19 Years, One Leap, and a Year of Bravery: Embracing Support and Unlocking Confidence
After 19 years with one company, I made a decision that felt both exhilarating and terrifying—I stepped into a completely new chapter of my career. For nearly two decades, I had grown, learned, and thrived in my role, but a quiet voice kept nudging me: “There’s more you can do. There’s more you can be.”
Making a career pivot after so long requires more than skill—it requires bravery, confidence, and the willingness to embrace the support of those who genuinely have your back. Drowning out the negative voices and hearing the positive becomes far easier when you surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Leaving a company after 19 years might feel like leaving safety behind, and in many ways, it is. But I chose to see it as an opportunity to redefine my path. Career pivots are not signs of failure—they’re signs of growth.
For me, the transition wasn’t instant; it was a process of reflection, planning, and quiet courage. I realised that staying comfortable would have been easier—but it wouldn’t have allowed me to explore my potential, to challenge myself, or to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Bravery Is a Muscle You Build
Stepping into the unknown forces you to face fear head-on. Bravery doesn’t mean feeling fearless; it means taking action despite fear. My first year in this new chapter of my career has been full of challenges—new systems, new teams, new ways of thinking. Each hurdle has strengthened my courage and taught me to trust myself more deeply.
Small steps became my secret weapon: asking questions, seeking mentorship, learning from missteps—and embracing the support of those around me. Knowing that others are rooting for you gives you a foundation to stand on, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
Drowning Out the Negative, Hearing the Positive
When you make big changes, criticism and doubt can be loud. Friends may question your decisions, colleagues may doubt your abilities, and your own inner critic can roar. I had to consciously drown out the negative voices and focus on the positive: encouragement from mentors, the excitement of new opportunities, and the unwavering support of people who truly have my back.
Hearing the voices of those who believe in you can be transformative. Their support reminds you that you’re not alone, that your journey is valid, and that you are capable of more than you imagined.
Unlocking Confidence
Confidence doesn’t arrive fully formed; it’s built step by step, decision by decision. I discovered that I could unlock it by:
• Reflecting on my 20 years of achievements, skills, and experience.
• Embracing learning opportunities in my new role. Be curious! Being the new girl was a role I had not experienced for a long time !
• Acting despite uncertainty and trusting that mistakes are part of growth. Be kind to yourself
• Leaning on the support of colleagues, friends, and mentors who truly had my back.
Every small success reinforced my belief: I can do this. I am capable. And slowly, the confidence that once felt elusive became my daily companion.
Everyone Has the Ability to Shine
Today, one year into this new chapter, I see the truth clearly: we all have the ability to shine. The key is to believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and courageously take the steps that move you forward—while embracing the support of those who genuinely believe in you.
Leaving a company after 19 years wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It reminded me that life is too short to stay in one place out of fear. Your potential is waiting, your spark is waiting—and it’s never too late to let it shine.
If you’re standing at a crossroads in your career, unsure if you have the courage to take the leap, remember this: the most powerful transformation begins when you choose action over comfort, positivity over doubt, belief over fear, and the support of those who have your back. You don’t have to do it alone—and with that support, you can shine brilliantly.
Karen Hosking, WUN Advovcate.
WUN can support you to shine in numerous ways & help you with career choices too.