If you’re waiting for the perfect time to make a move in your career, let me save you some suspense: it doesn’t exist.

My team and I at WayPoint Consulting Partners can count how many talented professionals we've met who are still “thinking about it” — the career change, the new firm, the certification, the conversation that could actually move the needle. They tell us, “I just want to be fully ready first.”

"But here’s the catch: that day rarely comes. Waiting for ready becomes the reason they stay stuck." Kari Ellis

The Myth of “Ready”

“Ready” is often a disguise for fear — fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of losing what’s comfortable. But comfort and growth rarely coexist. In the financial services field, I see this all the time. Advisors cling to firms that no longer align with their goals, leaders put off tough hiring decisions, and professionals hesitate to explore independence because the unknown feels unsafe. But the truth? The unknown is where opportunity lives. You don’t have to have every answer before taking action — you just need enough courage to take the next step.

Momentum Beats Perfection

Think of your career like compound interest — progress multiplies when you start now, not when conditions are perfect. Every conversation with a recruiter, every networking event, every LinkedIn update — it all builds momentum. The more motion you create, the more clarity you gain. Waiting to be perfect before you start is like refusing to invest until the market feels “safe.” Spoiler alert: by the time it does, you’ve already missed the upside.

By implementing these strategies, you increase your chance to effectively navigate the follow-up process after interviews and networking events. Showcase your enthusiasm and professionalism. Remember, each interaction is an opportunity to reinforce your interest and capabilities in a positive light. Time will pass, and before you know it, your next opportunity will be within reach.



Reframe Readiness

Here’s a simple reframe: you don’t get ready and then start — you start, and that’s how you get ready. Growth isn’t about guarantees; it’s about grit. The people who build thriving careers in this industry aren’t always the smartest or the most connected — they’re the ones who take imperfect action and learn along the way. They bet on themselves before anyone else does. You don’t have to wait for perfect timing, total confidence, or universal approval. You just have to decide you’re done waiting.