REALIFE Conversations from the Porch Ep 376 From Mission Field to New Calling: Navigating Transition with Tim Austin
In this episode, we sit down with our friend and fellow coach, Tim Austin, to explore what it really looks like to navigate a major life transition—especially when it involves calling, identity, and purpose.
Tim shares his journey of spending 20 years overseas as a missionary and the unexpected challenges of returning home. What does it feel like to leave behind a place, a role, and a sense of purpose that defined so much of your life? We talk honestly about the loss, the uncertainty, and the deep identity questions that come with that kind of shift.
We also explore the tension between urgency and trust—how easy it is to want immediate clarity, and how important it is to slow down, breathe, and allow space for God to lead. Tim opens up about the “in-between” season, where he stepped into a role he didn’t expect, and how that became a meaningful part of his journey into coaching.
This conversation is especially for anyone walking through transition—whether you’re leaving a career, stepping out of ministry, or simply sensing that something new is unfolding. We reflect on how nothing is wasted, how past experiences shape future purpose, and how living on mission can look different in every season.
We hope this episode encourages you to trust the process, embrace the unknown, and stay open to what might be possible next.
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Tim Austin
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About Teresa McCloy:
Teresa McCloy is the founder and creator of the REALIFE Process®, a framework designed to empower individuals and groups with the tools, training, and community needed for personal and professional growth. Through the REALIFE Process®, Teresa is on a mission to help others grow in self-awareness, establish sustainable rhythms, and enhance their influence and impact by integrating faith and work into their everyday lives. She lives with her husband of 42 years on their 5th generation family farm in central Illinois and enjoys great coffee, growing beautiful flower gardens and traveling as much as possible.
About Erica Vinson:
Erica Vinson helps clients walk through defining moments with confidence and courage enabling them to move forward in freedom and embrace fearless living. As an ACC Credentialed and Certified Professional Life & Leadership Coach, she uses wisdom from all 3 Centers of Intelligence to help clients gain deeper self-awareness and grow in relationships with others both personally and professionally. Erica is a certified REALIFE Process® Master Coach, an ©iEnneagram Motions of the Soul Practitioner, and has a certificate in Spiritual Transformation through the Transforming Center. She lives in the Metro East St. Louis area and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, golfing, tennis, boating/water skiing, traveling, is a bit of a technology nerd and loves learning!