How to Navigate Career Choices in a Disruptive Environment

I had coffee with someone who wondered how I could be so productive and positive after such an exhausting experience. They’ve been out of work two months before me; I understood the weariness in her typically youthful face and the sadness of her voice. I explained this is the second time in 27 years being part of a management misalignment, re-org/layoff. I remember so vividly the shock and paralysis in 2008. No one says it’s normal to feel like you’re in a haze, you’re angry, you’re hurt. It’s grief and that is normal. I gave her 4 steps that I took to recover and these 4 steps became muscle memory everytime I transitioned from one place to another thereafter. The same 4 steps will save you emotional pain when you know your compass, aka your core values, are being tested or misaligned. - first, start with your why. Why do you work? Why did you want to work there? Why this job? Why this career? - second, what. What did you bring to the team? What did they give you/or what did you learn? What would you do again? What would you do without? What are your non-negotiables? - third, assess. Spend one week assessing if you are up to speed with the market, latest trends in industry, familiar with the newest tools. Go toe to toe with the job descriptions and evaluate yourself. Then get acquainted with the stuff that is missing. Webinars, free conferences, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera + certifications. As you are applying + interviewing, keep learning and apply what you are learning to the conversations. Building your own plane and flying it at the same time; businesses do it all the time! - fourth, create your compass. What motivates you to get up and work? And what do you need to see/feel/hear to be excited about aligning your personal brand with theirs? How will you know if what they say rings true for you? What kind of environment do you need to thrive in? Then use these answers to sort through the jobs, use these answers to reframe your resume, use these answers to refine your networking skills and use these answers to interview opportunities for your career prospects. Use these answers to dissuade your negative thoughts and the people around you who might not understand your compass.

It's easy to operate under the illusion of permanence—that the tools, languages, and even the companies we work for will be long-lasting. This perspective can lull us into a false sense of security, where we stop growing because we assume today's competencies will suffice for tomorrow's challenges. I believe the reality is far more fluid: technologies fade, industries disrupt, and yes, even 'rock-solid' companies can falter. Don't just prepare for change; embrace it. Recognize that your most valuable asset isn't any specific skill set but rather your ability to adapt to new situations. I was rigorously taught this mindset in the United States Marine Corps. This understanding will shape how you approach problems, collaborate with others, and even how you view your own career trajectory. In a practical sense, this means taking calculated risks: perhaps branching out into a new programming language before it's widely adopted, volunteering for a project outside your comfort zone, or even pivoting your career focus when you identify a change in industry trends. We don't want to be swayed by every new fad, but to cultivate a discerning eye for meaningful change—change that can offer genuine opportunities for growth and impact. By leaning into change, you position yourself not just as a passenger on your career journey, but as the navigator. I believe your capacity to navigate this landscape is one of the most critical skills you can cultivate. So, when you find yourself hesitating in the face of change, remember that adaptability isn't just a survival mechanism; it's a competitive advantage. If change is the only constant, flexibility is not just useful—it's essential. Embrace change as an integral part of your career, and you'll find that it doesn't disrupt your path; it enriches it.

I want to share how I navigated my career uncertainty. Here's a simple 5-step process I think you'll find valuable: 1. Start with self-discovery. - Reflect on what energizes you. - What work makes time fly for you? These insights are crucial. 2. Complete assessments. - Leadership and personality assessments can be eye-opening. 3. Network conversations. - Reach out and connect with individuals who have taken similar career paths. Their experiences can guide and inspire your own understanding. 4. Explore beyond your degree. - Understand that your degree is just a starting point. - The real assets are your transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. 5. Informational interviewing. - Engage in conversations with professionals. - Ask about their career trajectories and challenges. These insights are often invaluable. Remember, your career is more than your degree. It's about the intersection of your skills and passions. If you’re feeling lost, start exploring and be open to where the path leads. Action makes everyone feel about the future. Take action.

The moment you realize a career transition is calling your name: A flood of emotions. Fear, stress, anxiety, uncertainty... All flowing in suddenly, feeling so very real it seems they’ll never go away. But with some effort you can make them temporary. The first step: Shift your mindset from reactive to proactive. The key now is to maintain your composure and chart a deliberate path forward: 1. Buy yourself time and space to strategize This doesn’t mean checking out, failing to do your job, or becoming the toxic colleague. This means carving out time to make a plan, check your behavior, and think about your legacy at this company. 2. Start documenting your accomplishments Outline your: → major projects, → performance metrics, → the outcomes you and your team achieved, → the tools and systems you used, → your lessons learned along the way. This will help you build an inventory of information that will make it easier for you to update your resume and your LinkedIn profile. 3. Reflect on your values and desires for your next role Answer 3 questions here: - What do I really want? - What am I excited about working on? - What does the world need and want from me? This will help you define your path forward, and narrow the scope of your search to roles that objectively meet your needs and desires. 4. Lean on your support system Your mentors, and perhaps a career coach. Finding a great new job is not easy, it will take time, and there will be bumps along the way. The people around you can be instrumental in helping you see this through. If you’re going to hire a coach, doing so several months before you plan to leave your current role can give you the best return on your investment. Remember, how you handle this transition will leave a lasting impression on your colleagues (your network) and your own sense of professional integrity. Navigating a career inflection point can feel overwhelming. But you don't have to do it alone. If you're ready for a thought partner to help you clarify your goals and make a plan, let's set up a time to have a conversation.

Anxiety, uncertainty and overwhelm are dragging down productivity in the workplace, wreaking havoc on people's lives. Here is some advice on managing uncertainty, volatility and ambiguity at work and beyond. 💡 Lately, clients are coming to me for practical things like prioritizing self care, getting their mindset and strategy clear for launching a business, or carving out more time in their schedules for the things they love. By the time we're a few weeks into our coaching, they're talking about workplace stress, toxic workplaces, burnout, loss of self confidence and trauma from unconscious leadership. Not to mention the struggle of the current job market is making people feel trapped and stuck. This is why I advocate for everyone to own their experience and "Go All In" on their lives and careers. How? - Understand the environment and the dynamics at play. The more you can understand what's happening around you, the better you can maneuver. - Over prioritize self care. You're probably not giving yourself enough TLC. Figure out what that means to you and do it often. - Double down on networking. You have more people in your life than you realize. Try to make meaningful connections regularly. You'll be surprised what opportunities open up. - Always be looking. The best time to find a new job is when you already have one, not when you're up against the wall staring at a declining bank balance. In the US you're an at will employee, so you can be let go anytime for no reason. Stay agile. - Diversify your income and skills. Don't trust your livelihood to one source. You might not be able to work two jobs or have a side hustle or passive income yet, but you can always find time to learn new skills or build a business a little bit at a time. - Have a vision for where you're wanting to go. Just banking money for retirement, or working for the weekend isn't going to cut it long term. Aim to align your decisions with what will move you forward towards your vision and purpose. - Pay attention! Honing your mindfulness and awareness skills will help you pay attention to the things that matter, keep you from becoming distracted, and make it easier to bring your attention back to the important things when you notice yourself getting lost. Also you learn a lot about yourself during times of complexity. - Self compassion. Forgive yourself for the decisions that got you here, but also honor the experience you're having now. It does no good to punish yourself for struggling. That just makes everything harder. Understand that you're doing the best you can with the resources you have at the moment given the circumstances. - Seek support. No one can get through this life alone. If you find yourself struggling, ask for help, particularly of someone who's been through what you're experiencing can help you get perspective. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Sign up for my mailing list to discover more. 👇

One of my clients was laid off a couple months ago. After years in the startup space and experiencing multiple layoffs, she began to doubt her career decisions. She was looking for clarity and direction. She sought my help to strategically navigate her job search. Here’s how we did it: Clarified her needs and goals. We discussed her financial, lifestyle and career needs. Understanding where she stood was a critical starting point. Leaned into her network. She reached out to former colleagues and bosses. Her strong track record made them eager to support. Engaged her hustle and endurance. She researched each company thoroughly and endured countless rounds of intense interviews and assessments. Didn’t let fear drive her decision. Tempted to settle, she remained patient and focused, ultimately securing a job that aligned with her goals and values. She accepted an offer with a tech company she’s been excited about for a long time. Her journey highlights the importance of clarity, relationships, resilience and patience. Regardless of the job market, knowing your value and staying true to your goals will steer your career in the right direction.

Persistence, Consistency, and Creativity: Thriving in a Tough Job Market (Speaking of persistence and creativity, ChatGPT was down this morning, and Perplexity.ai was helpful 😂) In today's job market, the competition is fierce, and it can be disheartening to see the statistics reflecting the challenges we face. According to LinkedIn's latest employment market report, there has been a 27% year-on-year rise in applications per application. Additionally, the Technology, Information, and Media industry has experienced a significant decline of nearly 40% compared to July 2022, making it one of the hardest-hit sectors. However, it is during these tough times that our true character is revealed. As James Lane Allen wisely said, "Adversity does not build character, it reveals it." Instead of letting these statistics discourage us, let them ignite a fire within us to be better, to push harder, and to rise. Here are some key points to remember and actions to take to navigate the tough job market: 1. Embrace Persistence - Understand that success rarely comes overnight. It takes time, effort, and perseverance. - Keep applying for jobs, even if the competition is fierce. Each application is an opportunity, and you never know when the right opportunity will come knocking. - Network actively and reach out to professionals in your desired field. Building connections can open doors and lead to unexpected opportunities. 2. Maintain ConsistencyDevelop a routine and stick to it. - Consistency in your job search efforts will yield better results over time. - Set achievable goals and break them down into smaller tasks. Celebrate each milestone you reach, no matter how small. - Continuously update and improve your skills. Take online courses, attend webinars, or join professional organizations to stay relevant in your industry. 3. Cultivate Creativity - Think outside the box and explore alternative career paths or industries that may have better prospects. - Showcase your creativity in your job applications and interviews. - Highlight unique experiences, projects, or skills that set you apart from other candidates. - Consider freelancing, consulting, or starting your own business. These options can provide flexibility and opportunities for growth. Remember, it's not about the ease of the journey; it's about the growth and resilience we develop along the way. In my personal experience, seeking help and guidance when I was feeling stuck or overwhelmed played a crucial role in my success. Leveraging coaching at different phases of life allowed me to land a new job, embark on a solo backpacking trip around the world, write a children's book, and even launch my own coaching business. So, let's embrace the challenges, stay persistent, consistent, and creative. Let's use this adversity as an opportunity to reveal our true character and achieve our goals. "Adversity does not build character, it reveals it." - James Lane Allen

🚀 Thinking about your Career Path and 2024? 🌍 LinkedIn Friends -- In these dynamic and uncertain times, I've personally been reflecting on the value of support and guidance when it comes to making important career moves. If you're contemplating a job or career change, I want to extend an offer of my time, insights, and advice to help you navigate through the current business and economic landscape. With volatility and uncertainty as a likely backdrop for 2024, here are a few key priorities to consider: * Self-Reflection: Start by examining your values, strengths, and long-term goals. What truly motivates and excites you? Knowing your purpose will provide clarity. * Continuous Learning: In a rapidly evolving world, it's crucial to stay current. Invest in upskilling and expanding your knowledge base to remain relevant and adaptable. * Networking: Build and nurture your professional network. Connect with mentors, peers, and industry experts who can offer guidance and insights into your chosen path. * Resilience: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Understand that setbacks are part of the journey, and resilience is your best friend in times of uncertainty. * Research and Market Analysis: Keep a keen eye on industry trends and economic conditions. Being informed helps you make strategic decisions. * Consultation: Seek advice from professionals who have experienced similar transitions. They can share valuable tips and lessons learned. As founder of The CFO Alliance and CEO of AchieveNEXT, I firmly believe that collectively, we can support one another during these turbulent times. If you'd like to have a conversation about your career goals, need guidance on your next steps, or even just a friendly chat about the job market, please don't hesitate to reach out. My calendar is open, and I'm here to help. Remember, your career journey is unique. It's yours. And, it's okay to ask for assistance. Feel free to connect with me, send a message, or comment below to get in touch. #CareerAdvice #JobTransition #Uncertainty #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #peertopeer #achievenext #careerlattice