How to Navigate Career Choices

Most people think career success comes from making the perfect decision. It doesn’t. It comes from making timely, values-aligned ones. Especially when the next step feels unclear. One of my clients, a brilliant VP, spent 3 months stuck on a single choice: “Do I speak up about being overlooked, or wait for my work to speak for itself?” She called it strategic patience. But it was really fear disguised as overthinking. We ran it through this framework. She made the call. Six weeks later, her promotion was fast-tracked. She was finally seen, heard, and most importantly, included. Because here’s what I tell every high-achiever I coach: You don’t need more time to decide. You need a better way to decide. Try the 2-Minute Decision Framework™ (Career Edition): 1. QUICK DECISIONS → Handle it NOW For low-stakes tasks that clog your mental bandwidth: → Can you respond to that email in < 2 minutes? → Is the request low risk and easily reversible? → Are you spiraling on something that just needs action? ✅ Do it. Momentum builds trust and confidence. (Your career doesn’t stall in the big moves, it drips away through tiny indecisions.) 2. TEAM DECISIONS → Resolve it TODAY For collaborative work or project bottlenecks: → Who’s recommending this approach? → Who’s doing the work? → Who’s accountable for the final call? ✍️ Assign roles. Align expectations. Move forward. (Most team confusion comes from no one knowing who’s driving.) Use this anytime you’re: – Leading a cross-functional project – Navigating performance reviews – Building team trust through shared clarity 3. CAREER DECISIONS → Make it THIS WEEK For decisions that affect your growth, visibility, and voice: Use the 3–2–1 Method: → 3 options: Brainstorm career paths, scripts, or solutions → 2 perspectives: Ask two mentors, not the whole internet → 1 call: Choose the path aligned with your long game 🎯 Clarity > complexity. Every time. This works for: – Deciding whether to advocate for a raise or promotion – Considering a lateral move for growth – Navigating visibility or speaking up on tough issues The truth is: courageous careers aren’t built on perfect plans. They’re built on small, aligned decisions made with intention. That’s C.H.O.I.C.E.® in action. So here’s your coaching moment: 🔥 Pick one decision you’ve been avoiding. Run it through the framework. Make the call within the next hour. Then ask yourself: What changed when I finally decided? ❓ What’s one career decision you’ve been sitting on too long? Share it below, or DM me, and we’ll run it through together. 🔖 Save this for your next “Should I…?” moment 👥 Tag someone who needs this framework in their toolkit Because alignment isn’t found in overthinking. It’s built through C.H.O.I.C.E.®. ➕ Follow Loren Rosario - Maldonado, PCC for tools that actually work in real life. #CareerCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment

Career transitions aren't about finding a new train track to ride to career advancement—they're about mastering the rock climb. Here's the framework I use with clients to help them pivot successfully: Step 1: Identify Your True Pain Point Before making any move, ask yourself: Is it your boss you dislike or the actual work? Is it the industry or just your company culture? One client was ready to leave her entire field until we discovered she only needed an internal transfer away from a toxic boss—saving months of job searching while keeping her seniority. Step 2: Apply the W.I.S.E. Framework Don't jump straight to job applications. First, analyze: Workplace needs: What motivates you at work? Industries: Which sectors will you thrive in? Skills/Roles: What work uses your skills/strengths? Experience: What experience can you leverage in your transition? Step 3: Become the Entrepreneur of Your Career The ultimate goal? Complete ownership of your professional destiny. This mindset shift is everything. Your experience is your product, and you must position it differently for different opportunities. Feeling stuck? Successful job seekers prioritize and compromise.  Use “forced choice” to help you prioritize what’s most important to you and narrow down your options. Here's a question for deeper reflection... How does your past experience prepare you for the roles you're targeting now? #Careers #JobSearch #LinkedInTopVoices

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.

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?

Have you ever looked at your career and wondered, “Is this really it?” Maybe you feel stuck in a role that no longer excites you, undervalued despite your experience, or exhausted by a job that drains more than it fulfills. If so, you’re not alone—this could be your turning point. Life is too short to spend time in a career that depletes you instead of energizing you. I’ve been there. I stepped into a role where I was hired for my expertise, with promises that my input and leadership would be valued. But reality painted a different picture. Instead of trust and collaboration, I encountered resistance, micromanagement, and a lack of real empowerment. Innovation was stifled, and over time, I realized that staying meant compromising my values and well-being. Eventually, I made the difficult but necessary decision to leave. This is where the Metta Framework comes in—a concept I developed through my coaching work to help individuals take control of their careers and live on their terms. The framework guides you through a career transition with clarity and purpose by aligning five interconnected elements: identifying your why, financial readiness, opportunity landscape, network leverage, and transferable skills. But before diving into these steps, it’s essential to practice self-compassion. In this post, you’ll learn: - How to define your WHY (inspired by Simon Sinek) - How to assess your financial readiness for a transition - How to research opportunities with intention - How to leverage your network authentically - How to reframe your skills for new possibilities Check out the full post here: https://lnkd.in/eXaUNQAX What’s the biggest challenge you face in career transitions? Let’s start a conversation in the comments. 👇 #CareerGrowth #CareerChange #SelfCompassion #Networking #Leadership

Just because you’ve accepted some trade-offs at a particular stage in your career doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice everything or remain stagnant. We all face moments where we need to make trade-offs. Whether it's prioritizing personal commitments over work events, accepting a role that isn't a perfect fit, or taking on a thorny organizational issue, these decisions don’t define the rest of your career. The key is to recognize that these are choices for this moment, not forever. I often remind my coaching clients that trade-offs are part of the journey, but they don’t have to limit your long-term growth. Here are three tips to keep in mind when navigating career trade-offs that you fear may limit you: 1️⃣Reframe the trade-off: View it as a strategic choice, not a setback. What skills or experience are you gaining right now that will serve you later? 2️⃣Stay connected to your goals: Even if the current role isn’t perfect, keep your long-term vision in focus. Use this time to deepen relationships, develop new expertise, and stay ready for future opportunities. 3️⃣Check in with yourself regularly: Periodically assess if your trade-off is still serving you. If it’s no longer aligned with your values or growth, it might be time for a shift. Growth is dynamic. It doesn’t stop because of one trade-off. It’s about understanding that you can evolve, pivot, and shift focus when the time is right. Keep learning, stay open to new opportunities, and trust that progress is still within reach. Remember, the path may not always be linear and progress isn't always visible immediately—but that doesn't mean you're not moving forward. How are you embracing both trade-offs and progress in your career? #careergrowth #leadership #executivecoaching

I used to think career success was a ladder – until life taught me it’s more like a winding path. Embracing detours has been one of the most valuable lessons in my career journey. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝟭𝟬 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿: ➡️ Be Open to Unexpected Opportunities Growth often comes from roles you didn’t plan for. ↳ Say yes to projects outside your comfort zone – they may lead to your next big move. ➡️ View Setbacks as Stepping Stones A career “pause” or shift isn’t failure; it’s redirection. ↳ Reflect on what a setback taught you and how it prepares you for what’s next. ➡️ Build Skills, Not Just Titles Skills you pick up in one role can unlock opportunities in another. ↳ Focus on mastering transferable skills that keep you versatile. ➡️ Network Beyond Your Industry Career paths often connect through unexpected people. ↳ Invest in relationships outside your current role – it’s often who you know that opens doors. ➡️ Prioritize Personal Growth Over Promotions True career fulfillment comes from alignment, not titles. ↳ Ask yourself, “Is this role helping me become who I want to be?” ➡️ Accept the "Side Step" as Forward Movement A lateral move can be strategic if it brings you closer to your goals. ↳ Seek roles that build critical experience, even if they aren’t an immediate step up. ➡️ Stay Curious About New Fields Sometimes your passion doesn’t align with your degree or background. ↳ Explore areas of interest, even if they don’t “fit” your current role. Curiosity can lead to big shifts. ➡️ Create Value Where You Are Meaningful impact can open doors faster than climbing ladders. ↳ Focus on making a difference in your current role, even if it’s not your end goal. ➡️ Pace Yourself – There’s No Deadline Success is a marathon, not a sprint. ↳ Trust your timeline and avoid comparing your progress to others. Career paths are deeply personal. ➡️ Remember – Growth Can Be Nonlinear Each role and experience adds layers to your unique path. ↳ Embrace every twist and turn; they’re all part of your story. The straight-line career is a myth. Embrace the detours – sometimes, they’re where you find your greatest success. Quote: Gary Tan -- ♻️ Find this helpful? Repost to remind others that career paths are unique. ➕ Follow me Nico for tips on designing an intentional and fulfilling career path.

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

Laid Off or Launching in Midlife? It’s Not Just a Career Change—It’s an Identity Shakeup. As a coach, I work with people in their 40s+ who are navigating two different but equally disorienting roads: 1) They’re building something bold—and it’s not working (YET!). 2) They’ve been laid off. At first glance, these paths look nothing alike. But under the surface? SAME CLIFF -SAME ACHE -SAME QUESTIONS ->Who am I now? ->What matters? -> How do I stay relevant? In my POLARIS methodology for navigating major transitions, this is the "O" phase: Orient Yourself. It’s the moment after the rupture but before the rebuild. It's when you recognize that you are: Not where you wish you were. Not where your LinkedIn bio says you are. But where you actually are—financially, emotionally, energetically. And this is when well-meaning support often falls flat. Thank you Ginny Walker for kicking off this conversation in your post & inspiring mine:   🚫 DON’Ts (Even if You Mean Well) 1. “Let me know how I can help.” Too vague. They’re overwhelmed. You follow up, not them. 2. Ghosting after Month 6 or Year 1 Support matters most when the pain has lasted longer than a few months. 3. “You’ll land somewhere better!” Don't skip the grief. Let them arrive at hope in their own time. 4. “This is your chance to reinvent!” Not helpful unless you’re offering pro bono coaching or covering COBRA. 5. Sending job links without context. Ask what they want before forwarding a job board firehose. ✅ DOs (If You Want to Help) 1. Offer specific support. “Want help reframing your LinkedIn?” “Want an intro to my friend at X?” 2. Keep checking in. Real care is sustained care. 3. Connect them with people, not just roles. Intro them to others that can help or be a good connection, even if there's not yet a role or funding source available. If you’re in that orientation phase right now—between what just ended and what hasn’t yet begun—You're not lost. You're finding yourself again. And you don’t have to do it alone. #POLARIS #midcareer #layoffsupport #startupstruggles #identityshift #careertransition #coaching #leadership #orientationphase

The job market is changing fast. Driven by reorgs, layoffs, role eliminations, the impact of AI, and shifting career interests, more of us are exploring new roles and industries. My own career journey reflects this. I started in Public Relations (PR), working at agencies like Elmore Public Relations and companies like CenterPoint Energy, FMC Technologies, and Dow. My initial plan? Stay in communications. My experience was a good fit for my resume, but I wanted something different. Then, #Amazon came to my university recruiting for Operations Managers. I had a Supply Chain Management degree, some classes, and a capstone project—but no real operations experience. I needed a new approach. Here's what I did: - Job Description Deep Dive: I didn't just read the job description, I dissected it. I focused on the type of candidate they wanted—team dynamics, responsibilities, culture. It wasn't about matching my existing experience, but understanding the target. - Skill Categorization: I broke down the job description into key skills: communication, problem-solving, stakeholder management, leadership, etc. This gave me a framework to evaluate my strengths. - Experience Alignment: This was the toughest part. I had some great PR wins (1M media impressions, 25% social media growth), but they didn't directly translate to operations. It was a hard lesson: past wins DON’T guarantee future success if they're not relevant. My resume needed to reflect where I wanted to go, not just where I'd been. Key takeaways: 1) Thoroughly assess your target role. 2) Categorize skills. 3) Even huge wins might not be relevant if they don't align with your goals. My journey in tech at #Amazon, #Uber, #PayPal, and #Google has required me to repeatedly apply and adapt these steps. It wasn't easy, but it taught me about strategic thinking, adaptability, and the value of #transferableskills. What are your career transition tips? Share in the comments! 👇 #myjourneyintech #careerchange #operations #techcareers #google #jobsearch #careeradvice #pivot #skills #resumetips #transferableskills #careertransition #jobhunt #careerjourney #blackintech