This is my story

Change is often romanticised as something exciting and new, but the reality is that it requires immense courage, especially when it involves leaving behind a long-standing career to venture into the – at least partly - unknown. My journey from banking first to executive search and recruitment and then to coaching was not a sudden leap but a well-considered and well-planned transition that took years of contemplation, study, and the courage to embrace uncertainty.

It is said that it’s easier to give up something old when you are heading for something new, but if you are uncertain about the new, then it may get complicated.

The Growing Discontent

My first job, after summer jobs in a newspaper, publishing company, and banking, was in a large commercial bank. It was fun and multi-faceted until the deep depression of the nineties hit. Then I had my share of firing people and reorganising the work. In a department of more than 100 professionals, it was often stressful. I changed my duties inside the corporation, but it did not help me get motivated.

That was the first time I started to think a career change.

I applied for a couple of positions, and ended up in an Executive Search company, not knowing that an earth the whole concept was about. It sounded interesting though. People in the bank were shocked when I resigned. "Isn’t changing jobs too bold a move?" they asked. I knew it was a risk: leave the  large corporation behind and move to a company with less than 80 people and definitely not so solid finances as in the bank.

For decades, I was immersed in the world of executive search and recruitment first as a partner in a larger recruiting company, and later an entrepreneur in my own company.

However, as time passed, I began to feel a growing sense of discontent. The industry was evolving in ways that didn’t resonate with me anymore. The recruitment game had changed—it had become more transactional, less about understanding people and their potential, and more about numbers, speed, and efficiency.

It’s not that I’m excessively soft or overly idealistic, but my values are deeply rooted in justice, fairness and humanity. 

I was also exhausted as i worked 70 hours a week and had a small child.

The Desire for Change

I found myself longing for something more meaningful, something that aligned with my values and the desire to make a deeper impact on people’s lives. The desire for change lingered in the back of my mind for years. Yes, for years! 

I wanted to move beyond simply placing candidates in positions. I wanted to help individuals truly understand themselves, their goals, and how they could achieve their fullest potential. But the thought of leaving behind a successful career that I had spent years building was, well, to put it as is was, daunting.

I was good at what I did, and there was a certain comfort in that. However, comfort can sometimes be the enemy of growth. I realised that while I was comfortable, I was no longer fulfilled. I wanted to do more than just guide people to open positions; I wanted to guide them toward the right job.

This realisation marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead me to the field of coaching and mentoring. I had acquired a coaching diploma years ago, so I wasn’t exactly starting from scratch, but still, the change required a lot of thinking. I’m fast in my actions, but I’m very, very deliberate and intentional when it comes to big changes in life.

So, before I could make the leap, I needed to prepare myself—both mentally and professionally. I needed to gain the knowledge and skills that would allow me to make a meaningful impact in this new field.

Once again, I had to look outside and make a long-time plan.

My Plan: Philosophy and Solutions-Focused Coaching

I began by getting into action with my long-term interest in philosophy. I applied and was accepted to the University of Helsinki as a full-time, official student. This raised some eyebrows in some people. Not many people know, what philosophy really is: it’s logical, precise and also critical thinking. Not the mumbo-jumbo some people think it is.

I’ve always been intrigued by philosophy, thanks to my interest toward the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome and the Roman legal principles that form the foundation of our modern, Nordic legal system. I believed that combining philosophy with my background in law and classical philology would give me a solid foundation for understanding the world—why people behave as they do and how political systems function as they do.

The study of philosophy allowed me to explore the big questions in life: What is the purpose of our existence? How do we find meaning in our work? How can we lead a fulfilling life? Is the soul immortal? Is there a soul?

As I delved deeper into these philosophical questions, I also began to explore the practical side of helping people—coaching. I was drawn to solutions-focused coaching, a method that resonated with my belief in empowering individuals to find their own answers and solutions. This approach emphasises the strengths and resources people already possess, encouraging them to take actionable steps toward their goals.

I’m currently pursuing formal training in solutions-focused coaching, after completing my studies in philosophy. The past four years have been a time of intense learning and self-discovery. I was building a new skill set, one that would allow me to transition from a recruiter who helped people find jobs to a coach who helps people find themselves.

The Courage to Let Go

As my philosophy studies  progressed, the time had come to make a decision, and it was easy. It was been one of the most challenging moments in my life. The recruitment industry had been my home for so long, and the idea of leaving it behind was terrifying: at least I knew what I was doing even though I might not have always enjoyed it. But I knew that if I wanted to pursue coaching seriously, I needed to let go of the old to make space for the new.

It wasn’t just about changing professions; it was about changing my identity. I had always been “Jaana the recruiter,” and now I had to redefine myself as “Jaana the coach.” This required not only professional courage but also personal courage.

Embracing the New Journey

When I finally made the decision to transition fully into coaching, it was a relief - and nerve-wracking. I was leaving behind the security of a well-established career for something unknown. But with this uncertainty came a renewed sense of purpose. I am no longer just doing a job; I am pursuing a calling.

Coaching allows me to connect with people on a deeper level. It isn’t just about finding the right job fit anymore; it is about helping individuals discover their true potential and live more fulfilling lives. Every client I work with brings a new story, a new challenge, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, I realise that the courage to change did not came to in an over-night. It was built gradually through years of introspection, planning, learning, and experimenting. I would even say it was a hermeneutic process that helped me understand the necessity of change over and over again.

The journey from recruitment to coaching via philosophy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to grow not just as a professional but also as a person.

Change is never easy, especially when it involves letting go of something familiar and stepping into the unknown. But sometimes the greatest rewards come from taking that leap of faith. I’m grateful for the courage that allowed me to change my path and for the new journey that continues to unfold before me.

For anyone considering a similar change, I encourage you to listen to that inner voice that longs for something more. It’s never too late to redefine yourself and pursue a new passion.

The courage to change is within you—sometimes, you just need to take the first step, no matter how small. 

P.S. In the midst of this transformation, I lost 15 kg. Less stress, more fun!