How to Navigate Unexpected Career Changes

Early in my career, I faced a moment many of us dread: A sudden, unexpected company reorganization. It seemed like overnight ➟ my role ➟ my team ➟ my daily tasks were all up in the air. I remember the anxiety. The flurry of rumors. The uncertainty. They clouded my thoughts about the future. But it was in this chaos that I found clarity. I realized that change, though daunting, also brings opportunities for growth. I wrote an article on this for Harvard Business Review. Here are 5 actions you can take when your professional life is unpredictable: 1. Embrace the Uncertainty Use periods of change as a catalyst for introspection. Reflect on what truly matters to you and your future. 2. Define Your Identity Think about who you need to be... Not just what you need to do. 3. Focus on the Process Establish and commit to positive career behaviors. It gives you a sense of control and leads to results. Examples: • Contribute in each team meeting • Expand your network every week  • Offer a strategic idea to leadership monthly • Take on a stretch opportunity once a quarter • Thank a coworker for something helpful every day 4. Cultivate Learning Agility Be ready to adapt. Stay curious. Embrace new ideas. This mindset isn't just to survive; it helps you thrive. 5. Ask for and Act on Feedback Regularly seek feedback. Take time to reflect on it. It's crucial to know where you're growing. And where you need to improve. Change can be scary. But it's also a chance to reset. To pivot. You may discover new paths you hadn't noticed before. Remember... It's not the strongest or most intelligent who survive. It's those who can best manage change. Lean into the uncertainty. Use it as a stepping stone. Build a career that's not just successful, but also aligned with who you truly are. Find this valuable? Repost ♻️ to share with others.  Thank you! P.S. What keeps you going when things get uncertain?

✨Recently laid off? Check out this inspiring story from my client. Job seekers navigating career transitions should consider two key strategies: Recommendations and Networking (I know, there is much more to the story; read on!). 🔻 First, update your LinkedIn profile, including exchanging recommendations with colleagues, managers, and external partners like vendors or customers. This effort yields significant benefits: • Recruiters value social proof from recommendations showcasing your leadership and communication skills. • It offers a prime networking opportunity—if approached strategically. H͟e͟r͟e͟’s͟ ͟a͟ ͟c͟a͟s͟e͟ ͟i͟n͟ ͟p͟o͟i͟n͟t͟:͟ I just finished a call with a client who had been preparing for a career change for about a year. Unexpectedly, she was laid off as part of a broader company downsizing. Fortunately, she was well-prepared and remained calm. She resumed an earlier task of requesting Zoom meetings and testimonials from her network. To her contacts’ surprise, they learned of her recent layoff. Now, she’s exploring several opportunities. Remarkably, one conversation revealed 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 (unwritten and unposted) job roles tailored to her expertise at an exciting company overseas. C͟o͟n͟s͟i͟d͟e͟r͟ ͟t͟h͟i͟s͟:͟ 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁—𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱—𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲. My client's proactive discussions have already positioned her for five potential jobs, some of which are still being defined. Next steps? We’re preparing to utilize my “write and pitch your own job description” technique when these companies express interest in crafting a role that leverages her skills to meet their needs. Isn’t that amazing? ✨ For more ideas about what to do to prepare for a layoff, here is a link to the Forbes Coaches Council article: 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝟭𝟮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: https://lnkd.in/gpGf8jXs #jobs #careers #management

What to do with your strategic direction when life throws you a curve ball? For the last four days of this year, I've focused on the concept of Moving Into Your Mission. Here's yesterday's post. https://lnkd.in/gSKirDhg We've defined our mission, built a strategic structure around it, and learned how to navigate the unknowns of our plans. What happens when everything doesn't go according to plan? Lots of things can happen that you didn't forsee, some examples are: - Loss of a job (e.g., layoffs) - Death of a family member (e.g., spouse) - New opportunity (e.g., job offer) - Illness (e.g., cancer) - Pregnancy - Move (e.g., buy a new house) - Divorce Guess what? Something is going to happen along your strategic journey of moving into your mission. I guarantee it! As I've shared, in 2000, I built my Personal Strategic Plan. I had been in the Air Force for 12 years. In the past 23 years, I've experienced many expected and unexpected life changes. How do you deal with these changes and stay on track? Here are the three steps to follow: 1. When something is about to change or changes unexpectedly, it's time to pull out your plan. Typically, you only review your plan annually and it normally doesn't change much. But now something major has changed and it's time to review your plan. When I was laid off from a COO position in May 2020 due to COVID cuts, the first thing I did was pull out my plan. 2. Evaluate what's happening or happened and examine it from the perspective of whether it fits your current mission. Specifically, how will this new thing fit into the experience category of your plan. I recognized the event of being laid off presented an opportunity to explore and exploit the situation. I immediately started writing a free book for businesses called Business 2020: The Business World After COVID-19. https://lnkd.in/gJ2qhh3j 3. Determine if your strategy or your tactics need to change. Remember the Law of Relativity? Sometimes, an life change can open your eyes to new opportunities that change your mission. Or maybe you just need to adjust your plan slightly. Six months before taking the job of COO, I had set aside many strategic commitments (writing, posting, teaching, and coaching). I immediately adjusted my tactics and got back to work. . Having a solid plan to move into your mission allows you to quickly respond to life's major changes. This is what 'resiliency' is all about. Without solid strategic direction, the winds of change will always mess with your direction. In one sentence, what would you say your mission is? ..... Follow me if you enjoy discussing business and success daily. Click my notification bell 🔔 to be informed when I post. #business #success #incubator #coaching #consultants #plan2fail

The Vital Lesson of Keeping Your Options Open I recently had a heart-to-heart with one of our Career Club members, Emily, whose story is a powerful reminder of why it's crucial to have a robust pipeline of job opportunities. 🌟 Emily's Journey: Emily was over the moon about a job opportunity that seemed perfect. However, in a twist of fate, the role was suddenly put on hold due to unexpected company restructuring. She was devastated, especially because she had put all her eggs in one basket. Here's why maintaining a diverse pipeline of opportunities is essential: 🔄 Unexpected Changes: Opportunities can fall through for reasons beyond your control – funding gets cut, needs change, or companies undergo unexpected shifts. ⚖️ Weighing Pros and Cons: Different roles offer different benefits. Having options allows you to compare and choose what aligns best with your career goals and personal life. 🙏 Reducing Stress: Waiting on one opportunity can be nerve-wracking. A pipeline of prospects eases the anxiety of waiting for that one email or call. 💪 Negotiation Leverage: When you have multiple offers, you're in a stronger position to negotiate. It gives you the advantage of choice and bargaining power. 🌈 Emily's Realization: Though initially disheartened, Emily now sees the value in pursuing multiple leads. She's re-energized her search with a broader perspective, exploring various roles that align with her skills and passions. 🔍 Our Advice: Don't put all your hopes on a single opportunity. Diversify your job search, keep your options open, and remember, each application is a step towards finding the right fit for you. To all job seekers out there, remember Emily's story. Keep building your pipeline and stay open to different possibilities. Your perfect job offer could be just around the corner! 💼🚀 Make sure to join me every Thursday at 1:00 ET for a FREE group coaching call.  Details in the comments. #jobseekers #careeradvice #negotiating #joboffer #careercoach

As someone who has personally experienced a layoff due to a company re-org, I am no stranger to the emotional rollercoaster of feelings that can range from shock and frustration to anger and embarrassment. Navigating the intricacies of a job search after a layoff can be a daunting challenge, but with the right tools anyone can succeed. Just as a skilled tailor crafts a garment with precision, here are some tips you can use to tailor your career approach for success, even in the face of unexpected change. 🔍 Assess Your Professional Wardrobe: Just as a tailor carefully measures and hones their craft, take stock of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Craft a compelling resume and LinkedIn profile that impeccably showcase your unique value proposition. Highlight the fabric of your professional journey, emphasizing key skills and achievements that make you stand out. 📏 Measure Twice, Cut Once: Before diving into applications, take the time to define your career goals and aspirations. What are your non-negotiables in a role? What skills and experiences do you want to acquire? Tailoring your job search strategy requires a clear vision, helping you avoid unnecessary detours and focus on opportunities aligned with your long-term objectives. 🧵 Stitching a Network: Just like a tailor relies on a network of threads to create a seamless garment, building and nurturing your professional network is essential. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry, attend virtual networking events, and seek informational interviews. Networking is the fine art of relationship-building – a crucial aspect of any successful career. ✨ Personal Branding – Your Signature Stitch: What sets you apart in a sea of candidates? Your personal brand! Just as a tailor’s signature stitch distinguishes their work, your unique skills, values, and personality should shine through in your professional brand. Consider what makes you memorable and weave that into your narrative. 🪡 Tailor Your Approach for Each Opportunity: While mass-producing may work for garments, it's not the case for job applications. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each role, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. This personalized touch demonstrates a genuine interest in the opportunity and increases your chances of standing out. Remember, the process of tailoring your career path requires patience, precision, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every stitch contributes to the masterpiece of your professional narrative. If you have any questions or insights to share, let's connect! Wishing you all a tailored path to success. 🌟👔 #CareerCoaching #JobSearchStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment #TailorYourCareer

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.

Know your target role, target location, target industries, and target companies of interest within those industries of interest, and let the people you trust know what you are looking for. Ask for support. Networking doesn't have to be cold, but even cold networking with people from those companies you like whom you don't know or networking with second-degree connections of those people and asking for an introduction creates much better odds than applying online. What I've found is that career changers continue to apply online because it helps tick the box that something has been done to drive forward momentum in their job search, when in reality the likelihood is that it was .2% (2/100ths of a percent) effective. What's actually beneath the surface are some inner voice "gremlins" saying things like, "Are you even good enough for this job?", "Why would someone there want to talk to you, they are too busy.", "There are already 400 applicants, why would they choose me.", etc. You need to check this inner dialogue and assess your goal/timeframe of changing careers vs. the actual percentage of difference you are making with your activities that are actually helping you make a meaningful change. This is what we support our clients in doing and hold them accountable to push outside of their comfort zone, and shift the inner dialogue to build them up until those goals are met. You can do it, it's within you to make these changes, don't hold yourself back with ineffective job search activities in an effort to keep your ego safe. #toughlove #yougotthis

I've been there, 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴... but there is hope at the end of the grief! Losing your job can feel like a sudden storm, upending your life and leaving you adrift. The emotional impact is profound—grief, anger, self-doubt—all crashing in at once. But amidst the tempest, there’s a beacon of hope. As a career coach, I’ve witnessed countless individuals weather this storm and emerge stronger. I’ve walked that path myself. Picture this: a company I adored, where I poured four years of sweat, countless late nights, and where colleagues became friends. Then, life threw a curveball. After a medical leave that had me hospitalized for couple of days and out of work for some weeks, I returned to work with renewed energy. But that very day, I was called to the HR manager’s office. The words hit like a ton of bricks: “You’re fired.” The shock, the questions—what went wrong? I replayed it all in my mind, nights spent tearfully wondering. That job wasn’t just what I did; it was woven into my identity. But here’s the twist: from that loss emerged resilience, growth, and a fresh start. And you, my friend, can find that too. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙗 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙡: Allow yourself to mourn the loss. Losing a job is akin to a breakup—it hurts. Acknowledge the emotions, but don’t let them consume you. Grief is a natural part of the process, but dwelling on it can hinder progress. Question yourself: Why did this happen? What could you have done differently? It’s okay to reflect, but avoid self-blame. Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control. Reflect on who are you beyond your job title? What skills and passions define you? Use this pause to rediscover your identity. Consider this a blank canvas. What new opportunities await? Explore different paths, even if they seem unconventional. Lean on people you love, friends and family. They’ll remind you of your strengths and lift your spirits. Consider therapy or counseling. Talking to a professional can provide clarity and coping strategies. Connect with others who’ve experienced job loss. Shared stories and encouragement can be powerful. Use this time to upskill. Learn new tools, take online courses, and expand your knowledge base. Taking care of yourself in this journey is extremely important, exercise, meditate, and maintain a routine. A healthy mind fuels resilience. Remember, job loss isn’t the end—it’s a chance for renewal. The storm will pass, and you’ll find a new harbor. You’re not alone; there’s hope on the horizon.🌟