How to Avoid Setbacks When Changing Careers

If you find yourself unexpectedly looking for a job, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It can feel like everything is happening all at once, and before you know it, that sense of urgency can take over, leaving you feeling stuck. But here’s the thing…I’ve worked with professionals navigating career transitions for over a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t). The key is to take intentional action, one step at a time, to gain momentum without letting the process consume you. Here are my top tips to help you get back on track and approach your job search with clarity and confidence: 1. Pause and Prioritize: Before diving into applications, take a moment to get clear on what you want next. Reflect on your career goals, your non-negotiables, and the type of work environment that aligns with your values. This clarity will help you target roles that genuinely fit, rather than applying to everything that pops up. 2. Leverage Your Network Strategically: Reach out to trusted contacts, former colleagues, and mentors who can provide valuable insights or referrals. But don’t just ask if they know of any openings be specific about what you’re looking for and how they can help. A focused ask gets better results. 3. Refresh Your Personal Brand: Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume reflect your most relevant skills and accomplishments. Think about the narrative you want to convey and make sure it positions you as a strong candidate for the roles you’re targeting. 4. Create a Routine and Set Small Goals: The job search can feel like a full-time job in itself, so set a daily schedule with manageable tasks whether that’s reaching out to three connections a day, applying to two roles, or dedicating an hour to learning new skills. Consistency builds momentum. 5. Stay Grounded and Resilient: Job searches come with highs and lows. Don’t let rejection or silence get to you. Stay connected with a supportive community, keep up with activities that fuel your confidence, and remember that the right opportunity is out there. When you find yourself in an unexpected career transition, the key is to take action without letting the overwhelm dictate your approach. By staying strategic and grounded, you can navigate this chapter with resilience and purpose. You got this, one step at a time.

One thing that many people overlook when transitioning in their careers is the mental toll it takes.    We often think we can simply move on after the final day.     You hear the statement: "Today was my last day, tomorrow I hit the ground running."     It’s really not that simple.    When you leave a job, whether by your own choice or not, it’s a loss.     And like any loss, there’s grief.     There’s the emotional and mental weight of the decision, the uncertainty of what’s next and the pain of walking away from something that once seemed promising.    So many people power through this part.     They keep pushing and try to make the next step happen.     Without acknowledging the emotional weight of this loss, they often push themselves to burnout.    I’ve seen over and over again    People not taking the time to pause, reflect, and heal.     Then, months down the road, they’re frustrated, financially drained, and unsure of what to do next.    This doesn’t have to be your story.    Taking time to process isn’t a weakness, it’s strength.    When you acknowledge the emotional impact of a career transition, you give yourself the space to regroup, reset, and strategize for a more successful future.     The most successful people I’ve worked with understand this concept deeply: they take time to heal and to develop the right mindset before they dive back into the grind.    The result? They show up more focused, more resilient, and more prepared for the next chapter of their careers.    If you're in the middle of a career transition, remember: it’s okay to grieve, it’s okay to pause, and it’s okay to seek the support you need.     This will not only help you heal but also ensure you’re moving forward in a way that aligns with your long-term success.    #wesleynewisdom

I’ve enjoyed reading reports and LinkedIn recaps from the recent World Economic Forum’s annual conference in Davos. One of the most discussed topics was the future of work, as professionals worldwide are re-evaluating their careers, seeking more fulfillment, flexibility, and financial security. I am glad to see people talk about financial security in this context. When you make a career change, the financial implications have to be top of mind. Several years ago, at the height of the Great Resignation I wrote an ‘Ask Carrie’ column to guide people through the financial implications of leaving their job. These core principles still apply today:  ✅ Clarify Your Why: It’s important to first envision where you want to go and what you are ultimately striving for. Visualize what your life and career looks like 5 years, 15 years from now and build off of that vision. It's one thing to be dissatisfied or want to make a change; it's another to know what will make you happier. Dig into the details of any new position and define your real motivation to ensure your next move aligns with your long-term goals. ✅ Assess the Financial Tradeoffs: Leaving a job often means leaving behind benefits and depending on the position you’re leaving, they could be significant. Employee benefits can encompass everything from health insurance and matching retirement contributions, to paid time off and childcare subsidies. And don't forget about things like stock options and restricted stocks. You may be walking away from good money! ✅ Plan for Learning & Transitions: If you're looking for a new job in your current field, making a change may be pretty straightforward. But if you want to do something completely different it's going to take time and money—and upfront planning. Map this out in advance and plan for the investment required to make a smooth transition. ✅ Strengthen Your Financial Safety Net: You may be emotionally ready to make your move, but be sure to give yourself a smooth financial path before you do. I recommend you: 1. Shore up your savings—Building your emergency fund is key. I suggest having enough cash to cover 3 to 6 months of essential expenses. Things don’t always go according to plan. 2. Pay down debts—If you're carrying credit card balances, try to bring those close to zero to free up the cash you’ll need for necessities during your transition. 3. Rethink your budget—Wants and non-essentials may need to take a backseat while you're in transition. Take a good look at where you can cut back short term. 4. Review your insurance—This is crucial, especially health insurance, no matter your age Whatever you do, make sure you and your family have continued coverage. The job market is evolving, and there are many opportunities to consider—but making a career move from a place of financial strength ensures both professional fulfillment and long-term security. Are you rethinking your career right now? What’s driving your decision?