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While it’s easy for us to assume we’ll be doing the same thing all of our lives, it’s very likely not the case. People change careers all the time for all sorts of reasons, and also find new and varied people to orbit their social lives. No matter who you are, you can always bet on the fact that you will one-day experience change in a dramatic manner. It pays to be prepared for this, and know how to sustain those ever-changing tides.

But what about when you want to make a personal and dramatic change in a deliberate manner? Is there a separate set of rules that you can follow here? Well, absolutely. This affords you the opportunity to spend a little more time in preparation, to make sure everything is just right before you begin the next chapter of your life.

Also, be sure to take into account the following advice to help you set up and support yourself in the right manner. This will make the process much easier to handle. Later, you will feel pride in your courage and willingness to grow. For now, however:

Timing

Savings are an integral part of making any change. You simply cannot enact a positive change in your life without having to pay your dues, this time in strictly financial terms. Luckily, changing your life plans can also free you from certain obligations. Let’s say you’re moving closer to a new town for a new job. If you can happily rely on taking the train or subway into work for a few months before you are set up, might you sell your car and wait until later in the year to buy another used model? This can give you the funding you need now in exchange for a reward to look forward to.

Great timing and saving might also come in the form of knowing when to sell these items. For example, selling your house fast might be preferable when you have found the perfect flat to move into that’s drawing interest. It could be that you need to attend your new job by a certain date. It might be that you have a new child on the way, and you need space to accommodate them as soon as possible. This is where strict scheduling can help you and provide you with the backbone to keep everything working in synchronicity.

Security Blanket

Your security blanket will help you keep a solid support structure for when you make large changes. This might actually be in the form of a security blanket at night, but of course that’s not what we mean. It’s good to have people to rely on, be that a partner, relationship, a family member or other person who can help you foot a cost. For example, instead of worrying about moving and taking too many vehicle trips to transfer all of your belongings, you may decide to rely on your father to carry things in his truck.

It might be that you stay at a friend or family members for a week or two while you put everything into motion. It could be asking your new boss or another essential person in the life change aware of your situation, allowing you just a little further time to accommodate your move. After all, a little help from your friends can make all the difference, and give you a little more time to figure things out.

Contractually Obliged

Making a new life decision that changes the roots of your current experience is very exciting. It’s intoxicating, rewarding, and can feel like you’re finally making progress. However, if you enter too excitedly into this new arrangement (whatever it is,) you might neglect to thoroughly check the details. You should always keep contractual ties, or promises in writing to ensure you’re not in for a nasty shock after you have already organized everything.

For example, applying for planning permission before ownership of a property actually transfers to you, and ensuring that your lease is signed before you move are quite obvious considerations, but how about accepting a job before negotiating a salary, considering moving in with someone before their job and salary has been verified for the rent payments, or sometimes even a lack of schedule can throw you off.

Make sure that everything you want to do is confirmed and written down. While this might take away some of the bite of the initial adventure, it can certainly prevent a nasty shock later. Better safe than sorry, as the adage goes.

Compatibility

It might sound patronizing, but you must always consider if this path is truly for you. Take a few weeks to truly reflect during a quiet walk in nature, or while writing your journal entry if this move is something you really could see yourself doing. While adventure is amazing and should absolutely be encouraged, sometimes throwing away the old for an unknown new might not be worth it.

Of course, the only way you will ever know is to go for it, and sometimes that is enough for people. However, having a fairly good idea that you will be compatible for this choice is a good idea, and if you decide to go for it after reflection, that is more than fine too. It’s just that being able to say you deeply thought about and considered your position before you transitioned is something that will give you renewed confidence, even during the times where you feel a little apprehensive and nervous.

Stay Driven

The best way forward is to stay driven. Make a mood board and journal all of your thoughts as you develop them and pursue the life you want. This will give you time to expand your competence, and keep you oriented. When committing to a completely new life change, it may be that you’re back at square one. Just as you might have worked hard in college to qualify yourself, you will now need to renew your sense of effort to see you through. Be sure to have clinical control over your schedule, take challenge, and never be too proud as to deny the small opportunities as they are afforded to you.

With all this in mind, you are sure to make your courageous new pursuit a wonderful reality. Good luck!