“I feel stuck.” That’s the phrase career coaches are hearing more than ever.

With layoffs, rising costs, and rapid changes in how we work, it’s no surprise that more people are questioning their career paths. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a burned-out employee, or someone thinking about a career change, this is for you!

“People want purpose. They’re not just chasing a paycheck anymore—they’re asking, ‘What do I actually want out of my career?’” says Dr. Kristy K. Taylor, Certified Career Coach and Founder of WORxK Solutions.

So what should you do when you’re unsure of your next move? Here’s the career advice experts are giving—and why it might be exactly what you need to hear.

1. Stop Waiting for the “Perfect” Time

Many professionals say they want to switch jobs or go back to school, but they’re waiting for things to settle down. The truth? There’s rarely a “perfect” time.

“If you wait until you feel 100% ready, you’ll never take the leap,” says Dr. Taylor. “Start small—update your resume, take a class, have a conversation with someone in the field you’re curious about. Action builds clarity.”

2. Know What You’re Good At—And What You Enjoy

One powerful tip: List the skills you’re confident in and the tasks that make you feel alive. Where those two areas overlap is a great place to start exploring career options.

“It’s not just about what you can do—it’s also about what lights you up,” explains Taylor. “Don’t ignore the things that come naturally to you.”

3. Networking Isn’t Just for Extroverts

If you think networking is all about awkward small talk and business cards, think again. Today, it’s more about building real connections.

“Reach out on LinkedIn, attend virtual events, or even just ask a coworker about their journey,” says Taylor. “Most people love sharing advice—they’ve been where you are.”

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot

Changing your career path is more normal than ever. In fact, studies show most people change careers 5 to 7 times in their lifetime.

One teacher-turned-project-manager, Jamila Torres, shared, “I felt guilty for leaving education. But now I realize I just needed a new way to use my skills. I’m still helping people—just in a different space.”

5. Build Your Career Like a Brand

Dr. Taylor encourages job seekers to think of their careers like a brand. “You want to be clear about who you are, what you bring to the table, and how you want to be seen in your industry.”

This includes your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and even how you show up in interviews. “Be consistent, be clear, and don’t be afraid to tell your story.”

Final Takeaway: Your Career Is Yours to Shape

There’s no one-size-fits-all career path. The most important thing? Keep moving forward—even if it’s one small step at a time.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your future, take heart. You don’t need all the answers right away. You just need to start asking the right questions—and be brave enough to follow where they lead.

Looking for More Career Tips?
Follow @WORxKSolutions for expert advice, career tools, and real talk about life at work.

Navigating the conversation around pay raise can be daunting, yet it’s a pivotal aspect of professional growth. Approaching this dialogue with preparation and confidence can significantly enhance your chances of success.​

1. Document Your Achievements

Maintain a detailed record of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Highlight instances where you’ve surpassed expectations, contributed to team success, or introduced initiatives that benefited the company. This “brag sheet” serves as tangible evidence of your value and can be instrumental during salary discussions. ​

2. Understand Your Market Value

Research the standard compensation for your role within your industry and region. Utilize resources like industry reports, job boards, and professional networks to gather this information. Understanding your market worth enables you to present a well-informed case for your desired salary.

3. Anticipate and Prepare for Objections

Be ready to address potential reservations from your employer. Consider possible concerns they might have and prepare thoughtful responses. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment and readiness to engage in constructive dialogue.

4. Choose the Right Timing

Timing can significantly influence the outcome of your request. Aim to initiate the conversation following a notable achievement or during performance review periods. Approaching the topic when your contributions are particularly evident can strengthen your case.

5. Engage in Collaborative Negotiation

Approach the discussion as a collaborative effort rather than a confrontation. Express your enthusiasm for your role and the company, and frame the salary adjustment as a mutual benefit. This mindset fosters a positive atmosphere conducive to reaching a favorable agreement. ​

6. Maintain Professionalism Throughout

Regardless of the outcome, uphold a professional demeanor. If your request is declined, seek feedback on areas for improvement and inquire about future opportunities for salary advancement. This approach leaves a positive impression and sets the stage for ongoing professional development.

By meticulously preparing and strategically approaching the conversation, you position yourself to effectively advocate for the compensation you deserve.​

Layoffs are never easy—and right now, they’re happening across nearly every sector, from tech and healthcare to education and corporate offices. Whether you saw it coming or it hit you unexpectedly, losing your job can shake your confidence and leave you wondering what’s next.

But a layoff isn’t the end of your story—it’s the beginning of your pivot. Here are five practical steps to help you navigate the uncertainty, refocus your energy, and get back on track with purpose and direction.

1. Pause, Don’t Panic

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at first. Give yourself space to process what happened. But don’t panic—being laid off doesn’t reflect your value or abilities. Many talented professionals go through layoffs, especially during times of economic transition or organizational restructuring.

2. Update the Essentials

Once you’re ready, start by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile. Reflect on your accomplishments, not just your responsibilities. Focus on the impact you made in your last role, and tailor your professional story to where you want to go—not just where you’ve been.

3. Reach Out (Quietly or Loudly—Your Choice)

Let your network know you’re exploring new opportunities. That might mean reconnecting with former coworkers, joining professional groups, or simply engaging more on platforms like LinkedIn. You don’t have to announce your layoff publicly if that doesn’t feel right—just start having intentional conversations.

4. Structure Your Day

Job searching can feel like a full-time job in itself. To avoid burnout, set a simple daily routine that includes time for applications, networking, and self-care. It helps create a sense of purpose and forward momentum, even when progress feels slow.

5. Stay Open to Redirection

Sometimes, layoffs become the catalyst for a long-overdue career shift. Maybe you’ve been craving more flexibility, growth, or purpose in your work. Now is a good time to reassess what you want—and what you no longer want—in your next chapter.

Remember:
Getting laid off is something that happened to you, not something that defines you. Your skills, experience, and value are still very much intact. This is just a detour—not a dead end.