Career change - where are you stuck in the process?

Includes access to a free workbook - 3 new approaches to career change

I know why a lot of people give up on the idea of a career change.

Perhaps you are in a cycle of being ok in your job - feeling jaded - searching online for other jobs that you’re unsure about - updating your CV and sending off a few applications - finding the process too much on top of everything else - giving up and staying in your job.

The process is sticky and exhausting. You might realise that you’d just be swapping one desk/lab/shop/computer/boss for another very similar one. You probably don’t want to put yourself through awkward interviews and ghosting in the employment market. And actually, you’re unsure about what career to pursue.

I want you to write to me. Tell me exactly how things are for you right now: sarah@sarahventurer.com

Where are you stuck in the process?

My coaching work helps people by offering different approaches to career change. Together we look at the bigger picture of how you want to spend your time, what experiences feel meaningful to you, what ideas you have and why you are holding them back.

My aim is to get you away from your desk and back out into the world - meeting new people, going on mini adventures, learning new things, bringing your ideas to life, and reconnecting with your creativity.

I’ve created a new free workbook to get you started: 3 New Approaches to Career Change. It includes my tried and tested tips, plus exercises for you to complete. Press the green button below to request a copy or email: sarah@sarahventurer.com

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In this episode of About The Adventure podcast, Julia tells us about her move from living in a big town to rural life in South Wales, and about her career change from working 12-hour shifts to running a B&B alongside her Smallholding and developing Wordpress websites.

She talks about the challenges of running a B&B, particularly during the Covid pandemic, and tells us why she decided to give that up for a more balanced lifestyle and to do a part-time degree.

“If you see something you really want to do, just do it. At the end of the day you’ve got to try it.”

Julia tells her story with a great positive spirit, which has obviously helped her to get through some really tough times, alongside the accountability network that has supported her in the local community.

Listen to the interview by clicking the button below, or download it here. The episode is also available on About The Adventure podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Nature writing prompt

While I was walking in the woods this week I watched a cluster of insects dancing above young oak leaves. I noticed their long white antennae, took some photos when they were still, and googled what they might be. I discovered they were male green longhorn moths putting on a show for the females of their species.

What have you noticed in nature that has fascinated you?

Write descriptive nature notes about what you observed, how you felt, and what you discovered.

If you’d like to share your writing with me, please email: sarah@sarahventurer.com

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Featured outdoor coaching session

Let’s go for a walk in the woods

While the majority of my outdoor coaching sessions are on Kinder Scout and the Mam Tor Ridge, I think this woodland offers a special experience for meaningful conversations and peaceful contemplation. I have recorded an interview here for my podcast, and visit fairly often for a restful morning.

If you need a gentle place to explore some big changes in your life, let’s walk together here and enjoy a coffee in the woods.

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Coming up….

• On the theme of trees and nature, here’s an interview with landscape photographer Matt Oliver on my other podcast: Wild About Kinder. Matt talks about how he became a photographer, his interest in trees, and why Kinder Scout feels special to him.

• This Friday I’m recording the next career change interview with Jenna Maryniak who trained to become a counsellor alongside her job at Trail Magazine. She will be talking about how she has stayed true to herself through her career changes.

• I’m working on a new podcast series about the Mountain Walks books published by Vertebrate Publishing. My aim is to interview all of the authors, and then I’ll be interviewed at the end to complete the series. I’ve interviewed two of the authors so far.

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I hope you’re enjoying the bank holiday weekend. Drop me a line if you have a question or if you’d like to book a chat about my coaching work.

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How is self-doubt holding you back?

New workbook to support you

Self-doubt can silently lurk in the background of life, slowing down or freezing creativity, and negatively impacting communication. Being curious about where self-doubt comes from and why it has such a strong hold can reveal so much about what’s getting in the way of making changes or progressing with good ideas.

Giving voice to your self-doubts can draw them out from being a silent backdrop to your life. Writing them out on a page allows the space for them to be studied and questioned. We can begin to look at how to practically change how we express ourselves through inner dialogue amd how to build up confidence within.

This is why I’ve created a workbook with questions and exercises to support people in exploring self-doubts, with the aim of challenging and reshaping them.

How is self-doubt holding you back?

This is one of the questions in my free online workbook. If you’d like to receive a copy please email me to request it: sarah@sarahventurer.com with the subject line: Self-doubt workbook

Important note that the questions and exercises may bring up some strong emotional responses, so if you’re interested in a supported approach please mention that in your email.

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Learning the craft of writing with author of 'The Search' - Paul Besley

By listening to this episode of About The Adventure podcast you’ll find out how Paul turned his career around to becoming a published author, which started with writing guidebooks, and later on his memoir - The Search by Vertebrate Publishing.

This interview is about choosing to live happily by dreaming your way there and making new decisions to steer the direction.

Author Paul Besley talks about some of the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including alcoholism, bullying, a severe mountain accident, working in a high-pressure job as a salesman, and living with asbestosis disease. He shares what he has learned along the way and how he manages to find contentment through life’s challenges. Paul imparts his wisdom and advice in ways that feel relatable and attainable.

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My Spring Coaching Scheme is live (March-May)

Inspired by the seasons of nature, this scheme includes monthly walks in Edale, writing prompts and weekly support throughout the three months.

If you’re interested then you can arrange a free video call with me to find out more.

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Recovery after leaving a stressful job

In my work as a career coach I notice patterns. Many people are telling me that they need long recovery periods after years of working in a stressful environment. Although they really want to launch into a new career path of self-employment or setting up a business, they don’t have their full energy resources available.

I believe that recovery from stress and anxiety needs to become part of your new career journey. If you don’t have the energy or confidence to launch into something new or to take a big risk, then I think it’s really important to acknowledge that and break it down into much smaller steps so that you have the space and time to gather yourself back together.

I wrote a blog post about faciliating a sustainable approach to career change. Read it by clicking or tapping the button below.

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Featured outdoor coaching session

Imagine sitting here in the restored ruins of a cabin up on the Kinder Scout plateau, warm brew in hand, enjoying the peace and quiet. I brought a couple up here during a recent coaching session and they really enjoyed experiencing a new area.

I do my best to create valuable and memorable experiences when anyone books an outdoor coaching session with me. I have a few dates left for March and April if you’d like to book. Please email: sarah@sarahventurer.com

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Nature writing prompt

Writing can be a really helpful tool for connecting with your imagination and creativity, taking your mind off other things and relaxing, and discovering more about yourself. Select a prompt below and see where it takes you:

1. Write an imaginitive description about what you might notice in the woods if you were to sit among the trees and wildlife this month.

2. Walk or sit in a local woodland and write about what you notice while being guided by your senses.

3. Write about a memory from a woodland experience in detail.

If you’d like to share your writing, or your experience of doing this excerise, please email: sarah@sarahventurer.com

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Coming up…

Next up on About The Adventure podcast is Julia Hames, a website developer and owner of a small-holding who moved to the countryside in Wales a few years ago. She shares the story about her journey there, including running a B&B for a while, and what she’s working towards next as well her dreams of adventure travel.

What questions are you asking about career change? Email me the questions that you are going over in your mind and I’ll shape some content around exploring them: sarah@sarahventurer.com

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Thanks for reading my newsletter, I really hope it is useful and that you will take part in the opening question and writing prompt. Remember to email me if you’d like to start my workbook exploring self-doubt. All the best and until next time!

What brings you a deep sense of aliveness?

The newsletter that begins with a question

What might happen if you were to explore beyond tasks and activities that are just a means to an end? I believe that this is the key to bringing a deep sense of aliveness into your life.

I’m writing this to you while sat by my bedroom window. Yellow leaves are gently falling against a monochrome backdrop. My view of Kinder Scout is hidden by thick fog that will likely stay all day. As we approach winter, I think this question is even more important:

What brings you a deep sense of aliveness?

Write down a list of a few things, then as a next step write the feelings you associate with each one. Then email me your list: sarah@sarahventurer.com

One that comes to mind for me is listening to the bellows of the stags on Big Moor during the rut. The experience makes me feel alive and connected with waves of awe.

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Can tarot help with making changes in your life?

In my latest podcast episode Jessica Sinclair says tarot is for anyone who is interested in their personal development, open to something a bit different and just wants to learn more about themselves.

This interview is about a meandering career that has led Jessica towards becoming a tarot reader. Her work includes 1:1 readings in person in Sheffield & online, as well as at markets,  festivals, and private events, and workshops teaching people how to read tarot.

As well as sharing her journey and how tarot can help people, Jessica talks about the challenges and fears she has worked through along the way. At the end she does a live tarot reading for me and offers you a question to explore.

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Christmas gift ideas

Mountain Walks Kinder Scout - 15 routes to enjoy on and around Kinder Scout in the Peak District National Park. Email me if you’d like copies to be signed. Save money buying other Mountain Walks products together: Snowdon and Three Yorkshire Peaks.

Digital Gift Voucher for Career Coaching - I can personalise this for you with a name and message. It’s valid for one year from the date of purchase. Choose how much you spend.

Digital Gift Voucher for a Guided Walk on Kinder Scout - Choose between a valley walk, hilltop trails, moorland bog-hopping or sunrise/sunset.

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Featured coaching session

I took this photo during a 4-hour gentle valley walk. We sat next to the River Noe for lunch and a brew. At first it was cloudy but then the sun came out. After we’d eaten, I invited my client to lie back in the sunshine with me. There we rested for some minutes. I believe these moments are equal in importance to movement.

While we walked back to Edale village, she told me she had asked her friends - "What are you not doing that you really want to do?" I thought wow what a powerful question! So I turned it around and asked her. This is what we explored towards the end of the session.

If you would like to book an outdoor or online coaching session with me this year or into next, please get in touch: sarah@sarahventurer.com

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Testimonial from Megan

"Sarah has acted as a life coach for me for just over a year now, and I have found my meetings with her hugely valuable. I had some personal and career goals which I wanted to achieve and I approached Sarah to help me with this. Sarah has a very gentle approach and catching up with her regularly allowed me a space to work through things I was struggling with, think about solutions for problems, and celebrate things I had achieved! Sarah has motivated and encouraged me as I work towards my goal and helped me to stay accountable. I am so pleased to have worked with her. "

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Coming up next…

Winter coaching scheme - I’ll be updating my coaching scheme from autumn to winter very soon, offering both in-person and online versions. 3 spaces available.

About The Adventure Podcast will have a new episode soon featuring an interview with author Kerri Andrews who talks about redundancy, researching and writing books, motherhood in the context of walking and working, and her future plans.

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Thanks for being here today. Since I started writing the fog has cleared a little, more than I thought it would. If you’d like to write back, please do. With warmth and love from the Peak District I’m signing off until next time.

What's your body telling you?

The newsletter that starts with a question

Let’s begin with tuning in - How are you truly feeling right now?
Before you read on, send me a confidential note - sarah@sarahventurer.com

Perhaps your body is….

aching for change
groaning with every movement of doing the same thing again
yet you stiffen at the briefest thought of something different
because you’re not sure it’ll be right for you, or for someone else?

This is ok - to be unsure of what you want or your next move This is where coaching can help you to find out, with gentle curiosity and unpressured space.

You don’t know, and that’s ok. 

This is where we can begin together. Along new pathways, across the moors, sat upon griststone boulders, looking from new perspectives, we wonder about who you are and follow threads to find out what you want, before you make your next move.

You may feel relieved to know that your answers will most likely flow more easily than assumed. Feeling safe and accepted allows you the relaxed space to express yourself. But there’s no rush, we can take our time. I mean it when I say, it takes as long as it takes.

My autumn coaching scheme is available from September. It is inspired by the seasons of nature which we’ll observe each month and use as a guide for change. As the swallows and house martins prepare to migrate next month, we'll consider what you want to leave behind or to put down for a while. Perhaps there are some things you'll want to bring back when the swallows return?

Find out more and book a chat with me.

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Tom Bryan and Sarah Lister - Great British Adventures Podcast

In this edition of my newsletter I’m featuring my own guest interview on the Great British Adventures Podcast hosted and produced by Tom Bryan.

Tom asked me about my journey of personal transformation, growth, and fulfilment. I shared the realities that went on behind the scenes in my city job, the challenges I faced in stepping away from it, and the things that helped me along the way.

The episode is packed with anecdotes from my personal story and reflections on how coaching has helped. Tom even puts me on the spot for some live coaching!

You can watch the episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify. Tom has loads of great in-depth interviews on his show so follow, subscribe, etc!

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Group Walking Events

Saturday 31 August 2024
Guided walk to the highest point in the Peak District

We’ll spend the day up high visiting some of the best viewpoints on Kinder Scout including Grindslow Knoll, on to the highest point on the moorland plateau at 636 metres, and then to the trig point at Kinder Low.

Saturday 28th September 2024
Edale Skyline challenge walk from dawn

Guided challenge walk from the village of Edale with a local guide. We will set off at dawn to watch the sunrise and spend the day up high walking along the Mam Tor Ridge, up Win Hill and along the southern edge of Kinder Scout.

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One of the things that I’ve noticed during my outdoor coaching sessions is the powerful impact of sitting in nature together. It’s when people seem to relax and reveal more about themselves.

We choose our sit spot carefully, lay out our mat seats, perhaps take our boots off, pour hot coffee into mugs from our flasks, and comment on the view that we can see. Sheltered from the wind we feel the warmth of the sun on us. 

I always notice the shift in energy and the appreciation for a rest. We take a little break from coaching questions and get to know each other a little bit, then I begin to bring my questions back in. This is often when clarity begins to show itself.

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What I’m reading: Running Through The Dark by Jen Scotney

“But I ultimately knew that this messy, cluttered path was the one I had to take.”

Over the weekend I started reading this memoir written by my friend Jen Scotney. It’s incredibly moving to read her personal story about grief, her work in prisons, the challenges she has faced in her relationships, and about how she started running in the mountains.

Massive congratulations to Jen for releasing her first book! You can order a special hardback edition or paperback from Vertebrate Publishing.

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How Does YOUR Sense of Adventure Show Up?

Andy Mort invited me on his show The Gentle Rebel to explore my unique sense of adventure and how this has shaped my education and career choices. I really enjoyed our conversation and the opportunity to reflect on some wonderful encounters,

In our conversation, we talk about:

• How to find adventure in the landscapes and environments around us

• My relationship with adventure and times in my life when my adventurous spirit shrunk

• The threads between imagination, daydreaming, and adventure

• Times when I’ve felt lost and how I found myself again

• Why adventure doesn’t need an end goal, destination, or quest attached to it

• The role of safety in a successful adventure

• How to keep the adventure going even when a particular journey ends

Andy’s podcast is fantastic and I feel so grateful to have been invited as a guest. I highly recommend listening to his other episodes.

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Thank you for reading my newsletter. I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer (hopefully it’s not over just yet). I’m interviewing my friend Jessica Sinclair for About The Adventure podcast this week and she has agreed to do a live tarot card reading during our chat about how she helps people to find clarity and inspiration. I’ll look forward to sharing her interview with you in the next edition of my newsletter.

What would make it worth the risk?

The newsletter that begins with a question

It’s very tempting to stick with what you know because making big changes in your life can seem reckless, exposed and insecure. You might find temporary comfort in the familiarity of your environment and the people in it. The pull of short-term safety can be very powerful indeed.

But I’d like to ask you about your long-term wellbeing. What is going on behind the scenes for you?

I sometimes cling to the illusion of safety and comfort in the hope of avoiding conflict, hurting others, and facing the unknown territory of where I might work or live next. I know it can be a very challenging decision to take - to move on from something or someone that feels known. Perhaps this question will support you:

What would make it worth the risk for you?

If you would like to share your response with me, in confidence, then please send me an email: sarah@sarahventurer.com and if you feel that my coaching work would be beneficial to you right now then please ask me about it. Subscribe below to receive more questions like these.

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Ranaa Farooq on About The Adventure Podcast

Are you prepared to sacrifice your life for your job? Ranaa Farooq says that she’s not willing to, despite the guilt and fear of judgement that she has felt about leaving the NHS and medicine in general. 

Ranaa Farooq is an abstract painter and life coach living in Sheffield, who describes the process of painting itself as therapy. In this interview on my podcast she talks about her artistic journey and realisation that there’s more than one way of helping people.

I think that you'll find this interview particularly valuable if you are:

• fearful of changing career because of the sense of responsbility in your current job

• feeling negatively affected by your day-to-day work

• struggling to envisage a way out of where you are currently working

• holding back on what you really want to achieve in your life

• thinking you have to stay in your current line of work because you've worked hard to get there and/or because of the perceived expectations of others

• curious about art as a form of therapy

Click the button below to listen now. This episode is also available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and you can download it here to listen offline.

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Events in Edale, Peak District

Are you feeling isolated, disconnected and lonely? This is your opportunity to meet new people while walking in nature with a local guide.

There are two options for tickets. The first is a donation (suggested £5 or £10) and the second is free. Please select free if you can't afford to pay. You'll just need to pay for parking on the day, or your train fare.

The next date is Thursday 4th July and if the weather is good I’m planning to guide a circular walk from Edale village up to the top of Mam Tor. More dates for summer will be available soon.

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Outdoor group event

Are you feeling disheartened by the process of job searching or looking into a new career path? Here’s an opportunity to explore a new approach through connecting with nature and each other.

I know that changing careers or searching for a new job can be frustrating and lonely. This is why I’m creating an event that brings people together. We will spend time in nature, explore your journey through a new perspective that encourages a sense of adventure, and connect with each other in a safe and confidential space.

Facilitated by Career Coach Sarah Lister, this session will include:

• A guided walk on Kinder Scout in the Peak District

• Coaching questions as writing and conversation prompts that inspire new ideas

• Time to sketch or to write while enjoying peaceful surroundings

• Encouragement to connect with the experience through your senses

We will be a small group of no more than six people. The day will be gentle, curious and playful.

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Summer Coaching Scheme - Inspired by nature

Maybe we'll sit and watch, 
maybe we'll dance, 
maybe we'll touch the softness
of the cotton grass.

In June, the boggy plateau of Kinder Scout comes to life with swaying soft clumps of cotton grass. It can be hypnotic to watch this beautiful sedge bobbing and dancing in the summer breeze. 

Cottongrass on the moor in June

The characteristics of plants, wildlife and mountain weather naturally intertwine with my outdoor career coaching sessions. Sometimes people notice things while we walk or sit in this beautiful landscape, other times I draw their attention to it.

Often with nature there is more than meets the eye. When you start to research, sketch or watch with more curiosity, it becomes fascinating and sometimes surprising. This reflects the experience of coaching and can hugely complement it, especially by adding a sense of tenderness and play.

I’ve been walking and running with the concept of bringing in a coaching scheme inspired by nature and its seasons for quite some time. Here I am, beginning. While it’s new, it feels familiar. I think this is because I feel I’m naturally guided by the seasons and nature around me by living in this environment.

My summer coaching scheme started here in June, with the white cottongrass representing a blank canvas. It begins with dreaming about what you want to move towards, imagining what that will be like, and talking through what's been getting in the way. Nature will guide my questions and your responses while we walk together across the moorland landscape, sit with a brew on a gritstone boulder, and when we pause to notice what is happening around us with curiosity. 

This three-month scheme offers additional support and creative prompts throughout the summer season. If you’d like to have a chat about it, or ask any questions, please send me a message. It doesn’t have to begin in June, just wherever you are.

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Thank you for reading my newsletter. I hope you have a wonderful summer and feel accompanied during times of change.