Recently, I had the chance to take a much-needed vacation, and I decided to go all in on one of my favourite cities—Paris! For those of you who know me, you’re already familiar with my slight obsession with Emily in Paris. So naturally, I couldn’t resist turning parts of my trip into my very own Emily in Paris adventure.
But, just like in any good story, not everything went exactly according to plan. And it got me thinking about how this experience holds a valuable lesson for navigating life and career changes. Let me share the story.
My Emily in Paris Adventure
When I arrived in Paris, my excitement was through the roof. Paris has a charm all its own—there’s nothing quite like walking through those streets and feeling the history, art, and culture all around you. And for me, there was something extra special on the agenda: I had booked an Airbnb tour to visit all the famous filming locations from Emily in Paris.
I imagined standing at Gabriel’s restaurant, snapping a photo at Emily’s apartment, and strolling by her quirky office—all the key places that make the show such a visual treat. It was going to be perfect!
But just a few hours before the tour was supposed to start, I got a message: the tour had been canceled.
Cue disappointment. I was crushed! I had looked forward to this so much, and now it wasn’t happening. I had a choice: let the disappointment sink in and derail the day, or find another way to experience those locations. After taking a moment to gather myself, I decided not to let this stop me from enjoying Paris.
The DIY Tour: Making the Most of It
My friend and I quickly came up with a plan. Armed with a list of the locations, Apple Maps, and a little help from ChatGPT, we decided to take on the challenge of finding all the spots ourselves. It became our own little DIY tour, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of my trip!
We wandered through those beautiful Parisian streets, found Gabriel’s restaurant, snapped photos outside Emily’s apartment, and stood outside her office, just like I had imagined. The best part? It wasn’t a guided tour—we had made it happen.
It felt so rewarding to have taken something that didn’t go as planned and turn it into an adventure of our own. In the end, the experience was even more meaningful because we overcame that setback together and turned it into something special.
The Lesson: Life and Career Won’t Always Go as Planned (And That’s Okay)
As I reflected on that day, it reminded me so much of life—and especially career transitions. We all know that things don’t always go as planned. Whether you’re navigating a career change, exploring new passions, or just trying to figure out what’s next, there will be moments when the path forward feels uncertain or unexpected detours pop up.
But here’s the thing: when the original plan falls apart, it doesn’t mean all is lost. In fact, those moments are often the ones that push us to get creative, think outside the box, and discover new opportunities we wouldn’t have found otherwise.
My canceled Emily in Paris tour was a tiny example of this, but the principle holds true for much bigger life changes as well. Sometimes, when you feel like you’ve hit a roadblock, that’s when you’re being guided toward something even better. You just need to trust yourself to keep going, even if the route looks a little different than you imagined.
Embracing the Unknown in Your Career
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about the next steps in your career, I encourage you to embrace that uncertainty. Like me with my DIY Emily in Paris tour, you have the tools and creativity to make the most of whatever situation you’re in. The unexpected can be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, leading you to a path that feels even more aligned with who you are.
So, next time life throws you a curveball, take a breath and remember: the adventure is still yours to create. Whether it’s finding the next step in your career or creating your own version of a Parisian tour, trust that you’ve got what it takes to navigate the journey.
Ready to Navigate Your Own Career Adventure?
If you’re feeling uncertain about what’s next in your career or want to explore new opportunities, I’d love to help you create your own path forward. Just like I turned an unexpected situation in Paris into an adventure, you can turn your career challenges into opportunities.
Let’s chat about what’s possible for you. Book a complimentary clarity call with me, and together we’ll explore the steps you can take toward a fulfilling, purpose-driven career. It’s time to embrace the unknown and find your next adventure!
Rozella is a career coach for women over 30 who feel stuck and drained in their careers to figure out what they truly want, tap into their strengths, and build a career they actually love so they can wake up feeling energized, confident, and at peace with the direction of their life. With over 14 years of experience in corporate and armed with PMP, PROSCI, and CSM certifications, she guides you step by step towards finding a meaningful career that feels right for you!
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