

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

Sep 4, 2025 • 28min
Making a Career Pivot That Actually Fits You
When a high-pressure sales role didn't match Nick's strengths, he embarked on a journey to find a career that truly fit him. Discover how he pivoted into finance without starting from scratch, leveraging transferable skills along the way. The importance of self-reflection, mini-experiments, and building genuine connections in networking is highlighted. This discussion also explores practical steps to rebuild confidence during career transitions and the significance of aligning job roles with personal strengths.

Sep 1, 2025 • 38min
Is Being Bored at Work Enough Reason to Quit? (The Answer Might Surprise You)
Lisa Vu, a project manager at UCSF focused on improving vaccine rates, shares her transition from a research role due to workplace boredom. She discusses why boredom can be as detrimental as burnout and the importance of recognizing when your role no longer fits. Lisa emphasizes breaking out of comfort zones, seeking support, and reframing networking as a series of experiments. The conversation highlights the value of interpersonal connections at work and encourages listeners to prioritize career fulfillment over stagnation.

12 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 18min
The Career Change Advice People Wish They’d Heard Sooner
The key to transforming your career lies within you, as self-doubt and fear often hold you back. Small, actionable steps can create immense momentum toward fulfillment. Learning from others' experiences reveals that waiting too long to change your path can be more detrimental than you'd think. Authenticity and reframing failure can empower you to make bold decisions. Embracing change—even when uncertain—opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth. Remember, asking for help can break the patterns that keep you stuck.

Aug 25, 2025 • 46min
How to Master Job Offer Negotiation Without Burning Bridges
David Sally, a negotiation expert and author of 'One Step Ahead,' shares invaluable insights on mastering job offer negotiations. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and adapting your style to the company culture. Listeners learn how to be tough yet fair, overcoming common negotiation pitfalls, especially for women facing bias. With practical strategies, Sally teaches how to ask for more without jeopardizing the offer, maintaining relationships while securing the best possible deal. It's an engaging blend of empathy and assertiveness.

Aug 21, 2025 • 27min
Why Informational Interviews Fail and the Career Change Strategy That Works Better
Discover why traditional informational interviews might be hindering your career progress. Learn about 'Test Drive Conversations'—a transformative approach to networking that builds genuine connections without directly asking for a job. This strategy not only increases your success rate significantly but also helps you validate your career direction quickly. Get practical tips for preparing effective conversations, fostering rapport, and exploring diverse career paths with insightful questions. It's all about creating meaningful relationships in your career journey!

Aug 18, 2025 • 34min
Burnout Followed Me After I Quit — Until I Discovered the Bridge Role
Amanda Love, a former corporate mobility manager, shares her journey from burnout to clarity. She reveals how a bridge role helped her heal and intentionally pivot her career. Discussing the misconception that quitting solves burnout, she highlights the importance of recovery space and setting boundaries. Amanda emphasizes leveraging transferable skills in job interviews and the transformative impact of therapy. Insightful and relatable, her story inspires listeners to embrace authenticity in their career transitions.

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.