Making a career change can feel daunting, especially when balancing personal and professional goals. But sometimes, the right opportunity comes along that perfectly aligns with what you need – both in your career and in life. For our temporary staff member Liv, this was the turning point that reshaped her career and work-life balance.
More Than Just Skills – Finding the Right Fit
Liv’s journey is a great example of how the right fit can make all the difference. It wasn’t just about her skills; it was about recognising what she truly needed from a role – one that aligned with her values and avoided the stress she had faced in previous environments.
For many of us, the path to success is a winding road filled with choices that are sometimes about being in the right place at the right time and sometimes about being proactive. We hope that by sharing the journey of Liv, a talented individual who took a leap of faith, you’ll see that finding your ideal role is possible. Whether you’re looking to make a career leap or simply align your work with what matters most to you, it can be done.
A Crossroads – Returning to Work After a Career Break
Five years ago, I had the pleasure of connecting with Liv as she was considering returning to work after taking a career break. Having built a successful career as an office manager, Liv faced a challenging decision: return to the pressures of a full-time leadership role in an environment she was familiar with, or step into something else that allowed her a more structured working week with no overtime expectations. She felt the tug of her established career path but also the desire to embrace a new chapter in her life.
Taking a Chance on Something New
As Liv explored her options for returning to work, she found herself facing a difficult reality. The permanent roles available to her either came with the same high-pressure demands she had experienced before or required taking a significant step backwards in her career. Neither option felt quite right—she didn’t want to sacrifice career progression, but she also knew she needed a role that aligned better with her priorities.
Uncertain about her next move, she began considering temporary roles. That’s when she came across an opportunity advertised by Recruitment Central—a short-term assignment that seemed like a potential stepping stone. Initially, she wasn’t sure if taking a temporary contract was the right decision. Would it derail her career? Would it provide the stability she needed? The uncertainty made her hesitant, but she decided to apply and see where it might lead.
After connecting with Recruitment Central, Liv had conversations that helped her see temporary work in a new light. Rather than a step backwards, it could be an opportunity to gain fresh experience, make valuable connections, and find the right long-term fit without feeling locked into a role that wasn’t ideal. With this perspective, she took a leap of faith and accepted the temporary position.
What began as a six-week assignment quickly turned into something more. As the project evolved and required additional support, Liv’s contract was extended multiple times. She found herself not only in a role that suited her skills but also in an environment that allowed her to grow without the stress she had once faced. This decision—one that had initially seemed uncertain—became the turning point that reshaped her career.
Building Success Within a Team
During this time, Liv became part of a talented group that the company named the “Fabulous Five” (three of whom are still employed in the same company, each having achieved their own success). They worked exceptionally well together, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Although her role was not one of formal leadership, Liv’s positive attitude and collaborative spirit contributed significantly to the team dynamic and overall success of the project.
Seizing New Opportunities for Growth
Following her achievements in the temporary role, Liv applied internally for the position of Executive Assistant to the CEO. This transition was not just a step up but also an opportunity for Liv to utilise her extensive experience in a more strategic capacity. She excelled in this role, demonstrating not only her organisational skills but also her ability to navigate complex challenges and contribute to high-level decision-making. Her growth mindset allowed her to adapt quickly, and she embraced every opportunity to learn and develop.
About a year ago, Liv took on another challenge when she accepted the role of Manager, Corporate Governance and Policy in a temporary capacity while the previous manager was on maternity leave. This was yet another opportunity for her to showcase her capabilities. When the position was advertised permanently, Liv’s dedication and hard work paid off as she was awarded the role, affirming her value within the organisation.
A Career Leap That Paid Off
It has now been five years since Liv first stepped into the world of temporary contracting, a decision that set her on a path of unexpected growth and opportunity. In that time, she has navigated multiple career advancements, proving her ability to adapt and excel in new roles.
At the same time, Liv has balanced the demands of her evolving career with her growing family, welcoming another baby along the way. Managing both professional and personal responsibilities is never easy, but she has shown that with the right role and support, it’s possible to build a career that works in harmony with family life.
Her ability to juggle these commitments while continuing to progress professionally speaks volumes about her resilience, time management, and dedication. Rather than having to choose between career success and family, Liv has found a way to achieve both—demonstrating that when the right opportunity aligns with personal priorities, a fulfilling work-life balance is possible.
Your Career Leap Starts Here
Liv’s story proves that taking the right opportunity—whether a temporary role, a lateral move, or a complete career shift—can create a rewarding balance between personal fulfilment and professional success. The key is recognising what truly matters to you in a role. Is it flexibility? A sense of purpose? Career growth? Sometimes, the best opportunities don’t look like what you initially expected, but they can lead to incredible outcomes when approached with an open mind.
A career leap doesn’t have to mean starting over—it can be about making strategic moves that align with your values, strengths, and lifestyle. Liv’s success was not just about finding a job; it was about stepping into roles that suited both her career ambitions and personal priorities. By taking that first step, she opened doors to opportunities that she may never have considered otherwise.
If you’re at a crossroads in your career, consider the possibilities beyond the traditional path. The right move for you might be a temporary contract that introduces you to new industries, a shift in responsibilities that allows you to showcase untapped skills, or a transition into a role that better fits your long-term goals.
Like Liv, you have the power to shape your career in a way that works for you. It starts with recognising your strengths, being open to new experiences, and having the confidence to take that leap. The right opportunity is out there—you just have to take the first step.
