Rebirthing a New Career: Lynnie’s reinvention story

Lynnie Galloway’s personal story of reinvention is an inspiring call to action for us all. Despite her fear of letting go of a career that’s been familiar to her for over two decades, she’s preparing to transition from midwifery to becoming a career and life coach. We first connected many years ago when Lynnie approached me about training to become a Worklife Solutions Certified Career and Life Coach. But as you’ll read, she embarked on training with another provider, only to find it didn’t meet her needs.

But that’s not the real story. The real story is her vision for her coaching business, The Treasure Chest, and her deep desire to help herself and others give birth to their dreams.

I will let Lynnie tell her story, but one of the things I most love  (as you’ll read below) was the way her ‘mentor’ encouraged her: “Christmas last year, my sister said to me ‘you have been telling me the same thing for about the last 3 years, it is time to do something about it’.

Every great story is drawn from intentions and obstacles. To be the hero’s and heroines of our own stories is what makes life rewarding.

Many of the questions I asked Lynnie are drawn from screenwriting legend Christopher Vogler and his guide to story structure (inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s (and heroine’s) Journey. I’ve put some of the stages in brackets.

Why did you decide to train to be a life coach? Describe your everyday existence work wise (The ordinary world)

My everyday work existence: I work as a hospital based midwife in a medium sized Maternity Unit.   I work 8 hour rostered and rotating shifts and work across the scope of practice as a midwife which includes Antenatal, Delivery Suite and Postnatal.  No two duties are ever the same!!  It is busy!!!

Back in April 2014, during one of my quiet times, I had read this Bible verse that jumped out at me which talked about being ‘led out’ of the place where I was working.  Those verses have stuck with me over the last 3 years.  Hence when I completed your passions booklet and found that none of my desires were related to midwifery now, that confirmed it to me that how much my own desires had changed in the last 3 years.  Going through burnout towards the end of 2014, I realised than again that something had to change in the work situation as I couldn’t carry on as I was.

The burnout issues related very much to-

1.  clash of values eg I love quality time with people but the institution dictates the boxes to be ticked off

2. Unable to get the time off that I needed for holidays

3. The acuity and busyness of the place, I don’t seem to manage that the same as what I did before.  I think it is related to age and stage of life too.

What factors influenced your decision to train with Worklife Solutions/Cassandra? (call to adventure)

I had come across Worklife Solutions (Cassandra) as a training provider back in 2014 but just wasn’t sure at that time.  Decided on another education provider which has provided me with a foundation in coaching but last year realised that I wanted more discussions regarding putting sessions together, evaluating and discussing this with a mentor and someone whom had been walking the talk for a long time.   This was not provided by the previous education provider.  

The above factors influenced me to contact Cassandra again.  I was looking for a different type of training, wanting someone who has such a solid background in coaching and whom could offer more input regarding sessions planning and feedback, starting a business etc.

You initially considered training several years ago? Why did you delay? (Refusal of the call)

Last year I wasn’t in a position to carry on with coaching due to a number of factors.  I did enrol again (with another provider) but as I wasn’t able to get the practical help needed and with the combined work schedule, projects and travel, my time just went!!  Towards the end of the year, coaching kept coming up more and more and I knew I had to do something about it.

Who or what encouraged you to train? (Meeting the mentor)

Initially it was a friend whom suggested I should give coaching a go and it just stuck with me.   I had been looking at a change in career for some time.

What was the pivotal moment, turning point or catalyst to saying ‘yes” now and committing to action i.e. enrolling, paying your fees and locking in a start date (crossing the threshold)

Christmas last year, my sister said to me ‘you have been telling me the same thing for about the last 3 years, it is time to do something about it’.

While looking at other education providers for coaching, I had also downloaded Cassandra’s free booklet on finding your passions (available to people who subscribe to the newsletter here www.cassandragaisford.com).  I worked through the workbook and the light dawned when I realised that none of my passions were in midwifery now.  That was ‘a light bulb moment’ or what I would call ‘a God moment’ as I had had the sense for a few years that I was been led out of midwifery.  I was filled with such a sense of peace about it that I knew it was right to contact Cassandra again.

What challenges did you face? (Tests, allies and enemies)

Even though I have been a midwife for 26 years, it is what I have known.  I have worked in NZ and overseas and in many challenging situations.  Stepping into a new situation and the unknown and training as a coach is both exciting and challenging as I am moving outside of my comfort zones

The final destination lies ahead—what steps are you taking to prepare for successful completion? (Approaching the innermost cave)

• My plan is to move on with the life and career coaching training.  Steps have been made.

• Started a journal – which includes timelines, ideas, and words of encouragement.

• Commenced reading Cassandra’s book on Mid-Life Career Rescue which I am finding helpful

What fears, if any, do you feel you must overcome? (The crisis/supreme ordeal)

Starting a business

Getting on with the coaching itself

Crossing the threshold—describe what you and your life will look like when you return with your treasure:) (Seizing the reward, The Road Back.)

At this stage, it is a bit hard to see this part.  I am sure more of this will come as I proceed through the course and get on with the coaching.

What last tests do you feel you may face? How will you know you are reborn into a new and beautiful form ( The Climax/resurrection)

I am thinking about how I can grow a business and market it!!!  These are foreign concepts at present.

Finally the treasure is yours. Begin with the end in mind – what does this look like, feel like, what can you hear etc – engage of the senses to make your vision/treasure real. (Return with the elixir)

I started to catch a glimpse of this when I realised that my passions had changed and was excited by this.  I look forward to learning and developing as the training unfolds.  I’m sure there will be more to share as time goes on.

What a wonderful sign Lynnie had during her “God moment.” A deep sense of peace is definitely a sign of alignment with spirit energy and being guided toward your purpose. Wonderfully her purpose is tied to a goal which is to help others achieve transformational change.

FOLLOW LYNNIE’S JOURNEY

Read an updated post and learn more about how in her sixties, Lynnie launched her new business and website!

How to rejuvenate your life and change careers in four easy steps

Watch the Vlog and discover how she pulled the plug on her old career during Covid

I pulled the plug on my safe, secure role during COVID

If you’d like to learn more about how you can follow your passion and purpose and create a rewarding career, click here http://www.worklifesolutions.nz/coach-training

Listen to How to Find Your Passion and Purpose

Oh, my gosh! I am so excited that my most popular book, How to Find Your Passion and Purpose is now available as an audiobook. Listen to an excerpt here>>

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