In a world where careers are often seen as linear and predictable, the concept of a career transition can be daunting. However, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, where we yearn for something more meaningful or fulfilling, or simply different from our current trajectory.

Kristy Ishii, a respected Career Transition Coach, knows this all too well. We sat down with Kristy and talked about her personal journey, which has taken her through various career steps, shaping her expertise in helping others navigate their own transitions.

It all began when Kristy came to Japan as a teacher on the JET program. Building on her experience, she then became a successful recruiter, honing her understanding of the job market and interpersonal skills. However, life took an unexpected turn when Kristy faced a layoff during the Covid-19 pandemic and decided to move back to the US. Undeterred, she used this setback as an opportunity and founded her own coaching business, leveraging her knowledge and empathy to support others facing similar career challenges. Today, Kristy's dedication and expertise have brought her to a new milestone in her journey, as she currently serves as the program director at VIA Programs.

Throughout her personal and professional journey, Kristy has identified three fundamental phases that she believes are crucial for anyone seeking a fulfilling career change: The Journey of Self-Discovery, Recognizing Your Skills and Abilities, and Harnessing the Power of Storytelling.

Delve into Kristy's transformative voyage, learn from her experiences, and find insights that could guide your own career transition.

This blog article is based on below video interview we conducted with Kristy in May 2023.

Phase 1 - The Journey of Self-Discovery

A successful career shift often begins with a profound journey of self-discovery. You might be surprised by the insights and empowerment this exploration can offer.

When Kristy embarked on her career shift, she didn't anticipate the profound impact self-discovery would have on her journey. After returning to the United States from a 4 year stint in Japan, Kristy started by diving into web designing and working on social media campaigns, some of which were pro bono while others were paid. These experiences reminded her of the skills she possessed and could utilize independently, without the constraints of a company's expectations.

One of the pivotal moments in her self-discovery journey happened unexpectedly. A friend, who had recently started a business, mentioned she needed a website. Kristy, who had some experience creating blogs, offered to build the website. This was her first foray into web design for money, and it opened up a new world of possibilities. She started telling more people about her newfound skill, and soon, she was building websites for others. Her proficiency in networking and connecting with strangers, honed through her recruiter role, proved crucial in expanding her horizons and paving the way for new opportunities.

The key takeaway from Kristy's self-discovery phase is the importance of being open to opportunities and trying new things. She encourages others to think back to what they enjoyed doing in the past, even if it doesn't seem like a professional route. This can help reclaim passion and confidence in one's skills, serving as a stepping stone to trying new things outside of one's comfort zone.

As she puts it:

“No matter which path you choose, you can never really be wrong in your choice. There’s always a way to make things make sense as you tell your story.”

Phase 2 - Recognize Your Skills and Abilities

The second phase of a career transition involves acknowledging and embracing your unique skills and talents. Kristy's story exemplifies this; she was raised in a Japanese American household where humility was highly valued, but she learned to recognize and assert her abilities professionally. This is crucial during job interviews or when discussing job roles. If you're not confident in your abilities, it's unlikely that others will be confident in your capacity to perform a job or collaborate effectively.

Kristy about the importance of recognizing one's strengths

Recognizing her skills and understanding how to use them professionally, has actually started Kristy’s career in coaching. Her shift into this new profession was marked by a gradual realization of her talent for empathetic listening and guiding people through their thoughts. Initially, she offered coaching services to friends and colleagues, but as she recognized her potential in this field, she decided to pursue a coaching certification to further hone her skills and become a successful coach.

Speaking of success, it's essential to define it on your own terms. Everyone has different values and priorities that need to be considered and this can significantly influence job satisfaction and career progression. Keep in mind that values and priorities can change over time so what success looks like today may differ from what it will look like in the future.

Phase 3 - The Power of Storytelling

The final phase of a career transition journey is about the power of storytelling. How we narrate our experiences, especially during significant life transitions, can influence our emotional well-being and future career path. It shapes our self-perception as well as the way others perceive us.

Kristy's experience returning home to the US exemplifies this. Getting laid off and being forced to leave Japan, she initially viewed it as a loss, and held onto that narrative for a long time. However, she realized that this perspective was holding her back.

When she decided to change her narrative, she saw a shift in her confidence and how others perceived her. Instead of focusing on the loss of her job, she began to highlight the business she created for expats in Japan, which was a direct result of her experiences living there.

The stories we tell ourselves and others about our experiences can either weigh us down or propel us forward. It’s important to create a positive inner dialogue that can boost self-confidence and positively influence how others perceive you.

However, be honest when creating your own story and don’t compare your journey with others. Everyone's journey is unique and comparisons can be unfair and unhelpful.

Conclusion

Transitioning careers isn't just about switching jobs, but it's an opportunity for personal growth and self-realization. Kristy’s journey underscores that career shifts, though challenging, can be deeply rewarding when navigated thoughtfully.

Embrace the journey of self-discovery, acknowledge your unique skills and abilities, and learn to narrate your story authentically.

It's essential to remember that this process is as unique as we are. Comparison with others might be tempting, but it is your own journey that matters. As you embark on your career transition, embrace the unpredictability, celebrate small victories, and most importantly, believe in your capacity for change.

As Kristy wisely points out, there are no wrong paths—only experiences that help shape your story.

Let this guide serve as a stepping stone, empowering you to define your career on your terms, and opening up new possibilities for success.