Finding New Perspectives to Stay Motivated in Career Search

📚”Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career" by Herminia Ibarra Just finished an interesting read this weekend: Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about a completely different career, envisioning a life that feels more aligned with your true self? Whether it's a passing thought during a hectic workday or a deep-seated yearning for something more fulfilling, the desire to reinvent ourselves is something many of us have felt. But how do we take that leap without feeling like we're throwing away everything we've worked for? Enter Herminia Ibarra’s enlightening book, Working Identity. This book felt like a conversation with a wise friend who sees things differently. Ibarra challenges the traditional wisdom that we need to have it all figured out before we can make a move. Instead, she flips the script, suggesting that we learn by doing. It’s a refreshing perspective: career reinvention isn't a straight line but a winding path where we try on various "possible selves." Ibarra’s model for career transition is both practical & inspiring. She suggests three key strategies that anyone can adopt: Experimenting with New Activities: Dip your toes into different professional roles to discover hidden talents and interests. Interacting in New Networks: Engage with diverse groups of people who can open new doors and offer fresh insights. Reflecting on Experiences: Take time to make sense of your journey and the new possibilities that arise. The book is filled with fascinating stories—like a literature professor who became a stockbroker & an investment banker who found her calling as a novelist. These stories aren't just entertaining; they're proof that radical change is possible. Here are some of the golden nuggets I took away: Explore Possible Selves: Give yourself permission to try new things and see what excites you. Craft Identity Experiments: Set up small, low-risk experiments to test out new career ideas. Create Small Wins: Celebrate the little victories that keep you motivated and moving forward. Navigate the In-Between: Embrace the uncertainty that comes with change, knowing it's part of the process. Connect with Mentors: Seek out mentors and role models who can guide and support you. Reflect and Reframe: Regularly pause to reflect on your experiences and adjust your course as needed. Embrace New Stories: Start telling a new story that integrates your past with who you are becoming. Reading Working Identity was like having a heart-to-heart with someone who truly understands the complexities of career change. It's a heartfelt reminder that our journeys are uniquely our own and that the path to a fulfilling career is rarely straightforward. If you’re yearning for something more, maybe it’s time to let go of the old script & start experimenting with the new. Who knows what exciting adventures lie ahead? #WeekendMusings #BookReview #WorkingIdentity #LifeLongLearning #PersonalDevelopment

Job searching can feel like gloom and doom—but I want you to focus on a different rhyming word instead: BLOOM. Yesterday, I attended the North Carolina Museum of Art's Annual Art in Bloom opening day. I was inspired by the stunning floral arrangements on display, and I left feeling hopeful—reminded that growth happens when you nurture what’s already there. That got me thinking about how career growth works the same way. Here’s a framework you can use to keep momentum during a challenging job search along with some free job search resources: B.L.O.O.M. B – Brainpower your career Before you dive into a job search, the thought work comes first. Jumping straight into applications without a plan is like trying to navigate a new city without a map—you might get somewhere, but it won’t be efficient or strategic. 1. Build your target company list Use tools like Crunchbase and LinkedIn to identify companies that align with your career goals, values, and desired growth trajectory. Look beyond obvious names—consider companies that are scaling, have strong leadership, or are in industries where your expertise is in high demand. 2. Identify decision-makers Once you have your list, use platforms like Hunter and TheOrg to find the right contacts—executives, hiring managers, or functional leaders—so you know exactly who to connect with. 3. Leverage your centers of influence Think about mentors, colleagues, and past collaborators who can help open doors. Share your target company list with them and ask for introductions or guidance. Strategic referrals often get you further than cold outreach alone. L – Leverage your strengths Focus on what you do best. Make sure your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews highlight your unique value—not just a laundry list of responsibilities. See comment section for a resource on how to build out result rich resume bullet points. O – Optimize your brand Your personal brand is more than your resume. Share thought leadership, highlight achievements, and make it clear why you’re the right person for the roles you want. See comments for a white paper on how to write a LinkedIn profile. O – Organized strategy Treat your search like a project. Track applications, follow-ups, and networking opportunities. Small, consistent actions add up faster than sporadic bursts of activity. M – Move forward with confidence Job searches can be slow and unpredictable. Keep taking action, stay visible, and don’t let setbacks shake your belief in your skills and potential. Make daily and weekly outreach goals. **You should not be measuring how many jobs you are applying to each day. Instead, focus on decision-maker conversations.*** When you approach your career like this, you’re not just surviving the search—you’re planting seeds for growth and opportunity, and eventually, you bloom. 🌸

What if your greatest career success... is also your biggest obstacle to growth? Experience is a powerful foundation but it can also be a trap. The skills and frameworks that propelled your success are deeply ingrained. So much so that, when you step into building your own path, ego may tempt you to rely on the familiar... instead of exploring the new. But genuine reinvention means releasing that need for certainty and control. It means quieting the ego so you can fully engage in creating what’s next. Here’s why that’s important: Ego, if left unchecked, doesn’t just limit growth... it blocks your ability to see new opportunities. In a recent conversation with clients, we recognized a few places where ego was getting in the way... and actionable ways to leave it behind as you enter your next chapter: 1) Identify Where Ego Limits Your Curiosity Ask yourself: Do I dismiss new approaches favoring “tried and true” methods? If you’re saying “I already know this” before you’ve taken time to explore... ego may be at play. Begin asking “What don’t I know?” or “How might I look at this differently?” and see where that openness leads you. 2) Shift from “Proving” to “Exploring” Often, we want to showcase our knowledge to maintain a sense of certainty. Instead, try approaching this phase as an exploration, not a test. Embrace the freedom to • try • adapt • learn without the pressure of immediate results. This shift from proving to exploring can release ego’s grip and free up creative energy. 3) Embrace the Beginner Mindset Stepping into uncharted territory? Rather than bringing in your “big career” identity, approach it like a beginner... with curiosity and humility. • ask questions • seek help • don’t assume you know the answers This mindset invites fresh perspectives and unlocks new avenues of learning and growth. 4) Look for Small Wins Beyond Recognition Ego often pushes us toward highly visible successes. But real transformation doesn’t need a spotlight. Seek out the smaller, everyday wins in this new chapter. • a new insight • a constructive conversation • a completed task that moves you forward Recognizing these incremental steps keeps the focus on growth, not external validation. 5) Pause to Reflect Regularly Schedule time each week to reflect. Ask yourself: “Where did I let my assumptions lead today?” “Where did I approach with openness?” This self-awareness keeps ego in check and reinforces a more flexible, growth-oriented mindset. Transformation is inherently uncomfortable, especially for accomplished leaders who are used to “having it all together.” But stepping beyond ego is essential for true innovation. In the CreateNext approach, we see it as a critical first step: letting go of the old to build what’s new. Question... In what ways might holding on to ‘proven’ methods be limiting your ability to embrace your new path fully?

Stuck isn’t a place—it’s a mindset. For years, I thought the perfect career would simply find me. Spoiler: it didn’t. It took courage, curiosity, and a few missteps to realize that staying stuck wasn’t an option—and neither is it for you. Here’s the truth: you have the power to rewrite your story. If 2025 feels like the year to pivot, explore, or reignite your passion, here are 25 practical ways to get started: 1. Align with your values: What truly matters to you? 2. Get curious: What sparks your interest? Follow that thread. 3. Reconnect with your network: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or peers. 4. Experiment: Test-drive new roles or skills through freelance work or volunteering. 5. Create a side project: Showcase your talents on your terms. 6. Invest in learning: Take a course, read a book, or attend a workshop. 7. Job shadow: Observe someone in a role you aspire to. 8. Update your CV and LinkedIn: Tell your story clearly and authentically. 9. Explore new industries: What field has always intrigued you? Dive in. 10. Set realistic goals: Start with small, actionable steps. 11. Join communities: Surround yourself with people who inspire you. 12. Reflect often: Ask yourself, “What’s working? What’s not?” 13. Prioritize self-care: Don’t let burnout derail your journey. 14. Ask for feedback: From colleagues or trusted friends—it’s invaluable. 15. Attend industry events: Meet people and learn what’s trending. 16. Embrace imperfections: No job (or career pivot) will be flawless. 17. Find a mentor: A guide can make all the difference. 18. Use online resources: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are gold mines. 19. Research company cultures: Do they align with your values? 20. Develop soft skills: Communication, adaptability, and empathy are timeless. 21. Track your progress: Celebrate every step forward. 22. Stay flexible: Your dream job might look different than you imagine. 23. Consider coaching: A career coach can provide clarity and structure. 24. Take risks: Growth lives outside your comfort zone. 25. Keep going: The journey to your dream career is worth it. I’ve seen it firsthand: when you take brave, intentional steps, amazing opportunities unfold. So, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take one small step today. Who knows? Your next big adventure might be closer than you think. 💬 What’s one thing you’ve done to get ‘unstuck’ in your career? ♻️ Think this post could help someone in your network? Share it! 👋🏼 Hey, I’m Utkarsh—Executive Coach and lifelong learner. I share insights on leadership, growth, and living courageously. Follow along for more thoughts and strategies.

Let’s be honest — job hunting in 2025 feels like running a marathon… on a treadmill. You keep moving, applying, interviewing — but progress feels invisible. So when that “Congratulations!” mail finally hit my inbox last week, I paused — not just to celebrate, but to reflect. Here’s what really helped me get there 👇 🌟 1️⃣ Self-awareness over speed I stopped chasing every opening. Instead, I asked: “Where will my strengths create real impact?” That clarity helped me tailor my resume, not spray it everywhere. 💬 2️⃣ Communication that connects I prepared for interviews like conversations — not interrogations. Instead of memorizing answers, I shared stories: “How I handled resistance in training” or “What I learned leading cross-team collaboration.” Stories make you memorable — not just qualified. ⚙️ 3️⃣ Adaptability Each rejection became feedback. I didn’t rewrite my resume a hundred times; I refined my approach — tone, examples, and outcomes. Every “no” pointed me closer to the “yes.” 🔥 4️⃣ Confidence with humility When asked, “Why should we hire you?” — I said: “Because I’ve done the work that solves the challenges you’re describing.” Confidence rooted in experience — not ego — hits differently. 💡 5️⃣ Resilience Even when things slowed down, I showed up. Networking, learning, improving — because consistency compounds. So yes — the market is tough. But if you lead with clarity, authenticity, and curiosity — you don’t need 100 chances. You need one right fit. If you’re still looking — don’t lose hope. Your story just needs the right spotlight.✨ #CareerGrowth #JobSearch #Resilience #Mindset #Opportunities #FutureOfWork #CareerJourney #LinkedInCommunity

"Sorry, we've decided to go with another candidate." The rejection email hit my inbox like a ton of bricks. My heart sank, and for a moment, I felt lost. But here's a twist: What if it's not rejection, but a redirection? I remember a time when I was sure a role was my perfect fit. The job description seemed tailored to my skills, and the interviews went smoothly. I was so close, yet it slipped away. Instead of dwelling, I reframed it. This mental shift was crucial for my professional growth. I sent a thank-you note, expressing my admiration for their work. I highlighted specific aspects of the company that impressed me during the interview process. This simple act kept the door open for future opportunities. It's a small world, and maintaining positive relationships is invaluable. Then, I treated myself to a day of joy. Self-care is essential when navigating career challenges. A favorite book, a long walk, and a coffee with a friend. These simple pleasures helped me regain perspective. It was refreshing. I felt my energy and motivation returning. And guess what? A few months later, a better opportunity came along. One that aligned even more closely with my long-term career goals. Looking back, I realize that initial rejection was a blessing in disguise. It pushed me to refine my skills, expand my network, and clarify my professional aspirations. So, next time you face a rejection, remember: It's not the end. It's a step towards something greater. Here are some strategies I've found helpful for bouncing back from setbacks: 1. Practice gratitude: List three things you're thankful for in your career journey. 2. Seek feedback: Ask for constructive criticism to identify areas for improvement. 3. Upskill: Use the time to learn a new skill relevant to your field. 4. Expand your network: Attend industry events or reach out to professionals you admire. 5. Revisit your goals: Ensure your career path aligns with your values and aspirations. Remember, resilience is a skill. With each challenge, you're building your capacity to adapt and thrive in your professional life. How do you bounce back from setbacks? Share your strategies in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and grow together! 💪 #CareerGrowth #Resilience #JobSearch #ProfessionalDevelopment #OpportunityInDisguise #PositiveAttitude #CareerAdvice

I’d like to share my final thoughts on my recent job search adventure — specifically the mindset and practices that made it not only survivable, but even enjoyable. 🔹 A job search is not a game or a lottery. It’s a project. A demanding, data-driven, emotionally humbling project — and one that quietly builds skills you rarely have time to develop while fully employed. 🔹 Treat your job search like a serious business initiative • Not a side hustle • A project with goals, constraints, and feedback loops Approach it with curiosity, not judgment. 🔹 Be intentional (and a little boring). This is where momentum actually comes from. • Time-block everything • Be deliberate about tools • Track your activity and record outcomes • Learn the language of the current job market you’re in • Analyze patterns • Iterate 🔹 Early phase: talk to lots of people. At the beginning, volume is information. Speak with as many recruiters and hiring managers as you can — not to “win,” but to: • calibrate the market • sharpen your story • understand real expectations vs. job descriptions • Think market research, not selling. 🔹 Go all-in on take-home assignments • Yes, they’re time-consuming. • Yes, they’re exhausting. They also: • show the quality of your thinking • demonstrate genuine interest • reveal alignment (or lack of it) early • shape the dynamic of the conversation My goal was always to delight and surprise — with preparation, insight, and thoughtful questions. 🔹 Don’t judge channels too early. Early assumptions are often wrong. Invest in parallel: • LinkedIn & company career pages • Slack groups • X, Discord, Telegram when relevant • In-person coffees, happy hours, community events, etc. Go where your people are. 🔹 Get brutally clear on your requirements. Clarity saves time. And energy. And sanity. It helps you: • optimize interview effort • spot market patterns faster • say “no” earlier (and with less guilt) Look for signals: • bundles of skills everybody is looking for • in-office expectations • emerging or shifting titles • compensation trends • what’s actually valued vs. what’s written 🔹 Research deeply — especially at senior levels. This part is non-negotiable. • Research the company and the people. • Follow up with interviewers you genuinely connected with. • Stay engaged with company news. This isn’t transactional. It’s relational. 🔹 Cultural fit: the hardest — and most important — signal. Trust your intuition. Pay attention to: • leadership energy and length of tenures • team dynamics • decision-making style • whether these are truly your people Skills can grow. Misaligned energy rarely disappears. 🔹 A final note. Keep your sense of humor. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. It’s a job search — not a referendum on your worth. New chapter for me starts Monday. Stay tuned. #JobSearch #CareerJourney #CareerGrowth #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Hiring #Resilience

Hail Marys are not a job search strategy. I recently met with someone who was feeling utterly exhausted in his job search. He was going through the motions - sending out countless applications, only to have them disappear into rabbit holes. It was a frustrating cycle of submitting his resume, waiting for a response, and often being met with silence or the dreaded ghosting. 👻 Here’s what I know after spending close to a decade in tech recruiting: Firing off resumes into the void isn’t a strategy; it’s a recipe for frustration and burnout. That frantic energy can actually repel opportunities instead of attracting them. What’s needed is a serious shift in your approach: Intention. Clarity. Focus. Here’s how to simplify your process: ✅ Identify Target Companies: Be selective and intentional. Envision not just a job, but a place where you will thrive - where your skills and values align. This clarity saves you time and energy. ✅ Craft a Compelling Narrative: Don’t just tweak your resume - tell your story. Before reaching out to a company, ask yourself: What unique value do I bring? Research the company’s projects, culture, and goals. Clearly connect your past achievements to their current needs, demonstrating why you’re the solution they’ve been searching for. ✅ Organize Your Process: Create a tracking system for applications and follow-ups. Staying organized empowers you to move forward strategically. ✅ Engage with Purpose: Did you know that 50% to 80% of job openings never get posted? Tap into this hidden job market by building authentic relationships, not just transactional ones. Engage with industry thought leaders - comment on their posts, attend industry events, or schedule coffee chats. Genuine connections can open doors to unexpected opportunities. ✅ Reflect and Recharge: Pause to assess your progress and emotions. Ask yourself: Is my search aligned with my values? This reflection keeps you focused and purposeful. And don’t underestimate the power of rest! Breaks rejuvenate your mind and spirit, giving you fresh energy and perspective for your journey. By shifting from a scattershot approach to a focused, intentional strategy, you can transform a draining process into a powerful journey of self-discovery and growth. Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your job search? I’m here to help simplify your approach and build a custom roadmap to your dream career. Curious to know how? I’m just a message away. 💬✨

What does it take to make a bold mid-life leap into a new career? You make sense of it. Reflect on the choices you made that got you here. You need to deeply understand who you are and why you made the moves you did. These moves create the building blocks for your story. Make the connection for the employer. The path is not logical until you communicate the logic. Through thoughtful self-reflection, you reveal the values, experiences and motivations that have shaped your career journey. It requires honesty, a kind of truth that is direct and possibly uncomfortable but ultimately clarifying. Things to get you started: · Reflect on everything you’ve ever done, whether it be professional or personal, and ask yourself: What brought me joy? What got me excited? Then start weaving together those pieces as the drivers of each move you made. · Identify the growth you made through the challenges you faced, and what they taught you. · Emphasize the soft skills that allowed you to do the hard things in your career. Traits like adaptability, problem-solving, communication and emotional intelligence. · Learn about the space you want to enter. Find out what problems they are trying to solve and think about how you’ve solved those problems before. · Find people who have made the transition themselves. Request an informational interview and ask them what allowed them to be successful. · Stay motivated by orienting yourself toward what you truly want, what lights you up, rather than simply away from what you don’t want. · When burdened by the reasons to stay put, such as financial security, list the costs of staying. When you can tell your story with clarity and passion, employers want to believe in you. When you make sense of your leap, employers will be willing to make leaps for you.

Careers no longer follow a straight line. They move with seasons, choices, learnings and reinventions. We were once taught to aim for stability. Pick a path, stay on it, climb upward. But today's work landscape rewards adaptability, clarity and the willingness to grow from every shift. Here are a few ways I have seen professionals thrive in this evolving world: 1. Stay curious Keep learning, not only to add new skills, but to widen your perspective. A course, a conversation, a question can unlock your next move. 2. Build real relationships Success is rarely built alone. Connect with people who challenge you, support you and help you grow. Give value before expecting anything in return. 3. Be flexible and grounded Plans change. Industries evolve. What matters is your ability to stay anchored in your values while being open to change. Explore side paths. Strengthen your inner resilience. 4. Seek out mentors and sounding boards The right voices help you think bigger. They ask the questions you have been avoiding and reflect the clarity you already have within. 5. Share your voice Your journey has value. Let people see your work, your thoughts, your beliefs. A strong personal brand is simply a reflection of consistent action and clear intention. Your career may shift in shape, but it can always stay aligned with who you are. What has helped you grow through change? #leadership #growth #motivation #career #future #work