 If I know you are seeking opportunities, I am always on the lookout for you. That’s just how my brain works. When I read, watch, listen, connect…my mind is scanning for possibilities on your behalf. I don't always get it exactly right. Sometimes the opportunity is a job posting, sometimes it’s the company itself, sometimes it's an event where I know you’ll have access to your target audience. Opportunities come in many shapes and sizes. And when I share these possibilities, I get all kinds of reactions.
Sometimes it’s a quick, polite “thanks.” Other times, it’s a list of reasons why it won’t work: "It’s too competitive, there are a thousand people with my exact credentials out of work right now." "I don't have enough experience." "They would never hire me." "I don't belong in that room." "I don’t wanna…" I never take the pushback personally. I’ve heard it all before. Imposter syndrome and self-sabotage front and center. Seeing Opportunity is a Skill - But Believing You Deserve It is the Real Work Would you be surprised if I told you that the biggest piece of my work as a career coach isn’t about writing resumes or landing interviews? It’s about teaching people how to believe in themselves. When I work with someone, I almost always see more for them than they can see for themselves. I build them up piece by piece: -Earning some quick wins to spark momentum -Celebrating each step -Serving as a safety net when setbacks happen -Gently, and sometimes not so gently, nudging them forward We fortify confidence and resilience together, built on a deep understanding of your needs, your values, and your “why.” Marcella’s Story: Trusting the Process Take Marcella, for example. Marcella’s skills from her professional and volunteer experiences were vast and wide ranging. The problem? There was no clear next step. She struggled to define the job title, let alone the industry. So we started somewhere else. We talked about her non-negotiables: work conditions, schedule, team size, corporate culture, pay, and benefits. We identified the types of people she wanted to serve. Once that foundation was clear, her search became more focused. When a position opened at a small-to-midsize company that checked most of her boxes, I shared it with her. She hesitated. "Maria, I’ve never been a project manager before. Why would they hire me?" Trust me. We connected the dots on her resume and LinkedIn, positioning her skills in a way that made sense for the role. The salary was at the lower end of her range, but it fit so many other pieces of her life vision. She accepted the offer. And in just four months, Marcella was promoted to Director. She thrived because she trusted herself just enough to take that first step, and trusted me to help her build from there. Rebuilding After a Career Gap I often work with people who’ve had significant gaps in employment, due to caregiving, illness, or other life circumstances. On our first call, I often hear something like "I’ll take anything. I just need to get back in." But we don’t start there. We start by giving permission to act from a position of power, not desperation. What do you need out of your work? What do you want? What does a day in your life look like, and how does work fit into it? For many selfless caregivers, it’s been years since they even asked themselves these questions. "It’s been a long time since I considered what I want…" We take our time. We work on mindset and resilience first. Then we look at ALL of their skills, not just the ones from their last job, but the ones they used while volunteering, caregiving, running households, and managing life’s complexities. When they finally see the full breadth of what they can offer, I see the wide-eyed look of wonder! "That’s me??" Yes. That’s you. If you don’t believe in you — why would anyone else? If someone offers you an opportunity, try seeing it not as a judgment on your worthiness, but as a mirror reflecting what’s possible for you, even if you can’t fully see it yet. 👉 Get curious. Ask follow up questions if you don’t see the possibility. 👉 Say yes more often. 👉 Take messy first steps. 👉 Trust the process of growth. Opportunity is everywhere. It’s not about waiting for the right one to appear, it’s about being ready to believe you are worthy of it when it does. If you would like to gain some perspective on opportunities that are out there for you, hop on my calendar and let’s talk. https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session
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 If the thought of revisiting your resume one more time makes you want to scream into a pillow (or chuck your laptop out the window), you're not alone. Most people I talk to are on revision 14…or 37… And at this point, they’re beyond frustrated, because despite all that effort, nothing’s landing.
When a potential client reaches out to me, the first thing I do is review their brand documents. That might include their LinkedIn profile, resume, website, or even their social media presence. And …. it's rare that I walk away with a clear, compelling picture of who they are or what they’re aiming for. Therein lies the problem! Because if I, someone actively looking to understand and support their goals, can’t figure out what they’re all about, imagine how a recruiter or potential client feels? If you're sending out job applications, sales pitches, or networking messages and getting ghosted, perhaps you are not being clear. Your messaging may be vague. You listed every job you’ve ever had, but didn’t make it clear why any of it matters now. Your positioning may be unclear. You focused so much on sounding “professional,” including every keyword, that you forgot to sound like you. Your brand documents aren’t answering the five core questions every decision-maker needs to know before they reach out, refer you, or hire you. If you’re not answering these questions clearly, you’re likely leaving people confused, unsure of your value, and failing to build the trust necessary to get noticed. This means you could be missing out on the very opportunities that should be yours. Let’s fix that. Here are the five questions your brand must answer to stand out, build trust, and start getting the traction you deserve: 1. Who Are You? This is about your professional identity. Too often, I see resumes that are six pages long (yes, really) because someone is trying to be all things to all people. That’s confusing. Does your LinkedIn profile match your business goals and/or career aspirations? (If it’s still live, people will look at it, even if you don’t use it much.) Ask yourself: Does your LinkedIn profile align with your career goals? If it’s still active, potential employers or clients will find it, whether you use it or not. Take a moment to Google yourself too. You might be surprised by what pops up. Outdated blogs, social profiles, or old websites can hurt your credibility and send the wrong message. The longer these relics linger, the more they confuse your narrative. ✅ Pro Tip: Align all your brand assets with your current career or business goals. When they all tell the same story, you’re much more likely to attract the right opportunities. 2. What Do You Offer? Your audience doesn’t have time to guess what you do or how you can help. Clearly articulate the problems you solve. Be specific about your core skills, services, or solutions, and make it crystal clear how they create value. If your resume or LinkedIn just lists tasks or responsibilities, you’re missing an opportunity to connect the dots for your reader. People need to understand what they’re getting from you, and how it helps them. ✅ Pro Tip: Use AI to analyze job listings or client calls for proposals and tailor your language to match the specific requirements. It’s a great way to make sure your messaging resonates with what decision-makers are looking for. 3. Who Do You Help? Your message should speak directly to your target audience. Are you aiming for Fortune 500 companies, Series C startups, nonprofits, or individuals? Be specific. Consider things like: industry, size, stage of growth, values, or location. Include language that speaks to them directly. If your message isn’t tailored to the right audience, it’s too easy for decision-makers to pass you by. ✅ Pro Tip: Tailor your content so that your ideal client or employer immediately recognizes themselves in your message. When they feel like you "get" them, they’re more likely to respond. 4. Why You? This is where your secret sauce comes in. The majority of people who apply for a job or go after a client will have similar buzz words and experiences. Pull in testimonials, success stories, or specific metrics that demonstrate your unique value. This is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) your chance to showcase what makes you stand out. Find it, own it, and communicate it clearly. ✅ Pro Tip: Consider using tools like video, voice messages, or visual examples to showcase what makes you you. 5. What’s Your Track Record? Can you show proof of success? If someone’s on the fence about working with you, this is what nudges them to a YES. Think: ✅ Case studies ✅ Portfolio pieces ✅ Client feedback ✅ Tangible metrics ✅ Referrals ✅ Before/after stories If you’re just talking about what you can do but don’t have anything to show for it, you’re missing a critical step in building trust. So let me ask you this: Are your brand documents really working for you, or are they keeping you invisible, overlooked, or stuck in a cycle of frustration? Not sure? I would be happy to take a look and tell you what I see. I invite you to schedule a complimentary brand audit and career exploration call. During our call, we’ll:
Schedule your complimentary career discovery call today: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session  Sometimes career pivots stretch far beyond what we imagined—so long, in fact, that freelancer, consultant, or unemployed job seeker starts to feel like your only identity. In the meantime, you do what needs to be done: piecing together hourly work, taking on a patchwork of consulting or fractional gigs.
You tell yourself it's temporary, but the weeks blur together. You scroll the job boards like clockwork, and it’s been how long since anything even remotely exciting popped up? You’ve lost track of how many applications you’ve sent. Life has stepped in with its own demands—caregiving, unexpected responsibilities, even moments of joy, and you’ve said yes to it all, partly because helping others is one of the few ways you still feel valuable. You’re showing up for everyone else, but inside, your career confidence burned out a long time ago. And maybe you’ve even wondered, Is this just how it’s going to be now? But what if everything you’ve done during this stretch, every gig, every connection, every moment you chose to give instead of hustle—isn't a detour at all? What if this is the path? What if the real secret to landing fulfilling work isn’t about chasing it—but about becoming so aligned, so known for your brilliance, that the opportunity finds you? Let me tell you a story about Kimberly, who did just that. I’ve connected with Kimberly on and off for several years. She popped into free workshops, joined a few of my events and mindset programs, and we often crossed paths at local networking events. Over time, we became friends. Kimberly’s journey was anything but linear. She weathered turbulent layoffs, faced near-misses with job offers, and once dodged a notorious revolving-door position that popped up four times in two years—each hire left within months. At one point, we laughed about absurd interview questions she encountered like: "Could you watch an animal being euthanized?" "Is our Lord Jesus your Savior?" …well then! If you are someone who has been stuck in a prolonged career pivot - journey of exploration - I am going to share a strategy for how to make each day count. To make this gift of time an asset vs. a liability. Kimberly kept showing up, piecing together income streams and kept her eyes open for the right full-time fit. Meanwhile, she consulted, served on boards, served as a fractional Director of Development, supported others in nonprofit leadership, and quietly built something powerful: a magnetic personal brand. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, she received a LinkedIn direct message while traveling. A nonprofit organization was looking for their next leader and was she available to talk next week? One conversation turned into another. Soon she was touring their facility, talking international strategy. Before she left the building, she had a job offer in hand. Here’s how Kimberly attracted that life-changing role—without chasing it down. Position Yourself as the Go-To Expert in Your Zone of Brilliance Over several years, Kimberly positioned herself as the person to know in nonprofit fundraising. She didn’t just dabble—she immersed. She:
If you want to attract opportunities, you need to be known for something. That starts with getting clear on your strengths, values, and what sets you apart—and then showing up consistently in ways that showcase that brilliance. Action Steps: ✅ Identify your niche and zone of genius ✅ Clarify your value proposition and messaging ✅ Optimize your LinkedIn, website, or portfolio to reflect your expertise ✅ Ask yourself: How can I show up with confidence and credibility this week? Share Value Generously to Build Authority and Trust Kimberly didn’t hoard her expertise. She gave freely. She:
People are drawn to those who give without agenda. When you share insights, help others shine, and connect dots for your network, you build deep trust. That trust becomes a magnet. Action Steps: ✅ Create and share content that educates, inspires, or solves problems ✅ Show up as a contributor in online and in-person communities ✅ Volunteer, mentor, or serve on a board ✅ Ask yourself: Where can I give today without expecting anything in return? Cultivate Strategic Visibility Kimberly didn’t try to be everywhere—she was in the right rooms. She showed up at:
Action Steps: ✅ Identify the platforms, events, or communities aligned with your goals ✅ Put one networking outreach or event on your calendar this week ✅ Explore opportunities to teach, speak, or write in your field ✅ Ask yourself: Where does my audience spend their time—and how can I show up there? Stay Ready and Trust the Pull, Not the Push Here’s the final piece of the puzzle: Kimberly stayed committed and had faith, even as income streams came and went over the years. She trusted the timing and stayed focused on relationships and value, and not on frantic searching. When her latest consulting roles began to fizzle, Kimberly didn’t panic. She had built a foundation of visibility, expertise, and trust. So when that direct message landed in her inbox, she was ready. She had also joined my 8-week mental fitness cohort to develop routines that supported confidence and resilience. That inner work helped her show up boldly when it mattered most. Action Steps: ✅ Make the decision to pivot from scarcity to abundance ✅ Build one habit this week that supports confidence and patience ✅ Stay present, curious, and open to aligned opportunities ✅ Ask yourself: If the right opportunity came tomorrow, would I be ready to say yes? Kimberly didn’t land this opportunity because she chased it. Over the course of a few years, she slowly built a body of work, a presence, and a reputation that made her the obvious choice when the right opportunity finally arrived. She attracted it—by showing up as a trusted expert, sharing generously, cultivating the right visibility, and staying rooted in her vision even through hard seasons. You can do this too. Are you ready to build your own magnetic brand and thriving career path? I help people position themselves as powerhouses in their field so they can attract aligned work, clients, and collaborators—without burning out in the hustle. Let’s talk about how to build a career that calls in what you truly want. Schedule your complimentary career discovery call today: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session  The chatter is all around us… AI, tech, automation – are you using these tools? My clients often laugh when I bring it up. “Maria I barely know how to get into my LinkedIn account!”
When I bring up tech with clients, they often laugh nervously and say, “Maria, I still use sticky notes for everything—what’s this Notion thing you speak of?” I get it. You’re already juggling a lot—family, work, health, life. The idea of learning new technology feels like just one more thing. Overwhelming. Confusing. Maybe even a little embarrassing. But 👉 If you’re stuck in a career pivot… 👉 If you’re exhausted from doing everything manually… 👉 If you feel behind and are watching others zoom past you professionally… Then tech isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s your secret weapon. And no, you don’t need to become a coder, or start using 15 new app, you just need a shift from “Ugh, I hate tech” to “Ooh, this actually makes my life easier.” Buy back your time, streamline your tasks, feel more confident, and make better decisions faster. In this post, I’ll walk you through a few low-barrier, career-pivot-friendly tech tools that I’ve used and that my most reluctant clients now swear by. What’s Your Biggest Struggle Right Now? "I’m invisible online and not landing opportunities" → Start with Personal Branding & Visibility Tools "I’m disorganized and overwhelmed" → Start with Organization & Productivity Tools "I want to make more money or start something on the side" → Start with Income & Career Growth Tools "I don’t have time and wish someone could just do it for me" → Start with AI Assistants for Non-Techies "I need to learn new skills to stay relevant" → Start with Upskilling & Learning Platforms Personal Branding & Visibility Tools Goal: Get noticed without burning out.
Organization & Productivity Tools Goal: Work smarter, not harder.
Income & Career Growth Tools Goal: Monetize your brilliance. Try new income streams.
AI Assistants for Non-Techies Goal: Let AI handle the heavy lifting.
Upskilling & Learning Platforms Goal: Stay sharp and future-proof your career.
👉 Start with the category that solves your biggest stressor. 👉 Pick one tool and try it this week. 👉 Then, come back and level up again when you’re ready. Still not sure? Connect with me and we can do a live demo! Schedule your complementary career discovery call today: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session  Have you ever noticed that the moment you mention considering a career pivot, everyone suddenly becomes an expert on what you should do next?
“Pay for a good resume writer – the right resume will open doors like magic.” "Apply to as many jobs as possible, and something will stick." "Get a job, any job, to get your foot in the door." "You’re too old to switch careers now." "Don’t quit until you have another job lined up." Well, I didn’t exactly follow that last one. I’ve quit four jobs in my life without having the next one lined up—because I wanted the summer off. And I’ve never regretted it. I had my priorities just right. With age and experience comes more confidence to navigate career changes…but then came the pandemic. The world shifted, but maybe, so did we. Midlife job hunting is a whole different animal. The economy and job market aren’t what they used to be, and the higher the salary you’re aiming for, the longer the process takes. When people come to me, they’re often desperate, frustrated, and burnt out. “I’ve always been able to land a job on my own. Why is it so hard this time?” Because you have changed. The market has changed. And with every level up in your career, it takes more time, more intention, and a smarter strategy. Let’s talk about where most career pivots go off the rails—and how you can avoid those traps. Waiting Until Crisis Hits Most people wait until they’ve hit rock bottom before they begin exploring what’s next. They wait until layoffs happen, burnout peaks, or their job disappears. Don’t wait. Start when you feel the first signs of discontent. When the layoffs are still just rumors. When you sense the shift before it becomes a shove. Invest before the crisis. Explore your options. Map out your values, needs, and non-negotiables. And if you want a guide through the fog--Let’s connect! The Spray-and-Pray Job Search Mike, one of my clients, was working full-time and firing off a dozen “Easy Apply” clicks on LinkedIn each week. He was interviewing regularly and that felt like progress—until the screening interviews turned out to be with bots, or recruiters who didn’t have a real opening. Worse, he was burning out just trying to keep the search hidden from his boss. Once we got clear on what Mike actually wanted (consumer goods, no direct reports, room to grow), everything changed. He applied less, interviewed less, and landed a job that gave him a 15% raise and aligned with his goals. The lesson? You don’t need more applications. You need better strategy. Ignoring Your Network Christine believed her network couldn’t help her. “Networking is awkward,” she said. “I don’t know people with connections in high places.” Sound familiar? Turns out, Christine did have a network, she just hadn’t activated it yet. Once she got clear on what she wanted and practiced how to talk about it, her confidence soared. We also updated her LinkedIn, making it easy for new contacts to connect and follow up. One of my clients, after a five-year caregiving gap, had been searching for over a year. I asked, “What’s the closest you’ve come to landing something?” She told me about a chance encounter with her brother’s neighbor. “We connected in the driveway one evening and the conversation turned to my career search.” This neighbor handed her resume to the hiring manager at his company, and she got through two rounds before a hiring freeze hit. That is the power of a network. It's not about who you know. It's about who you’re willing to connect with and how clearly you communicate your value. You never know what connection is going to lead to your next opportunity. Underestimating LinkedIn Let’s talk about that youthful profile pic from 2015. Many clients I work with haven’t touched LinkedIn a decade or more. “I lost my password.” Others think it’s only for tech people or a huge distraction. But LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your pivot. It removes the gatekeepers. It puts you directly in touch with decision-makers. And it’s a platform where your next opportunity is watching. Use it to connect, comment, share ideas, and engage with companies that inspire you. Your profile is your digital billboard, make it work for you. There is no end to the creative ways that you can utilize LinkedIn to help you make this next career pivot. One enterprising unemployed person posted “I will give $10,000 - to the person who makes the connection that leads to my next role.” Bet he has no shortage of leads to chase down! There’s a lot of bad career advice out there. What’s bad for one person might be gold for someone else, but here’s what’s universal: If you’re feeling stuck in your career pivot, your next best thing is out there. It’s not about luck. It’s not about timing. It’s about clarity, strategy, and action. Every month without a plan = lost momentum, confidence, and income. What are you going to do to move forward this week? You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s find your next best thing—together. Grab your free Career Connect call here: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session |
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