When high-performing folks ask me about resilience during a career transition, the conversation can get awkward.
Why?
Because ambitious folks tend to want to move — forward, faster, now.
They’re all about progression.
Incremental growth.
Speeding ahead.
Their energy usually goes straight towards things like resumes and:
- salaries, benefit packages, and 401ks
- impressive job titles or big teams
- larger scopes or more responsiblity
Because high-achievers often define the value of a role (and sometimes themselves) through those metrics.
Meanwhile, they’re feeling frustrated, anxious, and maybe a little defeated or burned out — not super helpful energy to bring to the search process, an interview, or a new venture.
When I suggest they consider pausing… or (gasp!) looking backward… they tend to bristle or eyeroll.
Because this can feel like a waste of precious time.
Especially when I ask questions like:
- 🏅What accomplishments are you most proud of?
- 💔What are your values and dealbreakers?
- 📚If you were locked in a library for a month, what would you read about?
- 😢What was missing from your last role?
- 😍Who do you admire and why?
- ⚖️What tradeoffs might you consider?
Because this work can help uncover other forms of “career currency” beyond titles or salaries, like::
- purpose-aligned, meaningful work
- opportunities for creative expression
- time to mentor, network, or develop others
- community contribution and leadership
- opportunities to expand adjacent skills
- low-risk opportunities to experiment or learn new skills
- time (for rest, relationships, health, hobbies, or spiritual practice)
- confidence, contentment, or peace
Don’t get me wrong… salaries, benefits, and advancement matter. This isn’t about settling or dismissing experience, ambition or drive.
But careers are long.
And progress doesn’t always look like larger teams, loftier titles, or high salaries. These are things we’ve been told to seek as we advance… not necessarily what we actually need or want.
Why this matters: Transition resilience starts with a growth mindset, clarity, and calm confidence. Revisiting your strengths and successes, understanding your no-gos, exploring your values, interests, and network, and thinking creatively about the experiences you want and need can open more doors than a thousand resumes.
So if you’re navigating a career transition today, you might want to ask yourself:
What does the next version of me truly need…instead of what you think others expect.
(And if you want help exploring that, I’m here to chat.)
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I’m learning about resilience and burnout in real time–connecting dots across leadership, change management, coaching, behavior science and team dynamics. Whether you’re working on your own resilience, or you’re being asked to help your teams, your organizations or your loved ones get better and faster at bouncing back, adapting, and growing, join me as I continue to unpack these topics, and explore healthier ways we can work and lead together.
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Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist…just a voracious reader, leader, certified coach, and communications pro who is intensely curious about resilience and burnout and how it’s playing out in our workplaces and lives today. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please seek out a qualified professional.❤️
