

Happen To Your Career - Meaningful Work, Career Change, Career Design, & Job Search
Scott Anthony Barlow
You’re not totally happy with your career (obviously!) You also know that there “has to be something out there that’s better.” That hope that you can find meaningful and fulfilling work, that also pays you well, has led you here!
This is the show that provides the inspiration, tools, and roadmaps to move from where you are to work that matters to you and uniquely fits your strengths and talents.
This is the show that provides the inspiration, tools, and roadmaps to move from where you are to work that matters to you and uniquely fits your strengths and talents.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2025 • 38min
From Academia to Federal Government: Michal’s Second Career Pivot
Michal Balass, a cognitive psychologist and researcher, shares her journey from academia to the federal government. She discusses how her first career change taught her essential lessons in self-discovery and resilience. Michal emphasizes the importance of rebranding skills for different industries and details strategies for tailoring resumes to beat application hurdles. She highlights the role of networking in uncovering hidden job opportunities and reflects on recognizing when to move on from unfulfilling roles. A must-listen for anyone contemplating a career pivot!

Aug 11, 2025 • 36min
Career After Kids: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
In this talk, Michal Biles, a former university professor, shares how parenthood reshaped her career path. She discusses the struggle of redefining success in the face of societal expectations and personal ambition. Michal reveals the emotional challenges of recognizing a job that no longer aligns with her values and highlights the significance of prioritizing happiness over past investments. The conversation emphasizes the transformative impact of parenthood on identity and fulfillment, encouraging others to embrace change and explore new possibilities.

7 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 15min
The Unexpected Triggers Behind Career Change: 16 Life Events That Force a Transition
Discover how major life events like burnout, breakups, and new additions to the family can spark significant career changes. Listeners hear real stories of individuals who transformed their careers in response to personal struggles. The discussion emphasizes recognizing early signs of misalignment before burnout strikes. Learn how comfort can trap you longer than fear, and why chasing better jobs may not lead to a fulfilling life. This insightful talk encourages reflection on your own journey and finding work that aligns with your true values.

Aug 4, 2025 • 36min
Jill Thought She Needed a New Job—What She Really Needed Was This
Jill Schmeiding, a seasoned finance professional, faced burnout and sought a fresh start. She shares how experimenting within her career while still employed led to unexpected opportunities. Jill discusses the misconception that job searching is crucial during a career change and emphasizes the ripple effect of taking bold steps. Her experiences with strangers opened doors to clarity and confidence. With a thirst for adventure, she reveals how discovering her passion for teaching transformed her outlook on work and life.

Jul 28, 2025 • 28min
How The Wrong Career Can Affect Your Mental Health
Explore the profound impact of misaligned careers on mental health. Hear an inspiring story of transformation from a toxic job to a fulfilling one, triggered by a life-changing event. Discover how to recognize burnout and the deeper issues behind it. Learn about navigating multiple job offers and the excitement and pressure that come with them. Uncover the importance of aligning career choices with personal values for a happier, more meaningful life.

Jul 21, 2025 • 38min
Conversation Habits of Top Performers That Define Your Career Success – Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, shares his insights on communication's pivotal role in professional success. He introduces the Supercommunicator framework, highlighting how effective dialogue can elevate your career. Discover how top performers master conversations and the small changes that can lead to significant results. Duhigg emphasizes the importance of authenticity in dialogue and teaches techniques to shift from mere exchanges to deeper connections that foster collaboration.

Jul 14, 2025 • 32min
When Career Growth Hinders Meaningful Work: Dan’s Career Transition Story
What happens when career growth pulls you away from the work that you actually love? Dan Ruley’s career transition story is a powerful reminder that true success starts when you reconnect with what matters most, even if that means going back to what your 10-year-old self always knew (just not in the way you’d imagine) What You’ll Learn Will stepping down from a high-ranking role can lead to greater career satisfaction for you? How Dan turned an unexpected job loss into the best career opportunity of his lifetime How success in a role doesn't always equal fulfillment—and what to do about it What if your biggest career shake-up is actually your greatest opportunity? How to transform an unexpected job loss into a launchpad What to do when outward success no longer feels satisfying Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes An Overthinker's Guide To Making Better Career Decisions (Spotify /Apple Podcasts) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It’s Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

7 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 9min
Using Your Strengths as Your Career Change Compass
Discover how recognizing your signature strengths can revolutionize your career path. Learn from an IO psychologist who escaped the 'great opportunity trap' by aligning her work with what truly energizes her. Uncover the key differences between skills and strengths, and why the latter should guide your career choices. Get tips on seeking feedback from friends and family to pinpoint your natural talents. It’s all about finding fulfilling work that resonates with who you are!

Jun 30, 2025 • 11min
Make Job Boards Effective for Your Career Search: Angie’s Secret to Finding Her Ideal Role
Discover how a personal story transformed a job search from rejections to success in just one week. The podcast highlights the importance of clarity in career goals and overcoming internal barriers. It emphasizes reflecting on your strengths and values to navigate career transitions effectively. Listeners learn how authenticity in job applications can lead to fulfilling offers. Overall, the discussion provides actionable strategies for a more impactful and meaningful job search.

Jun 23, 2025 • 14min
The Career Break That Saved My Career and How I Found Meaningful Work
Caroline, a former executive who took a two-year career break due to burnout, shares her inspiring journey of rediscovering meaningful work. She discusses the challenges of returning to the workforce after a hiatus and how to turn a career gap into a strength. Caroline reveals the importance of expressing what you truly want rather than apologizing for your past. She emphasizes using tools like StrengthsFinder to articulate your unique strengths, aligning work with personal values, and negotiating worth for a fulfilling career.