Finding Your Do Over: Embracing Change for Career Growth

As kids, we had the ability to call a “Do Over” when something didn’t go as planned. We weren’t afraid to try again. Somewhere along the way to adulthood, we forgot that we still have that option. Careers aren’t rigid, and mistakes aren’t permanent. It’s never too late to declare a Do Over.

1. Hitting a Career Ceiling – You feel stuck and need to sharpen your skills to break through.
2. Losing a Job Unexpectedly – Your survival depends on the strength of your relationships.
3. Making a Job Jump – Stepping into uncertainty requires solid character to navigate chaos.
4. Getting a Surprise Opportunity – Hustle ensures you’re prepared to seize the moment.

Change is inevitable. The job market is evolving, industries are shifting, and technology is advancing rapidly. Careers feel difficult because they are constantly changing while we resist. Fear and complacency are the real career killers. Struggling just to get by isn’t the way forward—adaptation is.

Declaring My Own Do Over

When I announced that I was open to work in January 2024, many assumed I had been laid off. The reality? I chose to leave. I had settled into a pattern I hadn’t written for myself. I was comfortable but uninspired, and I knew it was time for a change.

Did I have everything perfectly aligned for my next move? No. I had the tools for my own Career Savings Account, but I hadn’t been utilizing them effectively. I had relationships but wasn’t vocal about my goals. Nearly every job I’ve had came from a connection, but I had stopped actively advocating for myself. My skills were extensive, but I hadn’t consistently kept them up to date.

Then, I took action. I flipped my house in 11 months, giving myself the financial stability to take time off and reassess. I took on a short-term contract role, rekindling my passion for web development and leading me into consulting. I revisited old skills, brushed off forgotten expertise, and realized how much I had left on the table due to complacency. Skills I once used with ease had faded, not because they weren’t valuable, but because I had stopped prioritizing them.

From Career Jump to Career Bump

Initially, leaving my stable role felt like a smart, well-planned move. But fear has a way of creeping in when things don’t immediately fall into place. I found myself questioning my decision. I drove past my old house, wondering if I had acted too soon. I had planned my exit for over a year, so why was doubt suddenly creeping in? The answer was simple: fear. The same fear that keeps so many people from making a move in the first place. It was trying to pull me back into comfort, even though I knew staying put wouldn’t have served me in the long run.

I fought off the doubt, but it was persistent. Then, at the start of 2025, an opportunity presented itself—not from a job application or a recruiter, but through a connection of a connection. One was a longtime friend, the other a mutual connection I had barely interacted with before. That’s where relationships and character played a role. It reinforced what I already knew but hadn’t fully leveraged: the job market isn’t just about skills and experience. It’s about connections and how you position yourself within your network. My hustle had always been strong, but this time, it took a step back to let clarity lead the way.

Navigating the Job Market Today

If you feel stuck, if you’ve settled into comfort at the expense of growth, if you know deep down that you need a change—it’s time to make a move. The job market rewards those who evolve, who embrace uncertainty, and who leverage their Career Savings Account when opportunity arises.

Getting unstuck from my career was one thing; getting unstuck from my own fear was another. But I did it, and that’s what mattered. Fear doesn’t get to dictate your career path. Make the necessary changes and move forward.