What to do when you’re exploring a career change.
Positioning your past for a future that pays off.
Back in February, I was thinking a lot about how to reach a lot more people and help them find career clarity.
At that time, I had spoken one-on-one with over 70 people navigating career transitions.
Here’s what I discovered:
Most people weren’t sure where all their skills fit in and didn’t know what to do next.
So I decided to create a Career Clarity SWOT Template and wrote a 4-part newsletter series on identifying strengths and opportunities for your next career move.
Today, I’m going deeper on what to do when you’re exploring a career change.
You can’t be considered indispensable while staying invisible.
And no, this isn’t a motivational line - this is real life.
Just like you wouldn’t hire your cousin who just learned to bake to make your 3-tier wedding cake…
You have to do the work.
Show your work.
Stack your skills.
Stretch beyond your current job title and start operating like the one you want.
Because most times, you don’t need more signs.
You need to ask yourself better questions.
Let’s break this down - depending on what stage you’re in:
If you're feeling lost or unsure about what you want:
What am I naturally good at, even if I’ve never been paid for it?
What parts of my work drain me, and what energizes me?
When was the last time I felt proud of something I created or led?
What kinds of problems do I enjoy solving and for whom?
What do people frequently come to me for help with?
If you're gaining awareness but need direction:
What skills, strengths, and experiences do I already have and which ones am I undermining?
Where do I add the most value in my role or team?
What does “growth” mean for me right now (not 5 years ago)?
Where do I feel underutilized, and what could I volunteer to own, lead, or improve?
If you're seeking more responsibility or ownership:
What would make a founder, leader, or manager trust me with outcomes, not just tasks?
What decisions do I shy away from, and why?
What’s one area of the business I could step up in, even without a formal title?
If my manager took a 2-week vacation, what could I confidently run on their behalf?
If you're ready to grow into leadership:
What traits (e.g., strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, ownership) do I need to show more consistently?
What kind of leadership does my team or company need right now, and am I showing up that way?
How am I contributing to the long-term vision, not just short-term tasks?
How visible is my work, who actually knows about the work I’m doing and the results I’m driving?
If you're ready to position yourself for your next big move:
What results, stories, or wins make me undeniable on paper and in rooms? (think projects, or highlights that make your resume, portfolio, or case study undeniable)
What’s missing from my track record that would make someone say, “We need them.”?
What networks or relationships do I need to strengthen or expand?
How am I already showing up like I’m at the next level? What am I doing today to signal that I’m not just ready for the next level, I’m already operating like I’m there?
Because here’s the thing:
The doors you want won’t open just because you knock.
They open when you’ve grown into the person who can walk in and lead once inside.
No matter where you are in your career (confused, coasting, or craving more), the answers you need begin with better questions and the courage to answer them honestly.
I’m not asking you to feel completely ready before you take on opportunities. But you do have to stop waiting. You do have to start believing in your own ability.
Start stretching beyond what you’ve done.
Start dragging your own seat to the table.
Start showing up like you belong - because you do.
Skill stacking, visibility, leadership, they all begin with awareness and grow through intention.
You don’t need to wait for permission. You need a plan, and it starts by asking better questions.
Then let those answers guide your next bold step.
And if you're ready to get clarity on some of your questions - join my AMA this Saturday.
You’ll walk away with clarity, strategy, and a better sense of how to position yourself for the kind of pivot that actually pays off.
Thank you so much. I needed this.