The London Marathon isn’t just about running 26.2 miles. It’s about resilience, dedication, passion, and discipline. In many ways, the journey is very similar to that of a career changer: it requires a huge commitment in exchange for a life-altering achievement. 

If the London Marathon has taught us anything, it’s that people can do whatever they set their minds to – even running in what is estimated to be the largest marathon in the world as of this year. 

What else can we learn from these infamous 26.2 miles that we can use to help us through a marathon in its own right: career change?
 

Lessons from the London Marathon to use during a career change:

1.    Set clear goals 

People don’t just wake up and decide to run a marathon. They create and follow strict training programmes usually working with smaller distances like 5K, 10K and half-marathon races to begin with. 

Similarly, when pursuing a career change, you need a roadmap. Define your goal (ie. your new career), break it into smaller, specific steps (like getting a new qualification) with a timeline. This will help you in the next stage… preparation.

2.    Train and prepare

Like a marathon, career change requires a great deal of planning and preparation. Runners will follow strict diets, training and recovery plans, and prepare themselves months before the race. 

Career changers must also be prepared to put in the effort. Whether it’s committing to networking events, acquiring qualifications, or conducting research into a new industry, you must ensure that you begin your career change as prepared and informed as a marathon runner would be before a race.

3.    Expect challenges 

At some point, every runner expects to hit what is known as “the wall,” usually around the 20-mile mark, where their energy levels dip and they begin to doubt themselves. The only way to conquer the wall is through resilience: pushing past the exhaustion, doubts and fears. 

Career changers must do the same. You should expect setbacks on your journey, but don’t allow them to cheat you out of your career change.  
Now is the moment to dip deep, keep pushing and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Being prepared to face into the challenges will help you to overcome them when the time comes.

4.    Pace yourself 

Both the marathon, and a career change, are commitments that take large amounts of time and energy. 

Burning yourself out trying to keep up with others or rushing into certain parts of the journey will only hold you back in the long run (pun intended). Equally, failing to lean into your strengths when the time is right can limit your potential – both during a marathon and a career change.

Try not to compare your progress with others and don’t give up when things get tough. Having a plan that reflects realistic timeframes and achievable goals will keep you on track for the finish line, be it at 26.6 miles or a new office.

5.    Celebrate and reflect 

Perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to celebrate and reflect on your journey. Both a marathon and a career change require discipline, risk, time and effort. Take a moment to celebrate your successes at various points, whether it’s at your 35K mark or when you hand your notice in, and reflect on where you’ve come from to keep you motivated.

The marathon isn’t won in the first mile, and neither is your career. Each milestone, no matter how small, is progress, and crossing the finish line of either a marathon, or a career change, is a huge achievement and reflection of your personal commitment to yourself. Neither are easy feats, and through careful preparation, commitment and resilience, they are made possible. 

If you're ready to begin your journey, get started today by contacting us to learn more about the opportunity to become an adviser with St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy.