How to Discover Your Second Act: Career Change, Reinvention & Finding What’s Next | #265

Are you thinking about a career change but have no idea what you want to do next?

Maybe your current career no longer fits the person you are today. Maybe you’ve experienced an “aha moment” that made you question your work, your priorities, or what you want your life to look like. Or maybe you simply know you’re ready for something different.

In this special episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach and career transition coach Shannon Russell shares Chapter 3, “Discovering Your Second Act,” from her book Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. 

Shannon walks you through the process of discovering your next chapter and reminds you that making a midlife career transition does not mean starting over. Your skills, experience, relationships, resilience, and knowledge come with you. 

You’ll learn how to reflect on what is and isn’t working in your current career, identify your strengths and passions, explore second act career ideas, build your network, prepare financially for a career transition, and create a timeline for making your next move. Shannon also shares lessons from her own transition from television producer to entrepreneur and explains how the skills she developed during 16 years in the entertainment industry helped her build successful businesses. 

Whether you’re considering leaving corporate, starting a business, becoming a female entrepreneur, or simply searching for a more flexible career, this episode will help you begin thinking differently about what your next chapter could look like.

Because your first career gave you experience. Your second act career is your opportunity to decide how you want to use it.

If you’re ready for career reinvention, press play and start discovering what your second act could be.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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Transcript

Transcription:

Second Act Success Podcast

Season 1 – How to Discover Your Second Act: Career Change, Reinvention & Finding What’s Next

Episode - #265

Host: Shannon Russell

Transcription (*created by Descript and may not be perfectly accurate)

[00:00:00] Welcome back to the Second Act Success podcast. I'm your host, business coach, and author, Shannon Russell. Speaking of author, did you know that I have a book? My book is called Start Your Second Act, and it is all about how I began my second act, how many of my clients have started, and how you can take those steps to get started as well.

Shannon Russell: And I thought today I would share an entire chapter with you. , I also recorded this audiobook for Start Your Second Act, and I'm taking one of the chapters and I'm gonna share it as an episode here. So this is chapter three of Start Your Second Act, and the chapter is called Discovering Your Second Act. So here you go. This is the audiobook, chapter three for my book, Start Your Second Act.

Enjoy.

Shannon Russell: Chapter three: Discovering your second act. As your career grows, [00:01:00] the list of things that make you happy should not become smaller. It should become bigger. Taylor Swift

Let's face it, embarking on a career change can be intimidating at any age. I have worked with clients in their twenties through their sixties, and

I have worked with clients in their twenties through their sixties, and there is one common thread through all of their experiences: shiny object syndrome Women often obey the ru- Women often obey the rules, stay the course, and follow the path toward what they think success should look like. Yet somehow, life laughs and points that shiny arrow in alder

Yet somehow, life laughs and points that shiny [00:02:00] arrow in all different directions along the way, leaving us wondering, "How did I end up here?" It seems a majority of women daydream about changing their careers, and this number seems to increase each year

However, there are oftentimes barriers holding women back. In my experience, here are the top three reasons women get stalled trying to change careers. Number one, lack of connections in the field they hope to pursue. Number two, lack of education to make the change. Number thr-- Number three, inability to take a pay cut that a career-- Number three, inability to take a pay cut that a career change may require.

I'm gonna read that again. Number three, [00:03:00] inability to take a, inability to take a pay cut that that career change may require

These are all really-- These are all very reasonable reasons to press pause. But how about instead of pausing for good... I'm gonna read that again. These are all very reasonable reasons to press pause. But how about instead of pausing for good, you start making a plan and taking small steps toward your goal?

Taking baby steps when you are s- Taking baby steps when you are starting can often lead to workarounds that can make these barriers seem a lot easier to move. Let me quote the ever so inspiring Michelle Obama When she said there is no limit to what we so sorry[00:04:00] 

Let me quote the ever so inspirational Michelle Obama when she said, "There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish." My friend, she was talking about us. You can discover second act op-- You can discover second act options that will truly fit your lifestyle and what you are looking to do by simply asking yourself a few questions What is not working in your current situation?

How do you feel in the morning before work? Are you showing up in the world the way you want to? In my opinion, women, especially in midlife, tend to have a realization that everything they experienced in their younger years went by so quickly that they never had a chance to ask themselves if they like where they ended up.

I'm gonna read that again.

In my opinion, [00:05:00] women, especially in midlife, tend to have a realization that everything they experienced in their younger years went by so quickly that they never had a chance to ask them- That they never had a chance to ask themselves if they liked where they ended up and how they were spending their days.

Once you start taking the time to... Once you start... My gosh. Once you start taking time to yourself to look inside Once you start taking time to talk to yourself and look inside, you begin to think about where you Once you begin to start taking time to talk to yourself and look inside, you begin to think about where you are right now.

This is when your possibilities start to appear. The negative thoughts and fears start to disappear, and clarity moves to the forefront. It's during this moment of reflection that we realize we are [00:06:00] not the same person we were when we began our careers

It's during this moment of reflection that we realize we are not the same person we were when we began our career journeys. Nothing fits the same as it did in our 20s. It's time to start studying who you are right now. What is important to you? What are your secret dreams? Who do you want-- Who do you want to be

Who do you want to be? It's also okay to discover what you don't want. You may have an epiphany that there are areas in your life that aren't working, and you'll get s-[00:07:00] 

It's also o- It is also okay to discover what you don't want. You may have an epiphany that there are areas in your life that aren't working, and you'll get the idea to fix those. Maybe those areas include your marriage, your health, or your family dynamics. Don't allow these realizations to deter you from doing the deep work of turning inward.

While you are dissecting your goals, you will get that clarity on how to make your life work in the way that you want it to as a whole. It's a beautiful thing.

Your skills will pivot with you

As you think about your pivot, keep in mind that your skills and experience will move to your second act with you. You are embarking on a new venture, not as a brand-new adult entering the workforce for the [00:08:00] first time, but as a professional coming to the table with years of experience and knowledge under your belt.

The accolades you carry will make you even more of an asset as you transition into your new role. Thinking of it this way should give you that boost of confidence to step into that next phase of your career with pride and excitement about what's to come

Have you ever heard the story of the Chinese bamboo Moso plant?

Have you ever heard the story of the Chinese bamboo Moso plant? I'm gonna ask that again 'cause it sounds weird. Have you ever... Have you ever heard the story of the Chinese bamboo Moso plant? This parable is one of persistence and faith. It holds a great deal of meaning for me, and I'm hoping it'll ring true for you too.

The Moso plant is the largest temperate [00:09:00] bamboo on Earth, and it grows very little during its first year in the ground. The story explains that the plant continues to grow but show no visible signs of growth in its second, third, and fourth years. Finally, in its fifth year, a miracle happens when the Chinese bamboo Moso plant grows ninety feet in six weeks.

Now, this may v-

Now, this makes you wonder if the tree just laid dormant for four years before it sprung to life in year five, or if the tree was growing underga-- Or if the tree... Now, this makes you wonder if the tree just laid dormant for four years before it sprung to life in year five, or if the tree was growing underground for those years before finally feeling strong enough to sprout to its full potential.

Clearly, the tree is getting its nourishment and strength in those years [00:10:00] Clearly the tree is getting its nourishment and strength in those early years, and because of that, it was able to grow when it was ready. The moral of this parable is that like the tree, we as individuals take time to grow and learn and build strength over the years in our careers.

We are consuming information and acquiring skills to make us teachers, doctors, managers that we are. I'm gonna read this again. Sorry.

The moral of this parable is that like the tree, we are individuals... Oh, my mom, my mom. Sorry. The moral of this parable is that like the tree, we are individual... So sorry, Mike The moral of this parable is that like the tree, we as individuals take time to grow and learn and build strength over the years in our careers.

We are consuming information and acquiring skills to make us the [00:11:00] teachers, doctors, and managers that we are, until one day we are ready to spring to life and start a new venture. We take everything from our past and enter our second act as new people ready for our new roles. If it hadn't been for those years of experience, challenges faced, and lessons learned, we may never have been able to take on what we are truly meant to be doing

Embrace change and be open to opportunity. If you are considering a second act career move, it's never too late to chase your dreams. It's okay to feel scared, uncertain, or downright terrified. Beneath those feelings lies a reservoir of strength, resilience, and untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.

Brené Brown said it best when she wrote, "When we own our stories, we get to write a bra..." Uh, I'm gonna say it again. [00:12:00] Brené Brown, Brené Brown said it best. I'm so sorry Brene Brown said it best when she wrote, "When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending." Keep in the back of your head that it is perfectly okay to set out on one path and decide it doesn't work for you.

You are allowed to try something new and not like it.

You are, you are allowed to try something new and not like it. Guess what? You can change again. Exploring new things is about discovery. It's important to research options before you can... Sorry, I'm losing, losing focus here.

Guess what? You can change again. Exploring new things is about discovery. It's important to research options before you make a move, but you are still allowed to change your mind. [00:13:00] People quit their nine-to-fives, start businesses, build them up, and sell them. That happens all the time. It's part of change and growth.

Here are some simple strategies to consider as you embark on your career transition

Know yourself. Reflect on your skills, strengths, and passions. Take an assessment to help steer you towards what you'll be amazing at. YouMap, CliftonStrengths, and the Enneagram are all... I'm gonna start this again. I'm so sorry Know yourself Know yourself. Reflect on your skills, strengths, and passions. Take an assessment to help steer you towards what you'll be amazing at.

YouMap, CliftonStrengths, and Enneagram are just some options that can give you extra insight into your strengths and your skills. What makes your heart sing? If you are going to make a career [00:14:00] change, then be clear that it's towards a path that truly reflects you and what you want out of work and your life.

You don't want to make a change and find yourself in the same place you are now, still unhappy and unfulfilled.

Learn, grow, and thrive. Invest in yourself through courses, training, and coaching

Learn, grow, and thrive. Invest in yourself through courses, training, or coaching and

mentorship programs. Ugh, sounding weird, I'm sorry. Learn, grow, and thrive. Invest in yourself through courses, training, or coaching and mentorship programs. Lifelong, lifelong learning, lifelong learning keeps the sparkle in your eye, and it will give you that confidence you need to make your move with certainty.

Network, [00:15:00] network, network. Connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and mentors who will steer you in the right direction. You have a career, or you've had one in the past, so you know people. Networking is all about connecting with people. It's about trusting in relationships you have formed over the years and reconnecting with colleagues.

You never know who can help you get where you want to go a little bit faster.

Get financially fit. Develop a financial plan before you pivot. You may want to save money ahead of time so you can get that financial buffer during your transition You may want to save money ahead of time so that you have a financial buffer during your transition time. Yeah, it's a tongue twister. You may want to save money ahead of time so you have a financial buffer during your transition time.

For [00:16:00] me, I grew up a saver. When I got my first inkling that I wanted to make a change, I began to save a larger portion of my paychecks. I was pregnant at the time, and I had a three-year-old, so we stayed home more often, and we cut expenses by not going out to eat as much. Eating out with a toddler is not always the best anyway, so it worked out for us.

When I was on maternity leave, when I-- When I was on maternity leave

When I, when I was on maternity leave, I knew it was time to figure out my next career path. So I hunkered down with the kids and continued to live frugally while I studied my options[00:17:00] 

It's amazing how much you can save when you prepare for the u-- It's amazing how much you can save when you prepare for the unknown by not eating out as much or going out to happy hour with friends It's amazing how much you can save when you prepare for the unknown by not eating out or g-

It's amazing how much you can save when you prepare for the unknown by not eating out or going to happy hour with friends as much

If you are starting a business, you wanna prepare yourself for a scenario in which you will not be making money for quite some time as you get the business off the ground. Many new business owners put more into growing the business in the first year or two than they [00:18:00] do take home. Maybe you will choose to explore freelance or part-time work to help you get over that hurdle during this transition period.

As I mentioned earlier, I worked an office job, so I was able to earn income while I was figuring out my second act options. Whatever you end up doing, the key is to be honest with yourself and with your bank account Whatever you end up doing, the key is to be honest with yourself and with your bank account.

Put a plan, put a plan in place that puts you in control financially, and you won't regret it

Embrace the adventure. Life is too short for regrets and what-ifs. Embrace the journey, accept the challenge, and trust in yourself. You know yourself better than anyone on the planet, so trust that you know what's best for you. Your gut will not steer you down the wrong path This is the [00:19:00] time to take the reins and make your move toward a new opportunity that will fill you up and bring you joy.

Changing careers, no matter what you choose, allows you to put your pa- Changing careers, no matter what you choose, allows you to use your past skills and experience to plan out your future

Embrace the obstacles and navigate this road towards pers...

Embrace the obstacles and navigate this road toward personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Soar into your next chapter with your experience in tow and the confidence to know that you can make anything happen

What to do when your aha moment hits. What to do when your aha moment hits. Oprah Winfrey... Oprah, [00:20:00] Oprah Winfrey is my go-to for everything inspirational. Growing up, I would spend afternoons watching "The Oprah Winfrey Show." She, mm, grow... Growing up, I would spend afternoons watching "The Oprah Winfrey Show." She has been a mentor of mine for most of my life, yet she doesn't know it.

Oprah may be the only person who could get me to leave my current life and jump back into producing television in a heartbeat. Now, that is one dream that's still on my... Working with her is one dream that is still on my life's to-do list. Oprah coined her definition Oprah coined her definition of an aha moment, and in a video for Merriam-Webster, she read their definition: "A moment of sudden inspiration, insight, recognition, or comprehension."

In a 2017 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, she explained what her definition of this phrase means. You think you've never thought of a, [00:21:00] um... Hold on. I just saw a possible mistake I want to look up

Okay. I'm gonna read it as is for now.

In a 2017 episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show, she explained what her definition of this phrase means. You think you've never Actually, I'm gonna look it up real quick. Sorry for this pause[00:22:00] 

Okay, I'm just gonna leave this date out, so I'm gonna restart this paragraph 'cause I'm not sure if 2017 is correct. I'm gonna have to look that up. In an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, she explained what her definition of this phrase means. You think you've never thought of it that way before, but you can't have an aha unless you already knew it.

So the aha is the remembering of what you already knew, articulated in a way to resonate with your own truth. So the aha isn't somebody teaching you something. The aha is somebody helping you to remember Have you had an aha moment? You may call them light bulb moments, life quakes, or God winks, but these terms mean the same thing.

They refer to that moment when suddenly you see something differently. Maybe you have had these experiences over... [00:23:00] Maybe you have had... Maybe you have had these experiences over the years. I definitely have. Blah.

Maybe you have had these experiences over the years. I definitely have had small aha moments that have made me laugh, and of course, larger ones that have changed everything Earlier in this book, I let you in on one of my life's biggest aha moments, the one when I was pregnant in heels rushing through the New York City subway station.

Remember? Well, well, to give you a little backstory, I was a yes girl from a very young age, always doing what others wanted, always making people happy, always the good girl. When I began working in the real world, I said yes to everything. I worked long hours, made friends with everyone, built up my contacts, and reached the next level and then the next level on the industry ladder as I moved up towards the top I wa-- [00:24:00] I, mm, I was on the so-called right path and was hustling so much that I didn't

I was on the so... I was on the so-called right path and was hustling so much that I didn't know what I actually was working towards anymore. It was that life-defining moment in that dirty subway station that made me realize there was nowhere else for me to climb. My role was exhausting me, and I knew deep down that I didn't want my boss's job.

Snagging that new reality show gig everyone was vying for didn't interest me. I didn't want to meet another celebrity or go to another red carpet pr- I didn't want to meet another celebrity or go to another red carpet premiere. Blah.

I didn't want to meet another celebrity or go to another red carpet premiere or travel for a shoot to work on another[00:25:00] 

Sorry I didn't want to meet another celebrity or go to another red carpet premiere or travel for a shoot to work on another random production. I wanted to be home with my family. Your aha moment may not be a breakdown under the streets of New York City. I really hope not. Your aha moment may be just letting go.

Mm, I'm sorry Your aha moment may not be a breakdown under the streets of New York City. I really hope not. Your aha moment may be getting let go from a job. It may be the birth of a child. It may be a health issue you or a family member is dealing with. It may be a difficult situation in your office. It may be being passed over for that promotion, or it may be an epiphany that comes out of nowhere.

Whatever your moment is, when it hits you, you will know. Whether or not you take heed and listen is entirely up to you [00:26:00] Since this book is in your hands right now, I'm betting you are waiting for your aha moment. Or maybe you've already had it, and you are flipping through these pages to guide you as you prepare to take action on your second act.

Either way, I am glad you are here with me right now reading this, because by the end of this book, you'll be ready to take action, my friend. Gonna read it one more time. Either way, I am glad you are here reading... Ugh, sorry.

Either way, I am glad you are with me right now reading this, because by the end of this book, you'll be ready to take action, my friend

What television taught me about the idea of work

As a little girl growing up in New Jersey, I was raised on TV. You know that saying, all I need to know... [00:27:00] You know that saying, all I really need to know I learned in kindergarten? Well, for me, everything I needed to know, I learned from TV. Pop culture was everything to me, and I wanted to be a part of that world.

To this day, I can still recite every line from The Brady Bunch. My point is that entertainment is in my blood, and it was the path I chose for my career. Now that I'm a bit more removed from the industry, I can see there are so many correlations between TV and changing careers. Let me explain. The hot thing in Hollywood changes every week.

An A-list actor is out after a successful movie, and the press is talking about the next big name. Working in the entertainment industry is the same way. You work on a show or a film, or you get... Working in the entertainment industry is the same way. You work on a show or a film and get so invested in the project for a set period of time, [00:28:00] and then when production wraps, you and the rest of the cast and crew move on to finding your next project.

It's a gig economy. What does this have to do with making a career transition? A career is the work you do to earn a living. So when a person starts to feel as if their work doesn't fit as snugly into their life, they begin to think about what the next move can be. It's as if you're taking... It's as if you take everything you can out of that experience, and then it's time to figure out what's next.

What's that next big thing? Through my experience in the entertainment indus... Through my experience in the entertainment industry, I had to rely on a few character traits to make it through alive. I find myself using these traits now in my second act, and I'll share them with you now

I find myself using these traits now in my second act, and I will share them with you[00:29:00] 

Ambition. Ambition is the first one. It's knowing what you want and working hard to accomplish it. Being ambitious is a characteristic that will come in handy in any field, really. In entertainment, ambition is in everyone, from cast to crew to talent, because s- In entertainment, ambition is in everyone, from cast to crew to talent, because it takes so much grit and hard work to make it in the industry.

The same applies if you decide to give your two weeks' notice and venture into business yourself. To do this, you must have ambition. It's that desire that will drive you to feel confident in giving that notice and... It's that desire that will drive you to feel confident in giving notice and to continue feeling confident as you plan, launch, and grow your business.

Without ambition, you will lack the drive to reach your [00:30:00] goal. If you find yourself wavering in your decision, pump up your ambitious side and get excited for what's to come next. Life, work, and the world itself are far more colorful when you look at them with, "What can I do today?" Okay, gonna read that one more time.

Life, work, and the world itself are far more colorful when you look at them with, "What can I do today?" Mm. Sorry, I'm gonna read it one more time. My hands are hurting from clapping, mic. Life, work, and the world itself are far more colorful when you look at them with a, "What can I do today?" Ugh, my gosh, I'm so sorry.

Life, work, and the world itself are far more colorful when you look at them with a what can I do today attitude, don't you think? If you are rolling your eyes at me saying you have outgrown this kind of perkiness, well, stop right there, my friend. You may need to reconnect with your younger self and tap into the wonder [00:31:00] of what is possible.

This can sound cheesy in most situations, but when it comes to building a second act, a new chapter for yourself, don't you think that you... I'm gonna read this one more time

This can sound cheesy in most situations, but when it comes to building a second act, a new chapter in your life, don't you think you need some childlike hope to create that life you desire? Speaking of childhood, not too long ago, I found a poem I wrote in middle school buried in a box in my parents' basement.

Its title, Ambitions. Clearly, ambition was ingrained in me from a very young age, and I still treasure this personality trait of mine. Here is an, here is an excerpt. Here is an excerpt. Ugh. Here is an excerpt. Here is an excerpt from the words of my 12-year-old self [00:32:00] Ambitions. When you wish and you wish for something to come true, and you hope and you hope that it will happen for you.

That certain little thing, whether it's a goal or a dream, it's always in your heart and your mind as real as it can seem. No matter what people say, you must keep on believing, because once you can believe in that dream of yours, you will keep achieving. The people who-- The person who dreams of something knows she is alive, but the person who goes after her dream knows she will survive.

For those of us who keep wishing for our dreams--

For those of us who keep wishing for our dream in our own way, we know that we will soon be living that dream one very special day. Shannon Russell, circa 1990 Resilience. The next trait, resilience, is a trait I strive for, especially as a business owner. When I look [00:33:00] back at my career in the television industry, I think of all the stressful situations and live events I experienced and all the pressures my colleagues and I were under on any given day.

An actor runs-- An actor running late, the teleprompter goes down minutes before a live show, a studio wanting a script rewritten for the hun- Blah. I'm gonna slow down here.

An actor, an actor running late, the teleprompter going down minutes before a live show, a studio wanting a script rewritten for the hundredth time. In all those scenarios, we had to be resilient. There was no choice. The show had to go on Then I think about the stress that comes with being a business owner.

Everything falls on the owner's shoulders because for solopreneurs, there is no cast, no crew, and no fancy Hollywood studio [00:34:00] team to collaborate with. Business owners take on all of the pressures of running every aspect of the company. Business owners are resilient because we have to be

Business owners, business owners are resilient because we have to be. If we throw up our hands and go home, there is no business. So when the problems arise, payroll is due, or customers have issues, we must be resilient. We have to get the job done or else we are out of a job. We must suck it up and do it all of oursel-- We must suck it up and do it all ourselves for the sake of our companies and our sanity I launched my first business with an I'll figure it out attitude, even though I was completely clueless.

I did figure it out. I gave myself grace to learn. I asked for help when I needed it, and I pushed forward through the challenges, the [00:35:00] tears, and the... And I pushed forward... And I pushed forward through I gave myself grace to learn, I asked for help when I needed it, and I pushed forward through the challenges, the tears, and the moments when I wanted to just give up and run back to a familiar TV gig.

I didn't give up, and every day that I didn't led me one step closer to building a successful business that was all mine.

I remember a time when I had an employee call out an hour before a huge event. It was at that time I-- It was at the same time I was in line

It was at the same time I was in line for school pickup. My team was small at the time, so I was the... Sorry

My team was small at the time, so I was the backup. In a split minute... [00:36:00] In a split m- in a split moment decision, I cut ahead in the line, got my son, and took him with me to the event. Was it ideal? No. Did it all work out because I pivoted on the spot? Yes. In fact, the client was so touched that my son came and tried to help me with the event that it sparked a partnership that has gone on until today.

Resilience pays off as long as you are strong enough to believe in yourself

However, once I left the entertainment ind- However, once I left the entertainment industry, I had work to do on myself to allow me to see what I could become outside of my original career. I worked my whole life to achieve the title... However, once I left the entertainment industry, I had work to do on myself to allow me to see what I could become outside of my original career.

I worked my whole life to achieve the [00:37:00] I worked my whole life to achieve the title of television producer. So who was I if I wasn't one? It was all I knew. Would I be losing myself in the process of changing careers? As I began to plan for my second act, I had to learn the lesson of choosing one path and sticking with...

Sorry As I began, as I began to plan for my second act, I had to unlearn the lesson of choosing one path and sticking with it until retirement. Let-- Life doesn't have to work that way. Our identity is not tied to our career. Our career titles are not tied to who we are as people. We are more than that, and I learned over time, and even more now, that through my career coaching work...

We are more than that. I learned over time, and even more now, through my career- I learned over time, [00:38:00] I learned over time and even more now through my career coaching work with cl- uh, sorry.

I learned over time, and even more now through my career coaching work with clients, that we take our experience, accolades, and skills with us from one role to another. We can change careers and take on new ventures when it comes to our work, and when we do, we are still the same resilient person

Communication. Communication is another key trait that I needed in television that I also use as an entrepreneur, coach, speaker, podcast host, and author. Being a people person is another element of what TV taught me that I can bring to other elements of my career. Being a people person gets you far in Hollywood because it's an industry that is all about who you [00:39:00] know.

It's a gig economy where everyone from actors to crew work on a freelance basis, going from one project to the next. You have to get to know people and put your best foot forward because that is how you will ultimately get your next job. If someone likes you, then they'll hire you. In the entertainment industry, there are long hours, and no one wants to be working on a set with someone who annoys the hell out of them for twenty-four hours.

This is where being a people person serves you well. In the real world, being a good communicator and people person will help you network, land interviews, and get the job you want. The hiring manager will want you on their team because of your personality and how you sell yourself and your skills. It comes down to communication.

Once you are working in a role as

Once you are working in a role as a people person, you will most likely get along well with your teammates, clients, and customers. [00:40:00] If you are running a business, your communication will not only help you operate that business, but it will allow you to be a better marketer online and in person when you are promoting your business to others

What does your career- What does your career story tell you? Do you remember those paper TV guides back in the day that families would use to plan what they would watch on... Ugh, I'm gonna read that again after a sip of tea

Okay.

Do you rem- Do you remember those paper TV guides back in the day that families would use to plan what they would watch on television? If you don't, don't worry, you didn't miss much, especially now that we can see anything we want streaming at any given moment by pressing a button. These... Uh,[00:41:00] 

These guides showed us what our options were. These guides showed us what our options were to plan our TV time. They helped viewers plan a story of what they wanted to watch for the day or week ahead. It guided them when it came to their family entertainment. When the paper guides went away, the TV Guide Network was created, and it aired on TV...

When the paper guides went away, the TV Guide Network was created, and it aired TV shows with a scrolling guide on the screen to tell viewers what was on all of the channels. Very silly idea if you ask me, but I actually worked there producing shows for a few years and met my husband there, so I hold a special place in my heart for all things TV Guide.

I'm gonna read that last one again. Very silly idea if you ask me, but I actually worked there producing shows for a few years, and I met my husband there, so I hold a [00:42:00] special place in my heart for all things TV Guide In the television industry, we use formats to outline... In the television industry, we use formats to outline what a show will look like from start to finish.

A format is organized, scheduled, and available to the cast and crew so that everyone is on the same page. It is worked on ahead of time by producers so that each shoot day moves along in a timely manner. It's similar to how we plan out our work days. Yet in the real world, mm

It's similar to how we plan our workdays. Yet in the real world, you are in charge. You plan your day, you plan your future. Think about it. You have to be organized if you want to accomplish everything on your schedule for the day. You have to be organized to move forward in your career to achieve that desired level of success.

Let's think about this as if [00:43:00] you were working on a television show based on the story of your life. If the story is about making a career shift, then you would want to start with a format just like in TV. Format-- I'm gonna start again. Format your career story. Here's how to start

Let's format your career s- Format your career story. Here's how to start. Number one, make a plan, but keep it to yourself until it's ready to share with others. A producer never shares the format with the crew until it's ready. Sometimes when you are thinking about a second act of any kind, and you share it with family or friends, it all goes to hell if those people aren't supportive.

I have seen clients ask a partner for permission or ask a friend for an opinion, and when they don't get the overwhelming show of support that they were hoping for, their confidence [00:44:00] tanks and their plan falls apart. My advice, my advice is to keep your plan close to your chest until you are ready to go.

Number two, be organized as you build out each step of your plan or format, if you will Find a way to keep track of your research, including websites, job postings, contacts, business ideas, whatever you are learning about

Find a way to keep-- Be organized... Number two, be organized as you build out each step of your plan or format, if you will. Find a way to keep track of your research, including websites, job postings, contacts, business ideas, whatever you are learning about in this poten... Whatever you are learning about in this potential second e-- Whatever you are [00:45:00] learning about Whatever you, whatever you are learning about this potential second act.

Sorry, it doesn't sound right. Find a way to keep track of your research, including websites, job postings, contacts, business ideas, whatever you are learning about this potential second act

Having your ideas and information documented in a detailed way will help you keep track of the options you have in front of you. Number three, set a schedule for how you can turn your idea into a real-- Set a schedule... Number th-- Sorry. Set a sched-- Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. Number three, set a schedule for how you can turn your idea into reality.

Choose a date and re... Choose a date and reverse engineer the calendar so that you can accomplish what you need to between now and that date. [00:46:00] You are putting this in a format... You are putting this in your format so that you can refer to it often. It will help you keep... It will help keep you on track. No career change or television show will get made without a thorough, detailed schedule.

Remember, my friend, you are the producer of your life. This is Remember, my friend, you are the producer of your life. This is the format or plan that you can put in place now to get you started on your second act journey. Don't you-- Don't you wanna see what you can produce when... Don't you wanna see what you can produce when you are in charge?

Just like in television, if you don't like how this stage in your life is going, you hold the power to yell, "Cut," and start again. Life is like a camera. It will keep recording the same thing until you press [00:47:00] stop. Take a moment today to look through that lens and, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm Life is like a camera. It will keep recording the same thing until you press the stop button.

Take a moment today to look through that lens that... Take a moment today to look through the lens that is your career and your life and decide if you like what you see. If you don't, then it's time to read on. Let's produce your best life together. Reflection time. Key points to remember. Strategies to consider as you embark on your career transition: know yourself, learn, grow, and thrive, network, network, network, get financially fit, embrace the adventure.

An aha moment, an aha moment may be a sign that something new is on the horizon for you. Reflecting on your career experience [00:48:00] and crafting it into a story helps to paint a picture of where you began and where you are now Questions to ask yourself. What is an aha moment that you remember? How did it affect you?

I'm gonna say that again. What is an aha moment that you remember? How did it affect you? What would you want to be doing for work tomorrow if you could do anything? What are three things stopping you from taking action towards the What are three things stopping you from taking action toward this goal?

Action items. Let's play pretend. I am your fairy godmother, and I hold the power to wave my magic wand and grant you your ultimate career wish. Answer the questions below considering how your career is now and where you want to be one year from now Currently, on a scale from one through [00:49:00] ten, ten being the highest, how do you feel about your career at the moment?

What made you pick this number? What can you do to hold or improve this number? Are you financially secure in your current career? Do you have job security in your current career? Are you happy with your daily tasks in your current career? If you plan to make a change, do you feel prepared? In the year ahead.

In the next year, what is your goal for how you want to feel in your second act? What is your financial goal What is your financial goal for the next year? What are your personal goals for the next year?

Shannon Russell: All right, I hope you enjoyed that little sneak peek to my book, Start Your Second Act. , That was chapter three. There are 16 chapters in the book. The book is [00:50:00] available in hardcover, paperback, and audiobook. You can head over to startyoursecondact.com or grab the link right in the show notes below.

It will connect you to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, anywhere you get your books.

And if you've read the book, I would love to have a review or just hear from you. I'd love to know what you learned, how it affected you. Did you share it with someone? Did it give you the steps you needed to take those next steps forward? I would love to connect, so please reach out to me.

 Leave a review on Amazon or reach out to me on Instagram. I'm @secondactsuccess. Again, my name is Shannon Russell, and I thank you for being here and for listening to this episode of the Second Act Success podcast. I'll catch you on the next one.

Speaker 2: Thank you for joining me for another episode of the Second Act Success podcast. If this episode has you thinking about starting a business or growing the one that you already have, I offer free Second [00:51:00] Act strategy calls. This is where we map out what makes sense for your business and your life. You can book yours now at secondactsuccess.co/strategy or grab the link in the show notes below.

As always, thank you for being here. Until next time, I'm your host, Shannon Russell, wishing you the best day ahead as you plan your second act. I'll see you on the next episode.