From Confusion to Clarity: My Mid-Career Journey

About 10 years ago, I had a mid-career scare. My résumé looked all over the place—no clear path, just a jumble of roles that didn’t seem to fit together.

I worried that I was becoming a jack of all trades, master of none.

Following Opportunities

The reason? When I first started my career, I didn’t have a grand plan. I simply followed opportunities that piqued my interest. I moved between government departments, taking on roles like economist, program manager, policy analyst, and even leadership positions.

Each time I shifted, I thought, Maybe this is it. But something always felt off, so I would move again, searching for the elusive “dream job.”

I watched my colleagues climb the straight career ladder while I zigzagged my way up. It felt… messy. I worried that my job-hopping would appear unfocused and eventually begin to limit my opportunities.

Connecting the Dots

Then, I took a step back and examined my experiences more closely—and it clicked. My career wasn’t random. The pieces did fit together; I just hadn’t seen the full picture.

What I realized was that I had an important transferable skill - a superpower:

I excelled at turning business problems into data-driven solutions and transforming research into actionable policy insights. This versatility allowed me to move seamlessly between roles that may have seemed distinct, while still adding value to my teams.

That pattern had been there all along, but I had to connect the dots to see my unique abilities.

Owning Your Unique Value

Once I recognized my unique skill set, everything shifted. It wasn’t about finding the "perfect" job anymore—it was about owning what truly set me apart.

This newfound clarity allowed me to confidently showcase my value, gain influence, and raise my profile. Most importantly, I could target my job search toward areas where I could fill a void with my unique transferable skills.

Now, I guide clients who feel stuck and are seeking a way forward. We often start by getting clear on what makes them unique—their superpowers.

The truth is, when you understand the value you bring to the table, you can adapt to any situation and contribute meaningfully to your team.

With this clarity and confidence comes the freedom to pursue opportunities that align with your aspirations, enabling you to grow and thrive.

If you're feeling uncertain about what makes you stand out in today’s competitive job market, let’s connect.

Your career deserves it. 🌟

Visit leadtochange.ca to learn more or schedule a free discovery session.