Happen To Your Career - Meaningful Work, Career Change, Career Design, & Job Search
I Thought I Needed to Escape My Career (The Real Problem Surprised Me) - Carolyn's Career Change Story
Mar 10, 2025
Feeling trapped in her engineering career, Carolyn faced a pivotal moment following a toxic management experience. Through reflection and support from former colleagues, she uncovered the true source of her unhappiness. The importance of workplace culture and trusting instincts during job searches emerged as key themes. As she transitioned to a new, collaborative role, she found joy in teamwork and balance, showcasing how self-awareness can lead to fulfilling career paths while empowering others in similar situations.
38:53
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Quick takeaways
- Carolyn's journey highlights that the true source of job dissatisfaction may stem more from workplace culture than the specific job itself.
- Reconnecting with former colleagues allowed Carolyn to rebuild her confidence and gain clarity on her ideal career alignment.
Deep dives
Recognition of Career Misfit
When individuals find themselves in roles that feel like a misfit, their instinct often drives them to seek drastic changes, believing a shift in occupation or industry is necessary. However, many discover that the issue is often not in the work type itself but in how their skills align with their tasks. For instance, Carolyn, a mechanical engineer, faced a steep decline in confidence when she transitioned into management—a role that did not play to her strengths. This misalignment led her to falsely conclude that she needed to abandon engineering entirely, demonstrating that a career's true fit often far exceeds mere occupational labels.
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