I had coffee last week with Jess, a brilliant marketer working for one of those really cool brands.

“I’m moving on”, she said.

“Another country? Or is it a new division or brand?” I asked. 

“No”, she said. “Something completely different, something I don’t know how to do”.

Very different, I thought. Jess had planned her career from college, quickly promoted through the ranks, stints in Paris, New York, Hong Kong. She eventually landed a job most of us would covet–from an outsider’s view it looked like a plum role, challenging with great rewards and perquisites.

Clearly something happened, I thought. A new boss with a change in the corporate structure… A new reporting line… An M&A which no one knew about… My mind wandered, and thought maybe she was on a 30 day challenge to change her life, try something new to see what sticks.

Jess interrupted my thoughts, “It’s time to move on,” she said, continuing where she’d left off.

Time to move on…

How do we know when that time is? I’ve always wanted to know what gives us the impetus to move? Or in Jess’ case, what made her jump, to do something completely different when she appeared to be perfectly content. Maybe 18 years of contentment was the fillip?

Sometimes we just know when it’s time.

Sometimes we need a big shove.  

Sometimes we’re influenced by internal angst.

Sometimes we’re guided by external forces. 

In my research with women leaders, I uncovered “moments of realisation”, a pivotal event which causes a decision to swerve and change direction. These “moments” can be external or internal, causing one to stop, reflect, and often change tack.

In Jess’ case, two external (and very personal) events collided with a call from an old college friend to help with his family’s firm. Not a cushy job with lots of benefits, but rather a Hong Kong-based family firm on the verge of globalising.

Jess was intrigued, and saw an opportunity to bring 18 years of MNC experience to lead a highly diverse group through a series of acquisitions. A huge transition for her, fraught with challenges and uncertainty, but she’s made the move.

I should add that she isn’t doing this blindly; she has support. A mentor has guided her through this career shift. In my research, every leader asked for advice, whether a family member or informal mentor. There’s tremendous quantitative research demonstrating the benefits of mentoring relationships for leadership and career success. And there is a fascinating research exposing the mentoring pitfalls for women. It’s always helpful to have an objective advisor as a sounding board.

I’ve written before about having an adaptable plan. Jess is the most planned person I know. But life happens. Right when you’re reflecting on your life, someone arrives at the door and in that moment, you’re offered a bold opportunity. Do you see it as bold or bland?

It’s your choice; what will you do?