Last month, I said goodbye to my 12-year corporate role in the UK. How to let go of familiar grounds

With a mixture of feelings I said good bye to my colleagues and staff I have worked with for over a decade.

My career in the UK has been instrumental in the person I am today and has been my identity. A strong identity, a 9-5 gal, a hard working individual, strong work ethic, admirable focus + discipline, and always made a success story in everything I got my hands on.

As a creature of habit, letting go of something so deeply ingrained in my identity was/is not easy. My career in the UK began in December 2012, working directly with international students. Over the years, I transitioned into different roles and leadership positions and lastly Information Technology (IT), building and delivering an education and awareness programme that reached thousands of employees globally.

Reflecting on this journey has taught me valuable lessons about navigating major life transitions. This was/is one of my biggest transitions in my life to date.

The past 12 years have been transformative. Serving international students—just like myself years ago—and collaborating with inspiring colleagues have shaped me into the person I am today. Each job role with its own chapter contributed to my growth. The human connections I made were particularly meaningful, demonstrating the power of support and teamwork.

While saying goodbye to a corporate role that defined so much of my routine and identity was challenging, it also provided clarity.

Here are some reflections and advice for anyone facing a similar transition to mine:

1. Embrace the mixed emotions and feelings:

Change can feel bittersweet. It’s okay to grieve the end of a chapter while feeling excited for the possibilities ahead. Allow yourself the space to process these emotions. Welcome them and if you can spend this period of time with people that your heart desires. I personally decided to spend this time in the same location where my parents and my brothers are. without talking much just by being geographically close to them is particularly healing  for me.

2. Celebrate your impact:

Take time to acknowledge what you’ve achieved. During my time at the organisation I worked for, I had the privilege of impacting over 5,000 employees globally through training and awareness programmes. Knowing that my work left a positive mark made the farewell more meaningful.

3. Stay Connected

The relationships you build during your career journey are invaluable. Whether it’s colleagues who became mentors or friends during that past time nurture these connections as you move forward. Stay connected, it is so easy nowadays.

4. Reimagine your identity

Your career or routine might define you for a season, but transitions are an opportunity to rediscover who you are beyond those roles. For me, at this moment in time it’s about sharing my story through blogging, exploring new passions and setting up my so wanted coaching practice.

5. Carry your skills forward

The qualities that made you successful—discipline, resilience, commitment, and creativity—are not tied to a single job or role. They’re tools you carry with you into the next chapter of your life. I have personally gained so much skills and I am carrying them forward as I am moving on.

As I step away from this 12-year journey, I’m reminded of the value of persistence and self-growth. Whether you are:

• pursuing a dream
• changing your career path
• building a career from scratch
• moving out from your long standing corporate role to set up your own business like I did….

Remember that every transition is an opportunity to grow, and with the right support you will be totally fine.

If you need help I would be happy to help you. I am only one e-mail away/phone call away.

Thank you so very much for reading my work.

28th December 2024

Electra Carter