Happen To Your Career - Meaningful Work, Career Change, Career Design, & Job Search

Scott Anthony Barlow
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Jan 12, 2026 • 14min

How to Return to Work After a Career Break—Rebuild Confidence Without Explaining the Gap

Thinking about returning to work after a career break, but feeling paralyzed by the gap on your resume? After years in a demanding executive role, Caroline found herself burned out, unfulfilled, and wondering if this was really "success." Find out how she gave herself permission to walk away, take a two-year career break, and rebuild a work life that finally fits her life and her values. What you'll learn How to translate 17 years of experience into compelling value propositions when returning from a career break The counterintuitive strategy of stating exactly what you want instead of apologizing for your career hiatus How to leverage assessment tools like StrengthsFinder to rebuild confidence and articulate your unique strengths 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 someone on the team about your 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 How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
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Jan 5, 2026 • 26min

Navigating Misalignment, Burnout & a Big Career Pivot: When Your Career Path Stops Making Sense

You might have a career that once felt clear, successful, and exactly right—until one day it suddenly doesn't. Hayley Lowe reveals how she recognized the signs her once-linear career no longer fit, and outlines the mindset shifts, experimentation, and clarity that led her to a role that aligns with her strengths and season of life. What you'll learn What it looks like to negotiate a role based on alignment, not job titles How Hayley used reflection and experimentation to rediscover her strengths How major life changes can reshape what you need from your career How to recognize early signs that a role isn't the right fit Why quitting without another job can be a strategic move 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 Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
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Dec 29, 2025 • 31min

Career Pivot from Biotech Without Starting Over: How Brie Gjurich-Wozniak Built Flexible, Purpose-Driven Work

When a high-achieving scientist realized the traditional definition of success no longer fit, she chose a radically different path. In this episode, Brie shares how she walked away from a predictable biotech career, trusted her instincts, and built a portfolio-style consulting business that aligns with her values, energy, and love for animal welfare. What you'll learn How to recognize when your "successful" career no longer feels meaningful Why trusting your instincts is essential when your values begin to shift How career experiments (like Social Goldilocks) can reveal unexpected paths What it takes to design a more flexible, values-aligned version of success 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 Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Social Goldilocks Experiment (Watch Here)
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Dec 22, 2025 • 35min

Career Change Without a Pay Cut: How to Translate Your Experience and Get Paid What You're Worth

If you're changing careers and worried you'll have to start over or take less pay, this episode will challenge that assumption. Julia Caban shares how she learned to translate her experience, stop settling, and confidently pursue roles that matched her real value. What you'll learn Why most people undersell their experience during a career change—and how to stop How to translate your skills into language hiring managers actually understand The myth behind "you have to take a pay cut" when changing careers How to read job descriptions line by line and spot where you already qualify How redefining success around your life (not just a title) leads to better-fit roles 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 Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
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Dec 18, 2025 • 37min

Unlock Your Signature Strengths: The Surprising Path to a Career That Fits

Uncover your signature strengths and learn to leverage them for a fulfilling career. Explore common mental barriers that obscure your unique value and discover advanced exercises to help identify your strengths. Find out how environment impacts self-confidence and why embracing your uniqueness is crucial. Learn practical steps to apply your strengths in the workplace and even challenge the idea of being 'selfish' to serve others better. This engaging discussion reveals the path to meaningful work and intentional career changes.
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Dec 15, 2025 • 24min

How To Make the Right Career Decision - Career Advice from Jim's Career Pivot Story

In this engaging discussion, Jim King, an HR professional who transformed his career after a breakup and unemployment, shares his journey to clarity and confidence. Jim emphasizes how understanding one's values can reshape career directions and how intentional reflection is crucial during transitions. He advocates for authentic networking, urging that curiosity-driven outreach opens doors. Plus, he highlights the importance of being selective with job offers, focusing on culture fit. Join him for invaluable insights on rebuilding your career identity!
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Dec 11, 2025 • 21min

How to Leave Your Job Without Burning Bridges: A Career Transition Plan That Keeps Doors Open

Thinking of leaving your job doesn't have to be a dramatic exit. Learn how to approach your boss with professionalism and gratitude. Discover practical ways to ensure a smooth transition and keep relationships intact. Hear personal stories illustrating the importance of leaving on good terms. Scott emphasizes shifting the mindset from burning bridges to building partnerships. Get tips on planning conversations, proposing transition actions, and navigating emotional reactions. It's all about moving on while leaving your team better off!
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Dec 8, 2025 • 10min

Intentional Living: How to Measure, Track & Create a Life That Actually Feels Good

Discover how tracking enjoyment in life can lead to more intentional decision-making. Learn to measure the unmeasurable by using simple data and calendar marks. Explore the intriguing idea of valuing memories in financial terms to guide your experiences. Scott shares how to prioritize spending on experiences that enhance joy, like memorable trips over one-time events. Also, delve into a case study illustrating the financial benefits of working from your strengths. This approach can transform both your career and overall happiness.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 5min

5 Questions That Will Redesign Your Life & Career Before 2026 Begins

Reflect on your past year with five powerful questions to guide your career transformation. Discover the advantages of planning pre-January to avoid the common rush. Dive into identifying what worked well and what needs to be eliminated for the upcoming year. Learn how to proactively prevent repeating negative experiences and recognize missing elements you want to incorporate. Finally, kickstart your momentum with immediate actions you can take before the year ends!
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Dec 1, 2025 • 31min

Letting go of the Executive Title: Creating your ideal job to fit your life - Katie's Career Transition Story

In this conversation, Katie Hyskill, a former sales executive turned career designer, opens up about her journey from burnout to a fulfilling work-life balance. She discusses the importance of redefining one's relationship with work and the challenges of setting boundaries. Katie shares how she constructed a custom role focused on personal values and family time, while navigating the emotional hurdles of saying no to traditional success. Her insights emphasize creating job security through measurable impact and embracing personal well-being over external pressures.

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