How to Navigate A Career Change

Career changes can be incredibly challenging and often come when least expected. Whether you’re navigating a shift yourself or supporting someone close to you, I understand the complex emotions that arise when leaving behind a career you’ve worked hard to build.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University with a B.S. in Quantitative Economics and Community Health and landing a six-figure role at a buzzy Silicon Valley start-up (complete with endless kombucha on tap), I realized I was winning a game I didn’t even want to play. Beneath the surface, I was battling an eating disorder. My anxiety was sky-high, self-care was non-existent, and I was completely burned out from endlessly ‘leaning in’. I eventually made the complicated (and honestly scary) choice to leave behind my decade-long career in corporate. I knew I needed something more aligned with who I was becoming. 

So, I returned to school and earned my master’s in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. It was a scary but fulfilling leap against everything I was supposed to do. I was supposed to be grateful and happy in my corporate job, but my mind, body, and soul were ready for a change. I’m so thankful I took the leap despite knowing where it would take me. From there, I kept growing and became an entrepreneur and writer, two careers I never imagined for myself. I’ve learned firsthand that the right path can show up when you least expect it, but the journey to get there can be both exciting and a little terrifying.

Whether you’re transitioning into a new field, leaving a job that no longer aligns with you, or facing the uncertainty of a career transition, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. With the rise of unexpected layoffs, a career shift can feel more like a decision forced upon you than one you’ve chosen yourself.

This blog will explore practical and spiritual ways to navigate this difficult time. As with any significant life change, there is no right or wrong or one solution. I hope that you can leave feeling comforted, knowing that you aren’t alone, that you have some tools to help you through this change, and that feeling unsure about your next step is entirely normal. 

Staying Connected to Yourself Through Change

Let’s be honest: career changes can be a total emotional rollercoaster. One minute, you’re cruising along in a job that doesn’t feel quite right, and the next, you’re freaking out because you have no idea what’s next. But here’s the thing: staying connected to yourself through all the uncertainty is key. The unknown feels scary, but it’s also an opportunity to tune into what you want. And, while there’s probably going to be a lot of anxiety mixed in, your inner compass and a little spiritual grounding can help you find some peace during the chaos. Now could be the opportunity you have been waiting for to change your path or go in a new direction. As you weave through your emotions, consider using and reflecting on the points below to help ground you during this difficult time.

Meditation for Decisions and Clarity

Let’s talk about meditation! It doesn’t have to be this big, intimidating thing you must carve out hours for. You can start small, even just a few minutes daily, to help clear your mind. Job changes are full of big decisions, and when your brain’s running in a million directions, it’s easy to get stuck in the “what ifs” and “what now?” Meditation is like hitting the reset button for your mind.

Here’s a simple meditation method when figuring out your next move: set an intention before you start. Consider asking yourself, “What direction feels most aligned with my purpose right now?” or “What’s the next step I need to take today?” Then, focus on your breath for a few minutes, letting those questions float in your mind without judgment. Trust that the answers will come, maybe not immediately, but eventually. Meditation can help you cut through the noise and listen to what your gut is trying to tell you.

Trust the Process (Even When You Don’t Have a Plan)

One of the most complex parts of a career change is the uncertainty. It feels like you’re diving into the unknown, and yeah, that’s terrifying. The truth is that you don’t need to have everything figured out. Some of the best things come when you are unsure of where you’re going. 

By leaning into that uncertainty and allowing yourself not to know exactly where things are heading, you open yourself up to more possibilities. You’d be surprised at what comes your way when you let go of trying to control everything. So, trust that the universe (or whatever higher power you believe in) has your back. You don’t need all the answers right now.

Visualization and Intention-Setting

Visualization isn’t just for athletes or people who want to manifest millions; it can also be helpful when figuring out what you want in a career. Take a few minutes each day to imagine your ideal job. No, really. Picture it. What type of work are you doing? Who are you working with? How does it make you feel? Visualizing can shift your mindset and help you attract those opportunities.

But don’t just focus on the “what”; pay attention to the “why.” Why do you want to make a career change? Is it because you crave more flexibility? Is it about feeling like you’re doing something you care more about? Once you get clear on your “why,” you’ll be surprised how much more motivation you have to take action. And once you’ve set those intentions, let go of the need to know every step ahead. It’s about finding clarity, trusting the process, and being open to what’s next.

Spiritual Practices to Support A Career Change

As you navigate this change and uncertainty, finding practices that can ground and guide you is essential. Here are some spiritual tools to help you stay centered and empowered during this transition. (These have all been massively helpful to me at various times throughout my career and life!)

• Tarot Cards: Tarot can offer a lot of insight when feeling uncertain. Pull a card with a question in mind (like “What do I need to know about this career transition?”) and see what guidance comes through. It’s all about listening to the symbolism and messages. You do not need to be an expert to reflect on your intuition and see where the cards lead you. The Adventure Tarot Deck is perfect for tarot beginners! I created this deck to meet you where you are. It has a world of adventurers also taking their next big move! You can use it as a daily ritual to connect with yourself and gain clarity from your intuition. 
• Journaling: Don’t hold in what you’re feeling! Writing down your thoughts, fears, and dreams can help you process your emotions and clarify what you want from your career. Reflecting on your progress will also help you see how far you’ve come. Whenever I’m going through a significant life change or a period of unknown, I love writing poetry to describe and share how I’m feeling. Whether you share it with others or keep it to yourself, putting your feelings to paper is incredibly helpful. 
• Affirmations: Write or say positive affirmations that remind you of your worth and abilities. “I trust myself to make the right decisions” or “I am open to new opportunities” can help boost your confidence. During times of change, affirmations can be a simple but powerful way to stay grounded, motivated, and focused on what truly matters.
• Breathing Exercises: Take a moment and breathe it out! Deep breathing helps reduce anxiety and stress, allowing you to focus and stay calm. When the career transition feels overwhelming, take a few slow, deep breaths to center yourself. If you can be outside, find a natural place to sit and focus on your breath. You may not know what’s around the corner for your career, but you can find stillness and peace through the transition as you reflect on the beauty around you. 

How Tarot Can Support Your Career Change Journey

Tarot is a tool for tapping into intuition, gut feelings, and inner wisdom. Empowerment during a career change starts with tapping into what your deeper self might be feeling. Having access to that inner voice can make all the difference. It’s like having a personal guide when you’re at a crossroads. Let’s say you’re stuck deciding whether to stay at your current job or leap into something new. A simple three-card tarot spread can give you some much-needed clarity:

• Card 1: Where you are now – This card reflects your current state in your career change. It’s a snapshot of how you’re feeling right now, whether you’re anxious, excited, or maybe a little lost.
• Card 2: What’s influencing you – This card highlights what’s impacting your decision-making. Are you influenced by external pressures? Are there fears or limiting beliefs holding you back from making the move? It can shine a light on what’s going on beneath the surface.
• Card 3: The outcome or next step – This card shows you the potential outcome or action most aligned with your growth. It could indicate what to do next or how to approach the transition. Sometimes, it’s not about finding a concrete answer but trusting yourself and the process.

Think of tarot cards as your very own spiritual compass. They aren’t going to tell you exactly what job to take or how much money you’ll make, but they will help you find your center when things feel chaotic. It’s like conversing with your deeper self to help you break through the noise and focus on what matters. So, if you’re at a point in your career change where you’re unsure or stuck, grab a deck, do a quick spread, and see what insights you get. Sometimes, the answers are already within you; you just need some help to uncover them.

Embracing Your New Career 

Navigating a career change, whether it’s something you’ve planned or an unexpected twist, is never simple. It takes trust, self-reflection, belief in yourself, and intentional action. The path ahead usually feels uncertain, but you can find clarity and grounding amidst the chaos by leaning into practices that help you stay centered, like tarot, meditation, visualization, or affirmations.

These spiritual tools can be a powerful way to connect with your inner wisdom, helping you navigate the bumps more confidently. It’s not about figuring everything out immediately but listening to your intuition, taking one step at a time, and trusting that you’re moving in the right direction. 

Remember, career growth isn’t a straight line. It’s a journey with many ups and downs, and that’s okay. Each step you take, even the ones that feel like you’re stumbling or unsure, still moves you closer to where you’re meant to be. It’s also important to remind yourself that your career doesn’t define who you are. If you are currently in a job because you need to be and aren’t in a position to leave, be gentle with yourself. Trust the process, stay open, and know that the universe and I are supporting you 🌟

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