What it's REALLY like to be in the messy middle of a big career change

Hello lovelies,I’m back this week with another episode from my new Write It. Create It. Live It. series and this one is such an exciting one.I’m joined by Dani Rayner, who has been doing the Goodbye Hello journal for the past three years, and this year she’s taken a huge, brave and wildly exciting leap - escaping the corporate cage (and a job that sounded amazing on paper) to build a new life centred on adventure, freedom, social impact, community and a deeper connection to the outdoors.Sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? But Dani is also keen to share the realities of taking a leap like this. Because exciting though it might sound - as she is discovering (and as I know well) - that kind of leap comes with a big and unavoidable dose of doubt and fear. Navigating that is the hardest part of the journey.And of course it is. When you’re making a big change in life and taking a leap of faith into the unknown, there is no other option, than to hold your nerve and make your way through the messy middle and all the uncertainty that comes with it.Because - as we talk about in the episode - you simply cannot make a change this big without stepping into the unknown. And that is both terrifying and exciting in equal measure.But I promise you, when you get to the other side - and that new career path becomes your new reality - you will be so glad you stuck it out and kept moving forward through all the uncertainty.So today, we dive deep into the reality of bringing about big change in your life, and how:* Hitting rock bottom can sometimes be the very moment that clears the way for what’s next* Shedding an old identity is often far messier - and far more freeing - than people talk about* Setting intentions (like Dani’s word of the year, ‘Intrepidity’) can quietly guide you towards a life you didn’t even know you were ready for* Letting go of the ‘shiny’ path can lead you towards a life that feels meaningful, aligned, and truly yoursThis conversation is honest, moving, brave, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from someone who is right in the messy middle of the leap - not looking back on it from the safety of the other side.I absolutely loved this interview, and I think you will too. Particularly if you’re standing at your own crossroads – or secretly dreaming of a big leap.🎧 Hit play on today’s Pep-Talk above to hear some of the golden nuggets from this brilliant conversation with Dani. And for the full interview (which I really recommend watching) - here is the video on YouTube. And then make sure you go and follow Dani and her adventures - you’ll find her YouTube, instagram, Tiktok and LinkedInAnd if you’re ready to bring about change - big or small - in 2026, order your Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 journal TODAY!Your future self will thank you 💛x Selina This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anotherwaywithselinabarker.substack.com/subscribe