifts can be more effective and less overwhelming than abrupt changes.
- Leverage existing skills: Identifying and utilizing transferable skills can facilitate smoother career transitions.
Conclusion:
Camille's insights underscore the importance of introspection and reframing in overcoming self-imposed barriers. By sharing Carol and Thomas's stories, she illustrates that with the right mindset and approach, transitioning to remote work is not only feasible but can also be a fulfilling journey of personal growth and empowerment.
For more guidance on navigating career transitions and embracing remote work opportunities, visit www.camilleattell.com and explore the resources available, including the free remote work training.
Host Camille Attell is a remote work strategist, career coach, and the host of The Remote Work Retirement Show. After leaving a 20-year corporate career, she transitioned to a flexible, location-independent lifestyle and has since helped thousands of professionals do the same. Through her Remote Work School program, Camille empowers mid-career professionals and retirees to find meaningful remote work opportunities, build financial security, and design a work-life on their own terms.
Take her FREE remote work training:
www.camilleattell.com/remote-training
Learn how to leverage your digital products or service:
www.camilleattell.com/remoteworkschool
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Read more about the RV and Remote Work Lifestyle at https://www.morethanawheelin.com/
