Feeling stuck? Here’s 7 useful tips to give you some traction!

We Equestrians all have one thing in common – our love of horses! We should count ourselves lucky to be able to work with such incredible athletes each and every day. Even more so to call them our friends. Seeing ‘our’ horses succeed can bring indescribable pride, joy and feelings of accomplishment through being one of the many ‘cogs’ in a bigger wheel. Whether caring for horses and ponies at the local riding school or at an Olympic Games, passion and love for the sport gets us out of bed each morning. 

However, as discussed frequently throughout our EquiHaven platform, horses are very much a lifestyle and often require enthusiasts to maintain maximum levels of output work for sustained periods of time. Of course, if hard work is appreciated and rewarded by employers, then staff have the best of both worlds – a profession doing what they love and fair treatment for their efforts. Problems arise however, when employees are given no/little room for progression opportunities and personal growth. Evidently, this leads to lowered levels of self-worth and skillset, leaving many feeling undervalued.    

Drum roll…Are you tired of feeling ‘stuck’ in your job, yearning for more freedom and fulfilment? 

Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of monotony and routine, longing for ways to move up the ladder or find opportunities elsewhere. Fear not, for there is a path to liberation! In this blog, together we will explore strategies and mindset shifts to help you break free from the job rut and embrace a life of purpose and possibility.

See us as the big strong tractor that’s gonna pull you out of that show ground car park… 

IDENTIFY YOUR PASSION AND PURPOSE: To escape the clutches of a job that feels like a prison, start by reflecting on your passions and purpose. Bluntly speaking, does working directly with horses still truly make you happy? Could you promote our sport in other ways? What activities bring you joy? What makes you lose track of time? Explore your interests and identify what truly motivates and excites you.

For me, I love caring for/grooming competition horses and developing younger horses with riding, especially when I can take my time. I also have always loved helping others and this is where EquiHaven compliments beautifully. Once you have clarity on your passions and purpose, you can start aligning your career choices accordingly.

EXPAND YOUR SKILLSSET: Acquiring new skills and knowledge can be a powerful catalyst for change. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and resources to enhance your skillset. Consider skills that identify with your passions in the sport and can open doors to new opportunities. By continuously learning and expanding your knowledge, you increase your marketability and create a more flexible career path that lights you up!

BUILD A STRONG NETWORK: Networking is often underestimated but can be a game-changer when it comes to finding new job opportunities or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. By attending equine events/competitions, it is possible to connect with like-minded professionals and even leverage online platforms to build relationships with people in your field of interest. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and support your journey.

EMBRACE A GROWTH MINDSET: A growth mindset is crucial for breaking free from a stagnant job or striking up important career improving conversations with employers. Believe in your ability to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges – I believe in you! Embrace failures as learning experiences and view setbacks as steppingstones towards progress. By cultivating a growth mindset, you'll be better equipped to seize opportunities and make bold career moves. Remember to keep in mind something very important – “everything happens for a reason!”. Sometimes closed doors just mean that you were trying the wrong door. 

START A SIDE HUSTLE: We have an entire helpful blog about this topic called ‘3 Side Hustles for Eager Equestrians’. If you're not ready to make a complete break from your current job, starting a side hustle can be a fantastic way to explore your passions and test the waters of entrepreneurship. Whether it's show freelancing or launching a small business passion project, a side hustle allows you to explore and spice things up a little while maintaining financial stability. Why not give it a try!

CREATE AN ACTION PLAN: Breaking free from the job rut requires a well-thought-out action plan. Set clear meaningful goals and boundaries and outline the steps necessary to achieve them. Be specific and establish deadlines for each milestone. Break your plan down into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed (this is important whilst balancing the hustle n’ bustle of the yard too!). Remember, taking consistent action is key to gaining momentum and creating real change.

TAKE CALCULATED RISKS: Leaving the safety net of a stable job can be intimidating, but sometimes, taking calculated risks is essential for personal and professional growth. Assess the potential rewards and consequences of your choices, and when the timing feels right, take that leap of faith. This does not have to mean leaving your current job or completely turning your life upside-down. Small ‘tweaks’ here and there through conversations with your employer can revolutionise workplace happiness! Afterall, working with horses can be such a rewarding job and we need as many amazing people as possible like yourselves to show how great our sport is. Trust in your abilities and embrace the unknown, knowing that great things often lie beyond your comfort zone.

Breaking free from the job rut is not an overnight process, but it's an investment in your happiness and personal fulfilment – something that we preach here at EquiHaven! By identifying your passions, expanding your skills, building a network, cultivating a growth mindset, starting a side hustle, creating an action plan, and taking calculated risks, you can pave the way to a career that aligns with your dreams and aspirations. Don’t be scared to play BIG and ask for what you want - you have more to offer than you think! Embrace the growth that awaits you, and never settle for a life that doesn't inspire you. Your journey to a more fulfilling career begins now. We can’t wait to hear how you’ve blossomed!

Keep smiling,

Steven 

Team Equihaven 🐴