“You are about to make a big change. Do you really want to do it?”, “Will it not have an impact on your family life?”, “You are not 20 anymore. Are you sure you want to start all over again?”… These are some of the arguments I heard when I had the opportunity to change profession. In fact, almost a year ago, I faced a major dilemma: leave my stability to take on a new challenge. In this case, I had to choose between leaving 15 years’ experience in the Media industry, an excellent school of life, to take my first steps in the Insurance industry. Despite all the reasons that could have dissuaded me, I have opted for a professional reconversion. Not without considering a number of factors…

… The family.

Jacques Chirac once said: “There are more ideas in two heads than in one”. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your family and friends, or even to a professional, before making a decision. In my case, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in Mauritius, I had to work from home for almost four years. As a result, my family, especially my children, got used to my constant presence at home. Going back to working in an office meant that I wouldn’t be there after school, for example. Were my daughters ready for that? Was my husband ready for that? Given that our lives would eventually change, we decided to have a time of “brainstorming”. A time when everyone would have their say on the situation. A time when we would also listen to each other.

… Development Opportunities.

“All growth begins at the end of your comfort zone”, observes the Development Coach Anthony Robbins. And I couldn’t agree more. When I was a child, my parents always told me that I had to work hard to get ahead in life, to grow on every level: professional, personal, family, spiritual… Even if that means getting out of your comfort zone sometimes. As I grew up, I understood the importance of hard work, I understood my parents’ desire to see me evolve. And it was this same desire to grow that contributed to my final choice.

… Discernment.

“Learning to discern is one of the most important things we can do in our lives, and it requires knowledge, awareness and personal reflection,” wrote the author Frédéric Lenoir. And I do agree. But to this quote, I would add the spiritual discernment. Especially as my daily life is inseparable from my Christian life. In fact, at the very moment when I had to make the decision to change jobs (or not), I was on a spiritual journey that was an excellent tool for discernment.

It will soon be a year since I joined the EllGeo Re Team. During this past year, I have continued to grow and evolve in every way. In fact, a few weeks ago, I was given greater professional responsibilities. Because the Insurance industry is dynamic, like many of my peers, I moved from Administrative Assistant to Broker Support. Of course, that means a lot of work. Of course, there have been happier times and more difficult ones. And, of course, I had to learn from my mistakes. But when you dare to move, when you have the courage to embrace the change, a whole new world opens up. Provided, of course, that you take the plunge wisely… So, let’s dare to start… again!