Latest news with #careertransition
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Mastering Transitions: Skills For Navigating Change In Your Career
Erica Yanney, Career Coach at Altitude Career Coaching. getty We've all been there: In certain moments, it seems that the world we once knew no longer exists. Whether because of something positive or negative, our world seems upside down, and we are forced to figure it all out again. Life is full of these moments, perhaps more than we would like, and as the world changes faster and faster, you may be experiencing transitions more frequently than ever before. As a coach, I've been involved with three significant kinds of life transitions: career changes (changing roles and industries, getting promotions and going into leadership), job loss and immigration. Recently, I've been working with more clients transitioning from humanitarian and federal jobs to the corporate world, as well as leaders confronted with how AI is revolutionizing the ways we do business. Knowing that so many out there are grappling with these challenges motivated me to write this article. No matter what type of transition you're going through, the process of regaining a sense of balance and happiness tends to be similar. In this article, I'm going to discuss some of the common processes you may need to undergo to overcome a transition. Humans are creatures of habit. Our brains like automated processes that are ingrained and don't require a lot of energy. Change creates discomfort. Our brains are forced to deal with unfamiliar stimuli and find new ways to respond. Coupled with that, change can trigger feelings of insecurity, and not knowing what will happen can lead to fear of losing autonomy, uncertainty about how it will affect our relationships and doubt about our ability to handle the situation. Developing your emotional intelligence—your self-awareness, adaptability, optimism and achievement orientation—can help you navigate moments of confusion better. If you have not developed these life skills yet, this can be a great opportunity to learn and become better at them. The Building Blocks of Emotional Intelligence 12-book series, written by Daniel Goleman and his colleagues, is a good resource. The good news is that this process can change you for the better. Keep in mind that whatever shock you face won't last forever. You are an intelligent and capable being who's able to figure it out. What is not clear now will become clear. And you don't have to go through it alone. Lean on your friends and family, or seek professional support, to help you find your bearings and survive. As you go through the initial shock of the transition, monitor your internal self-talk and the stories your brain is creating to protect you and make sense of the situation. Your initial impressions may not correspond to reality, as our brains often overreact at first. Process your feelings and observe yourself internally. Give yourself time to reflect and understand what is going on inside of you. Be aware of your reactions, and be careful not to lash out at others because of your internal emotional turmoil, as it can damage relationships and opportunities. The more we go through life-changing events, the more we understand the world and ourselves. Each challenge demands that we adapt who we are and what we believe in. It is natural. Be open to the transformation. Anchor yourself on what you know: who you are, what you believe, your values and your purpose. Recall these anchors when you're in crisis. These deep and foundational truths will help you navigate doubts and find answers that align with who you are, what you believe and who you want to be. In the midst of chaos, these are truths to hold on to; they'll give you a sense of stability and security. Our internal processing and the way we handle change are things we can control; we can decide how we are going to react. While you may not have the same level of control regarding external circumstances, you can progress in your knowledge about the situation to be better equipped to decide the best way to survive and thrive in the new circumstances. Keep your mind, eyes and ears open. Exploring, being curious, learning and sensing, in a nonreactive way, can help you make sense of it all. Just remember that first impressions may not be the whole truth or the truth at all. Give yourself time to analyze things better. Once you've regained your self-awareness and situational awareness, think about your goals. What do you want to happen in this situation? How can it become better? What are the rewards that can come out of it? Self-motivation and achievement orientation can be the keys to overcoming the initial shock paralysis and getting you moving. Ideating solutions, identifying what you need to learn and taking progressive small steps toward normalcy and stability will bring new energy and new focus to your life and career. Everyone's journey is unique. Adaptability and resilience will help you prevail during times of change. They'll keep you progressing and reaching new heights of performance. They'll help you find success regardless of external circumstances. Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with resources and support, and know that you will figure out a way to get through any transition that comes your way. Whether you're facing unemployment, immigrating to a new country, becoming a leader, transitioning into a new career, moving from a federal job into the corporate world or dealing with the challenges of AI, don't be discouraged. There are strategies to get through any change successfully. You just need to open your eyes and senses and start learning to get there. Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How To Future-Proof Your Career At Age 45 And Stay Competitive
Mid-career professionals are embracing upskilling and digital tools to stay relevant in today's ... More digital workforce. Your forties arrive faster than expected. One moment, you're the rising voice in the room; the next, you're planning for retirement while navigating a workplace that increasingly amplifies the perspectives of recent graduates. If you're 45 and questioning how to keep up in a job market that seems to shift by the minute, you're not the only one. What worked in your 30s may now feel outdated. On the positive side, your career isn't winding down; it's evolving. The employment rate for the 45-54 age group is consistently high, reflecting a large and stable segment of the workforce, according to Statista. However, unemployed individuals 45 and older face ageism. You must be intentional about staying visible and maintaining their value. Staying relevant requires an ongoing strategy that evolves with your industry, not against it. By age 45, many professionals face growing pressure to adapt to digital transformation and generational shifts in the workplace. According to the Harvard Business Review, age-diverse teams lead to stronger innovation and performance. But experience alone won't keep you competitive. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and edX offer short, accessible certifications specifically designed for mid-career professionals. A career pivot doesn't require starting from scratch; it requires a strategic rebrand. Update your LinkedIn profile with a clear headline that aligns with your future goals, not just past roles. Share posts or insights that position you as a thought leader. Use AI tools like Resume Worded or Teal HQ to audit your LinkedIn for keyword strength and tone. Staying competitive at 45 means combining experience with adaptability, balancing what you've ... More mastered with a willingness to grow. Instead of just aiming higher on the corporate ladder, seek roles that flex your expertise while helping you grow. These include: If you've considered launching a business, your mid-40s are the best time to do it. MIT Sloan found that entrepreneurs aged 40-60 statistically build more sustainable companies than younger founders. Offer mentorship while remaining open to new approaches. Reverse mentoring is a powerful way to stay agile and informed across generations. Future-proofing your career is a continuous process. The mindset shift involves replacing 'I've done this before' with 'What can I learn next?' Chasing every trend is exhausting; you'll burn yourself out. Staying aligned with what the future of work in your sector demands focus. Stay adaptable, not anchored. The job market may be changing, but your ability to adapt gives you a distinct edge. Make your move before it passes you by; step into it with intention. The professionals who thrive at 45 and beyond are boldly building what's next.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
GA-based nonprofit helps veterans find new careers after serving in military
Service members learn how to be dependable, committed, and disciplined. But many veterans have difficulty finding a job in civilian life once their time in the military is finished. An Alpharetta-based nonprofit is helping veterans launch new careers. James Cardwell knows service. 'I'm a veteran of the US military. I served in the Army, Navy, and the Air Force.' When he started a new mission, looking for a civilian job, his resume needed work. 'Coming from combat arms, tons of management experience, obviously, I worked with lots of different systems. But nothing equated over to the civilian world,' Cardwell said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] He connected with Hire Heroes USA. The nonprofit helps military veterans and their spouses with job search skills and information, all for free. The nonprofit has more than 100,000 confirmed hires. Romaine Byrd said resume tweaks can be the key, changing military language into the terms that businesses use. Byrd said local businesses looking for dependable, hard-working employees should get in touch with them. 'If you do have a spot for a veteran that's looking for employment, please reach out and let us know,' he said. Cardwell now works in technology and said Hire Heroes USA helped him take the next step. 'They're your wingman, the guy in the foxhole with you, your fellow sailor right there. Anything you need, they're there to help you out,' Cardwell said. TRENDING STORIES: Governor's office said it will start issuing special tax refund checks this week PHOTOS: 'Itsy-Bitsy, Teenie-Tiny' town is Georgia's third most visited Midtown Taco Mac abruptly closes, second location to do so in as many months [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
6 Tips For Moms Returning To Work After A Career Break
Returning to corporate work after a career break to raise children is a major life pivot. Whether you've been home for one year, five or more than a decade, the transition back into the workforce comes with both challenges and opportunities. According to a FlexJobs survey, 70 percent of women who off-ramped their careers after having kids said it was difficult to reenter the workforce. For professional moms, the stakes can feel high—navigating expectations, explaining resume gaps and adjusting to changes in workplace culture and technology. Before updating your resume or applying to jobs, take stock of your current skills. What software are you comfortable using? What industry knowledge do you still have, and what needs refreshing? You'll also want to reflect on the transferable skills you've developed while managing a household or raising kids: time management, conflict resolution, multitasking, project coordination, budgeting—these are all assets in the workplace. If you've been away for just a year, your skills are likely still current. Focus on highlighting relevant experience and demonstrating continued interest in your field. For breaks of five years or more, consider identifying skill gaps and creating a plan to address them through self-directed learning or short-term courses. Free or low-cost platforms like Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning offer targeted refreshers in everything from Excel and Salesforce to data analytics and digital marketing. Even reading industry blogs or listening to sector-specific podcasts can help you re-enter the conversation with confidence. Networking is often the biggest hurdle after a long break, but it's also a valuable tool for re-entering the workforce. Reach out to former colleagues, managers or industry peers—even if it feels awkward at first. Let them know you're planning your return and ask for a short call or coffee to catch up. Don't be limited in what communities you consider, either. School groups, local business associations and alumni networks can offer surprising connections and warm introductions. As a former HR leader at Google and Grammarly, Claire Campion shared during an email interview that she has supported many moms returning to the corporate world after extended career breaks or maternity leave. 'Start by researching how your industry has changed during your time away. Talk to friends or former colleagues to get a real sense of what working life is like now, including the pace, expectations and economic landscape. In fast-moving industries like tech, a lot can shift in five years. From there, reflect on whether you want to return to your exact former role or explore an adjacent one that better suits your interests at this stage.' The way you talk about your time away matters. Whether you took a year out of the workplace for parental leave or a decade to raise a family, be honest—but frame it with confidence and clarity. Instead of apologizing for the gap, briefly explain the decision and pivot to the strengths you gained. Campion advises, 'Be honest and direct. You took time away from your career to raise your family and now that your children are older, you're ready to return to the workforce full-time. Reinforce what you bring to the table, your experience, skillset and readiness to hit the ground running. In 2025, power skills like communication, emotional intelligence and stakeholder management are just as important as technical ones, especially for more senior roles.' Rehearse your explanation in advance, so it comes across naturally in interviews and networking conversations. One example: "I stepped away from my career to raise my family, which gave me the opportunity to develop strong project management, communication and negotiation skills. I'm excited to bring that perspective back into a team setting, especially now that I've updated my skills and am ready for the next chapter." Returning to work can stir up a lot of emotion; guilt, anxiety and imposter syndrome are common companions in this journey. At ten years or more, the doubts can feel overwhelming. Know that these feelings are valid, but not necessarily accurate. You're not the same person who left the workforce, you're more experienced, more adaptable and you've been managing one of the most complex jobs there is. Find a mentor or support group of other moms who've gone through similar transitions. Talking openly about these challenges can help normalize them and build your confidence. Campion confirms that the biggest emotional roadblocks she has seen are self-doubt, loss of confidence and anxiety about re-entering a fast-paced workplace. 'Many wrestle with impostor syndrome or uncertainty about what role to return to. And then there's the very real Mom Guilt, feeling like you're not doing enough at home or at work. These emotions are common, but they're not permanent and they can be worked through with the right support.' Jackie Hershfeld, who returned to the corporate world in 2022 after ten years staying home with her three children, shared her advice for return-to-work moms in an email. 'Accept that you're going to feel like you're failing in at least one area of your life, be willing to recognize you're not and celebrate that you're doing this amazing, hard thing. Yes, you might have to meet your family at your kid's art show rather than drive all together, or maybe your laundry doesn't get folded as quickly or you have to order carry out because you're just too tired to cook and deal with dishes, but you're also taking care and loving on your family while bringing in an income. And yes, all of these examples are real examples from just this week.' Returnships—structured programs designed to help professionals re-enter the workforce after a break—are becoming more common at large companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs and IBM. These paid programs offer training, mentorship and the chance to prove yourself with no long-term commitment upfront. Even if a company doesn't offer a formal returnship, look for job descriptions labeled 'mid-career entry,' 'career relaunch' or 'second act.' Even with jobs geared towards returning parents, don't expect it will still be easy. Hershfeld recalls, 'Job hunting whatever stage of life you're in is humbling. You're going to get rejected. You're going to think a role is an amazing fit and then it's not. You have to decide that every rejection is a redirection.' You may not land your dream job on day one. That's okay. Focus on positioning yourself for long-term success. Be strategic about the roles you apply to—look for companies with strong parental leave policies, hybrid or flexible work options and a culture that values inclusion. When Hershfeld's situation was no longer a fit at the first company she joined post-career break, she made a change. She explains, 'I have a son with dyslexia who is supported by an incredible school, I need the flexibility to be primarily remote when my husband is traveling to get him to and from school and the ability to work some non traditional hours. I made the choice to change companies to support that need.' Stay open to unexpected opportunities. A contract job, part-time role or freelance project can be a stepping stone that gets you in the door and lets you rebuild your professional muscle. Campion shares, 'Re-entering the workforce takes resilience and patience for everyone, not just moms. Be kind to yourself. You do have valuable skills and experience, it may take time to find the right fit.' Your technical and professional skills are still fresh. You'll want to focus on confidence-building and updating your resume with any relevant volunteer or short-term projects. Reassure employers that you're ready to commit and that you've kept a finger on the pulse of your industry. This is a common milestone when many moms consider returning. You may need to refresh some tools or software, but you still have a strong foundation. Consider a skills course or networking group to ease the transition and show proactive preparation. A longer break doesn't disqualify you—but it does require more intention. In many cases, employers will care about how you've spent that time. Volunteer roles, community leadership, continued education or freelance work can all serve as bridges back to your profession. Demonstrate readiness, not regret.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
What Do You Actually Do In This Job Market?
Miriam Groom, (M.A. Psyc.) Organizational Therapist, CEO of Mindful Career, and Leader, Human Capital at KPMG. Let's be honest—today's job market is unpredictable. Despite widespread layoffs and hiring freezes in some sectors, others are quietly booming. But for job seekers, especially mid-career professionals or those in transition, the dominant feeling is confusion. Every week, I speak with professionals who ask: 'What am I doing wrong?' 'Do I need to rebrand myself?' 'Should I pivot, freelance or go back to school?' Here's the truth: The market is complex, but with the right mindset and tools, it's not impossible. Below is a roadmap I share with my clients—and now with you. It's tempting to apply to every opening that vaguely fits. But that strategy can lead to burnout and low response rates. What to do instead: • Pick three to five companies a week you genuinely want to work for. • Research their recent press, product launches and leadership changes (try Crunchbase or their LinkedIn page). • Tailor your resume and outreach based on how you can solve a current business problem for them. Resource: You can use JobScan to optimize your resume against a specific job description. It improves keyword alignment, which helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Your resume isn't just a list—it's a narrative. In today's market, your ability to communicate your career story can be just as important as your qualifications. Try this: Craft a 'Career Positioning Statement.' One or two lines that answer: • Who are you professionally? • What unique value do you bring? • What kind of opportunity are you pursuing now? Here's an example: 'I'm a purpose-driven marketing strategist with 10+ years in B2B SaaS, passionate about helping early-stage companies grow through brand clarity and demand generation. I'm now exploring mission-led startups or consulting opportunities.' Resource: Try Teal HQ to build your career tracker and craft a positioning statement with structure. If full-time roles are elusive, it doesn't mean you're stuck. Consider a portfolio career—a combination of short-term gigs, freelance work or contract roles. Why this works: • Keeps income flowing • Fills resume gaps • Broadens your skill set and network • Sometimes leads to full-time opportunities How to get started: • Set up a profile on Upwork, Contra or Toptal • Join Slack communities or Substacks for your niche (design, HR, product management, etc.) • Offer project-based help in your network with a clear one-pager This job market is also a mirror. If you're not getting traction, it might not be your fault—it might be misalignment. Ask yourself: • Do I still want this role or am I doing it because I 'should'? • Do my current strengths align with where the market is going? • Is it time to rebrand, upskill or reposition? Resource: Use the O*NET Interest Profiler to explore roles based on your preferences and skills. It's backed by the U.S. Department of Labor and surprisingly insightful. And if you're thinking of a career change, platforms like CareerOneStop or LinkedIn Learning offer guided paths that help you reskill strategically—without enrolling in a costly degree. It's often said that up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking. In a market this noisy, relationships cut through the clutter. Actionable steps: • Reconnect with five former colleagues or classmates this month—without asking for anything. • Post thought leadership or insights on LinkedIn once a week to build your digital presence. • Attend industry-specific webinars or virtual meetups and follow up with speakers or attendees on LinkedIn. Resource: Try Lunchclub or Shapr to connect with professionals in your target industries without the awkward small talk. When things feel uncertain, it's easy to go into overdrive—sending out endless resumes, jumping on every job board or doubting your worth. But this market doesn't reward hustle alone. It rewards strategy, clarity and alignment. If you're feeling stuck, try this: • Reflect on what energizes you (not just what you've done) • Tighten your personal brand • Diversify your income streams • Stay curious—and stay connected Your next opportunity might not come from the path you planned, but it may be even better. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
