Most people feel trapped by societal expectations, living lives that look good on paper but feel hollow in reality. They do all the “right” things: follow the prescribed path—stable job, predictable career trajectory, meeting everyone else's definition of success—while feeling increasingly disconnected from understanding what it is they actually want.
But what if success isn't a predetermined road map, but a journey you design entirely for yourself?
As a career coach, I've encountered countless professionals struggling with self-doubt, perfectionism and the relentless pursuit of an idealized version of themselves. What if I told you that the secret to unlocking true self-confidence isn't about achieving perfection, but about embracing your imperfections?
Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, looked deeply into your own eyes, and felt an overwhelming urge to press an imaginary reset button on your life?
That gnawing feeling isn't just common—it's a powerful signal that shouldn't be ignored. In this age of carefully curated social media feeds and constant pressure to "have it all figured out," the very idea of starting over can feel like admitting defeat.
But what if we've got it all wrong? What if starting over isn't a step backward, but rather the boldest step forward we can take?
What could that look like, for you?
Stagnation creeps in silently, like fog on a cool morning. At first, it's barely noticeable—a missed opportunity here, a compromised dream there.
Soon enough, you find yourself going through the motions, living each day on repeat. The promotion you once chased feels meaningless. The relationship you're in has lost its spark. The city you live in no longer excites you.
These feelings aren't signs of failure; they're wake-up calls. They're your inner compass pointing toward the need for change.
Take a moment to inventory your life: Which areas feel like they're running on autopilot? Where do you feel the heaviest resistance to change? Understanding where you're stuck is the first crucial step toward getting unstuck.
Society often frames starting over as a last resort, something you do when all else fails. This narrative couldn't be more misleading.
Starting over is an act of courage, a declaration that you value your happiness and potential more than the comfort of familiarity.
It's about recognizing that the path you're on isn't the only path available to you.
Consider this: Every great innovation, every breakthrough, every moment of triumph in human history came from someone willing to start fresh, to question the status quo.
Your personal reset button is no different. It's a tool for innovation in your own life, a chance to redesign your existence according to your current values and aspirations.
In today's “new normal” job market, the concept of a single, linear career path is becoming increasingly obsolete.
Many successful professionals have hit their own reset buttons multiple times, often with remarkable results.
Sara Blakely worked as a fax machine salesperson before founding Spanx. Tabitha Brown was driving for Uber and decided to ‘go vegan.’
These aren't just exceptional cases—they're examples of people who recognized that career reinvention is sometimes necessary for growth.
Signs it might be time for a career reset:
Sunday evening fills you with dread
You've stopped learning or feeling challenged
Your work no longer aligns with your values
You find yourself envying people in completely different fields
Your industry is changing in ways that don't excite you
Starting over professionally doesn't always mean dramatic changes. It might mean:
Transitioning to a different role within your industry
Learning new skills while maintaining your current position
Starting a side business to test the waters
Returning to school for additional education or certification
Taking a step back in seniority to enter a more fulfilling field
Remember: Your career experience is never wasted, even when changing directions. The skills, insights, and relationships you've built transfer in unexpected ways to new endeavors.
Fear and guilt are the twin anchors that keep us moored to unfulfilling situations. "What will others think?" "Am I being selfish?" "What if I fail?"
These questions can paralyze us, keeping us trapped in the familiar discomfort of our current situation.
Here's the truth: The people who truly matter in your life will support your journey to happiness. Those who criticize your choice to start over are often projecting their own fears and regrets.
As for failure? It's a natural part of any worthwhile endeavor. The only real failure is never trying at all.
To work with these emotions:
Acknowledge your fears without letting them drive your decisions
Practice self-compassion during moments of doubt
Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage growth
Remember that guilt is often a sign that you're prioritizing others' expectations over your own well-being
Starting over without direction is like setting sail without a destination. While you don't need to have everything figured out, having a vision for your future can provide crucial momentum.
This vision doesn't have to be a detailed five-year plan—it can be as simple as knowing how you want to feel in your new chapter.
Take time to:
Identify your core values and non-negotiables
Set both short-term and long-term goals
Create actionable steps toward your desired outcome
Establish markers to track your progress
Remember, your vision can evolve as you do. The important thing is having a direction that excites and motivates you.'
Starting over isn't a single moment—it's a process of continuous growth and adaptation. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and unexpected challenges.
These aren't signs that you've made the wrong choice; they're natural parts of any significant life change.
Think of it like learning to walk: Every toddler falls countless times before mastering their balance. Each fall is a lesson, not a failure. Similarly, your journey of starting over will have its stumbles. Embrace them as part of your growth story.
Starting over isn't about erasing your past—it's about using your experiences as stepping stones toward a more authentic future.
Whether it's changing careers, ending a relationship, moving to a new city, or simply shifting your perspective, the decision to hit reset can be the most liberating choice you make.
Remember, you don't have to wait for a crisis to start over. Sometimes, the quiet whisper of discontent is all the reason you need.
Your life is a story in progress, and you hold the pen. Don't be afraid to turn the page and start a new chapter.
Yours in new beginnings goodness,
EBS
P.S. Click here to get on the list for more actionable career advice sent straight to your inbox.
—-
EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
Unsatisfied with your work? Start HERE now!
Do you want to get a new job before the end of the year?
There is no time like the present to get started, but sometimes being overwhelmed and exhausted can hold you back.
Consider me your fairy job getting godmother!
With the 5 super actionable job search strategies in this post, you'll be on your way to that new job ASAP.
Hint: Hidden in the depths of this post, you may find a bit of freebie bonus content to help you on your journey.
As someone who's helped countless professionals pivot their careers (and done it 2x herself), I can tell you one thing for sure: the job market of 2024 is a whole new ballgame. But with the right strategies up your sleeve, you'll be navigating this transition like a pro. Ready to dive in and turn that career dream into reality? Let's roll!
This article is your one-stop place to get all your career questions answered because I’m taking the 9 questions I’ve been asked the most recently and rounding them up into a FAQ for you.
Everything from how to find cool jobs to what do I do as a creative career coach is covered.
Are you ready to start the career learning journey?
Short answer, yes. Longer answer, hell yes.
As a creative staffer and recruiter, not once did someone’s education either help them get a role or keep them from getting a role. Being a Creative with a capital “C” is one of those fields where talent and skill weigh exponentially more than degrees or school names.
That said, if you want to move up into the management layer or C-suite, a degree might be useful to you there.
If you decide you want to do official learning there are of course art schools, portfolio schools and grad schools.
What emerging creations will the future of your career hold? Perhaps you’ll be at the forefront of the next wave of social media creativity!
This is a big time no-duh sort of answer at the moment but…. AI understanding and it’s use to enhance your work. There are very few roles out there that AI hasn’t already infiltrated to some degree. If you haven’t begun to at least understand how AI will affect your job it’s time to get crackin’.
Genuinely the skill of actually using AI to it’s full potential will be the skill that almost everyone will need moving forward.
For those more familiar with tech, getting in on the building of AI systems (alllll the skills that go into that) is going to be the sought after skillset for the foreseeable future.
You need to remember without a great skilling up strategy, you can easily get left behind by your competition!
Don't worry, I'm not expecting you to ditch your data analyst gig yelling “I’m going to become an architect!” as the door hits your booty on the way out.
However, understanding the ins and outs of what a career change really takes will help you be more successful at your own should you really want to make a career transition (at any age).
Focusing on what you want to do instead of what some company hs decided to title that will allow you to find many, many more possible places to do something you enjoy.
Unlike your first career where you either chose it and were funneled into after school or you happened to fall into it - this is your chance to choose something that makes sense for who you are now and what your life needs in this moment .
Let yourself brainstorm away (see step one) then go nuts deep diving on companies, organizations, people, initiatives etc you’d like to work with, on or for.
Once you’ve gotten a handle on what it is you want to do and where, do your best to assess what skills you possess that make you a no-brainer hire and where you might need to fill some gaps.
Outline how you could fill those gaps and create a plan to get rollin’!
One advantage you have of being a more experienced worker is that you have a larger, more entrenched network in place. This is the time to start reaching out and letting your people know what your new direction is all about and to start rewriting your career narrative.
If you want to learn more about making a career change, check out my workshop series that walks you through the process step by step.
Top Tip: Always make sure to think about your career in terms of what values and priorities you want to honor as the person you are today (not the 21 year old who graduated with a degree their parents thought would be useful).
I get it, you're busy with just trying to live your life, but if you want to retire early in the Bahamas with a Mai Tai in your hand, you need to increase your visibility within your network so you can create a career that allows you to live the life you want to live.
Networking is so important because relationships are fundamental to any successful career.
Luckily networking has become even easier since the pandemic. People are much more amenable to digital only connections in a way that wasn’t as acceptable before.
As a result, you can:
Build a network with folx globally through digital channels
Get super niche since there’s an online space for everything/one
Take advantage of in-person events since now they work incredibly hard to provide value, where pre-pandemic those events were less tailored
However, you must be aware that making the connections (real, deep connections) is just as, if not more important than before the pandemic..
Also note that showing up to the networking events is step zero. For a step-by-step to make them work for you head here: How to Network At Events.
In summary: show up, be you, make real connections!
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the fastest-growing occupations for the near future are (in no particular order):
Healthcare and healthcare management: the healthcare industry as a whole is expected to see a 19% increase in jobs in 2024, which is faster than average. This is due in part to the aging US population.
Renewable energy: the global focus on sustainability and environmental impact is driving demand for renewable and alternative energy sources like solar, wind and hydro.
Construction: the construction industry is the cornerstone of day-to-day living and is poised to contribute to a soon to be booming commercial and residential real estate market.
Ecommerce: the ecommerce industry is expected to grow at a minimum of 6% in 2024 which doesn’t sound huge, but since the industry itself is so massive that percentage is a big-time chunk of the jobs market.
IT: As always, tech and IT jobs will continue to grow. It’s projected to continue growing at a rate of roughly 15% through 2024!
If you’re struggling to choose what your next career (or first!) might be, go ahead and download your free 5 Big Questions to Find a Career That Makes You Happy now
And stay tuned for a helpful new workshop coming soon (get on my newsletter to get the first info).
I’ve gotten this question(s) in various forms a lot in the last few months. I think the reason is that many of the big name companies have mandated return to office for their employees. I've been working with remote and freelance workers since before I began my business and have some strategies that will be helpful to those of you wondering how to make it work.
As with anything there are of course pros & cons. In honor of the good ol’ pro/con list here you go:
Pros:
Flexibility in work location and often work hours
Potential for better work-life balance
Elimination of commute time and costs
Access to a wider range of job opportunities globally
Increased productivity for many folx
Cost savings on work-related expenses (e.g., clothing, lunches out)
Cons:
Potential for isolation and lack of in-person social interaction
Challenges in separating work and personal life/Risk of overworking or underworking without clear boundaries
Difficulty in building professional relationships and networking
Reliance on technology and potential technical issues (also upfront costs for freelancers)
Possible career advancement limitations in some fields
If you’re still interested in negotiating a flexible work arrangement with your current employer, you’ll want to follow the this step by step plan of action:
Research your company's existing policies on flexible work
Prepare a detailed proposal outlining your desired arrangement
Highlight the benefits to the company (e.g., increased productivity, cost savings)
Address potential concerns proactively
Suggest a trial period to demonstrate effectiveness
Be open to compromise and alternative solutions
Choose the right time to approach your manager
Practice your pitch and anticipate questions
Be prepared to discuss how you'll maintain communication and productivity
Each of these steps will ultimately lead you to creating the worklife that works best for you.
When negotiating anything, it can be tempting to want to skip it because you’re scared, but it will have long-lasting positive effects on your career and life so prepare as much as you need to to feel confident going into it.
If you want to get a more in-depth look at negotiation success factors, have a look over here . In this post, I discuss why negotiating your salary and work set tup can be a pivotal step in your job search journey, especially if you're seeking a job that not only fulfills your passion but also provides financial stability.
Sending out your resume is obviously an essential factor to success in any career, which means there will be lots of info you need to cover.
Your priority should always be to showcase your skills and abilities, but if you’ve had a gap in your employment history it can feel really daunting to address what you were doing during that time.
There are 10 things to keep in mind when it comes to addressing employment gaps on your resume:
Be honest: Don’t try to hide or falsify your employment history (it will just bite you in the ass).
Focus on the positives: Highlight skills or experiences gained during the gap.
Use a skills focused resume format: This will draw attention to your abilities rather than chronology.
Briefly explain significant gaps: Provide a short, clear explanation if the gap is recent or lengthy.
Include relevant activities: Mention volunteer work, freelance projects, or educational pursuits during the gap.
Use years instead of months: This can minimize the appearance of shorter gaps.
Prepare for interview questions: Be ready to discuss your gap confidently and positively.
Keep it professional: Only include personal information if directly relevant to your career.
Emphasize your current skills and readiness: Show how you're prepared to/you did re-enter the workforce.
Work that summary statement: Use this to highlight your overall qualifications and address potential concerns upfront.
For more information on how to build a great resume, check out these fantastic resources:
How to Redo Your Resume in 8 Easy Steps (So You Can Get a Job With Better Benefits)
Personal help building a resume that resonates!
I work with clients on leadership skills all the time and my Top 3 Tips for developing your leadership skills are:
Study leaders you admire
Learn to listen
See the bigger picture
For a deep dive, I have lots of resources to make it easy for you to become the best leader you can be. Get started with these blog posts:
When creating your leadership or management style, you may encounter “imposter syndrome” rearing its head. As uncomfortable as this feels, always remember that many experts in your shoes felt the same way at one point. For more on limiting beliefs, check out this workshop.
Next, let’s look at the relationship between marketing and your career. I can hear you groaning from here. Yes, you have to market yourself. You truly need to sell yourself into the job you want and LinkedIn (love it or hate it) is the number one free resource to help you do this.
For more on why (and how) to optimize your LinkedIn profile read Why you need to optimize your LinkedIn profile. If you want to skip straight to a free workbook on how to do all this just click here.
I always tell my clients to think of LinkedIn as a big, free, digital billboard just for you! It really takes less work than you think to get it ready to wow. These three elements will make your profile go from blah to OMG:
Write a compelling headline and summary that grab attention
Showcase your skills and accomplishments (really highlight those puppies!)
Optimize your profile using keywords so that you're more likely to appear in search results
Thank you for joining me in for this Careers FAQ. I hope you found everything you were looking for.
If you’ve got a 10th burning career question that didn’t get answered here, go ahead and pop an email in my inbox at: ebs@ebsanders.com I’m here to help! You can also reach me here or on Instagram.
You deserve a little treat for making it to the end so don’t forget to grab one of the freebies created just to help you out!
Download your favorite freebie now >>
Yours in ‘keep those questions coming!’ goodness-
EBS
P.S. Click here to get on the list for more actionable career advice sent straight to your inbox.
—-
EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
Unsatisfied with your work? Start HERE now!
