 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
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 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  What do you want to be when you grow up?
I ask myself this often, and if you are in the middle of a career pivot, it’s probably one you’ve been asking yourself lately. What are you looking for? What are you building? And most importantly—what do you truly want? We’ve been conditioned to believe that there’s a “right” way to build a career. Go to school. Pick a profession. Climb the ladder. Retire. HAAA – we all know that life doesn’t work like that. Most careers aren't a straight line, they are winding paths shaped by community, education, culture, experiences and so much more. The caregiving you’ve done, the illness you’ve battled, the side projects you’ve explored, the volunteer work that lit you up, the unconventional choices you’ve made—all of it has shaped you into the professional that you are today. If you feeling especially stuck, lost, or like you’re “behind,” hear this, the key to moving forward isn’t finding a perfect plan—it’s experimenting. Test Small Before You Go Big Thinking about starting a business, changing industries, or stepping into a leadership role—but feeling paralyzed? You don’t have to dive in headfirst. Try before you commit.
Derick spent 25 years in a corporate job that drained him. “I wasn’t ready to retire, but I couldn’t do that soul-sucking work anymore.” He started volunteering, got involved in his church, and pursued a tennis coaching certification—just for fun. One day, he realized he was turning away tennis clients because his schedule was full. “That’s when I knew—I had found my next thing.” Your next step doesn’t have to be a leap. It can be a series of small, intentional moves that lead to something bigger. Follow Curiosity, Not Just Credentials If you’re only looking at jobs that match your degree or past titles, you might be boxing yourself in.
Madeline followed the “traditional” career path—until she hit burnout. Instead of forcing herself to push through, she took a wild detour into culinary nutrition. That shift led her to: Coaching Leading workshops Speaking on stages Hosting retreats Mentoring young entrepreneurs And a few more side hustles like destination pet-sitting, getting her real estate license, serving as a driver, and even learning candle making! Eventually, the skills and connections she built along the way landed her a leadership role with a major chamber of commerce—helping other entrepreneurs succeed. You don’t have to know exactly where your curiosity will lead—just trust that it will take you somewhere new. Redefine “Failure” as Data Career pivots are messy. They come with doubts, missteps, and plenty of “what am I even doing?” moments. But every setback is a lesson. I know because I’ve lived it. I was forced out of a role I loved. It was devastating. It took years to recover from the trauma. But in that space, I rebuilt. On my terms. With more freedom, balance, and fulfillment than I ever thought possible. Look back on your career—was there ever a time when a failure actually led you somewhere better? “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.” — Arianna Huffington “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas Edison “It’s not how many times you fall, but how many times you get up.” — Chinese Proverb If you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Your career is an experiment, and every step—good or bad—is data. Your Next Move: Try One Small Experiment There’s no single “right” way to build a fulfilling career. By testing new paths, following your curiosity, and learning from every experience, you’ll create a career that aligns with who you are today—not who you were 20 years ago. What’s one small career experiment you can try this month? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear! If you are interested in defining 3 steps you can take in the next 30 days, then schedule your complementary career exploration call with me today. Hop on my calendar here: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session #over40 #midlife #careervision #CareerGrowth #OpportunitiesAhead #Reinvention #AmplifyYourCareer #RiseLimitlessly #UnapologeticallyYou #OwnYourPower #DesignedForYou #RewriteTheRules #ActBoldly #Mindset #Coach #CareerChange #MidlifePivot #PortfolioCareer #SuccessOnYourTerms #WomenWhoPivot #ComfortZone  One of the first questions I ask any potential client is: "Tell me who you are and what you're looking for." And without fail, one of two things happens. Either they begin rattling off a laundry list of titles, accomplishments, and career paths they’ve considered. Or, they freeze. Their eyes go blank as they try to process exactly who they are and what they truly want.
These are smart, driven individuals—people with advanced degrees, decades of experience, and impressive accomplishments both professionally and personally. They’re great at many things. But despite all their skills, they’ve spent months—sometimes years—trying to figure out their next move before finally seeking my help. They think: “I know how to land a job. I’ve done it before. I can do it again!” The thing is, it is a tough market out there. And if your value isn’t immediately clear, you can be doing everything right and still remain invisible. Did you know that 75% of applicants for any given role will have similar skills and experience to yours? The same is true for entrepreneurs pitching their services—your competitors also have great credentials. The difference isn’t what you have on paper, it’s how you communicate it. If you’re sending out dozens of job applications, networking endlessly, or pitching your services without getting much traction, it’s time for a reality check. Your brand message might not be working. (Yes - You are a brand!) So, how do you solve this? How do you stop being invisible and make your brand message work for you? Be Clear about who you are, what you are seeking, and what problems you solve. But Maria, “I am open to doing whatever, as long as I can get money coming in.” When you try to be everything to everyone, you end up being nothing to anyone. That’s exactly what was happening to Maureen. She had an impressive background in marketing but couldn’t land anything because her messaging was all over the place. Funny how we are unable to use our superpowers to help ourselves! We worked together to get crystal clear on her strengths—she was a strategic thinker who thrived on building strong customer relationships—and started communicating that message with precision. It made all the difference. By focusing on what she actually wanted, and positioning herself as a solution to a specific problem, Maureen finally started getting attention from the right employers. You need to get clear on your core strengths and communicate them in a way that positions you as the solution to the challenges employers or clients are facing. If you don’t define this for them, they won’t know what you’re about. Being vague, or worse, ambiguous, only leaves you invisible. Connect the Dots with a Tailored Message When you’re looking for a new opportunity, whether it’s a job or a client, you need to connect the dots between your experience and their needs. One of my clients, Casey, came to me after several failed attempts at landing a job. She had a lot of great experience—she’d been a SAAS customer experience manager for over 10 years, but her resume was just a list of previous roles. It didn’t tell potential employers how her experience solved their problems. Casey assumed his experience spoke for itself, but it didn’t. We worked together to reframe her accomplishments into clear benefits for employers while highlighting the specific experience that matched job listings. Instead of simply stating she managed teams, we highlighted how her leadership saved the company $500K a year by increasing client retention. When we restructured her messaging, and aligned her LinkedIn profile and messaging, she immediately saw results: more conversations, more interest, and more interviews. You have to connect the dots. Don’t just tell them what you’ve done—show them how it benefits them. This isn’t just about the skills you bring; it’s about how those skills solve specific problems and drive results for your target audience. Show, Don’t Tell - While Making Your Pitch Irresistible “I’m great at what I do. But nobody seems to care.” That was the frustration of Erica, a highly experienced sales professional who had tried every pitch under the sun but still couldn’t close deals consistently. She had the experience, the education, the knowledge—but she wasn’t backing it up with evidence. When we worked together, we focused on what she could prove—not just what she said. Erica had glowing client testimonials from years of exceeding sales targets, but they weren’t anywhere in her messaging. She also had data on how she had transformed the health and careers of her clients—but that wasn’t included in her pitch. Once we brought those details front and center, her prospects began to take notice. People want proof. They want to know you can deliver, and they want evidence that you’ve done it before. This is why your pitch needs to be packed with proof over promises. Testimonials, case studies, success stories, and metrics all build trust and credibility. Clients and hiring managers want to see the results you can deliver. The more tangible the proof, the more irresistible your message becomes. The final step is to have a call to action. What do you actually want people to do for you? Do you want an introduction? A job interview? A sale? Your message should be as clear about your next step as it is about the value you bring. One of the biggest mistakes people make in job searches or sales is leaving the next step unclear. If you want someone to take action, you have to make it easy for them. When Magda landed her new role, she didn’t just send her resume and hope for the best. She also included a clear call to action in her email: Let’s schedule a call so I can explain how my experience can help you solve X, Y, and Z. That clarity made it easy for potential employers to see that she had done her homework, and it ultimately led to more open doors. The reality is, unless you can communicate your value clearly, you’ll continue to feel invisible—even with all your great experience. If you’re struggling with your messaging, feeling stuck, or unsure why your efforts aren’t paying off, let’s fix that. I offer a free brand audit where I’ll help you identify where your messaging is falling short and give you actionable advice to refine it. Together, we can craft a brand message that gets you noticed, gets you results, and gets you the opportunities you deserve. Hop on my calendar here: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session  Have you ever caught yourself pushing relentlessly towards a big goal, believing that I will be happy and celebrate once I reach the finish line? But in the process, we burn out. And when we feel this pain, we convince ourselves--I just need more grit! But what if we let ourselves feel joy, accomplishment, and success along the way instead of waiting for the finish line? I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. Instead, each January, I choose a keystone habit—a foundational change that, when made, triggers a domino effect of positive transformation in life. Common keystone habits revolve around health and wellness, like moving your body for 30 minutes a day. This small commitment can lead to better cardiovascular health, muscle strength, improved mood, and higher energy levels. See the domino effect? For 2025, I chose to live in the gain versus the gap—to rein in my hyper-achiever mindset and focus on what I have accomplished rather than obsessing over all the steps still ahead. How to Shift Your Perspective and Live in the Gain If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your career transition, consider shifting from a gap mindset (focusing on what’s missing) to a gain mindset (celebrating what you’ve already achieved). Here’s how: Start Each Day by Noticing Small Wins Instead of measuring success only by landing the job, track daily progress: Did you refine your resume? Reach out to a new contact? Learn something new? Small steps add up. Journal Your Achievements At the end of the day, write down three things you accomplished. This builds momentum and reminds you of how far you’ve come. Reframe Setbacks as Learning Opportunities Didn’t get the second interview? Instead of spiraling, ask: What did I learn? How can I improve? Every “no” is a step toward the right “yes.” Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Outcome Recognize that you are doing hard things everyday. Making a tough call, showing up for a networking event, working on the job hunt and stepping outside your comfort zone. All of these things deserve to be celebrated. Real-Life Example: How Living in the Gain Transformed a Job Search Sarah, a mid-career professional transitioning from corporate management to nonprofit leadership, was stuck in a cycle of frustration and self-doubt. “I am too old to be completely shifting industries.” “I am not good enough to be a leader.” “Why would they choose me over someone with a nonprofit background?” Sarah had already done the visioning work and taken the bold step to declare that she was ready for a change. Now how to orchestrate the transformation? Each day instead of dwelling on being ghosted or not landing interviews at all, she shifted her focus to daily achievements, and everything changed. She started tracking her accomplishments—writing strong cover letters, having meaningful conversations, and learning about the nonprofit sector. She celebrated small wins, like a recruiter responding to her message or feeling more confident in an interview. This shift helped her stay motivated and resilient. Conversations flowed as her confidence grew. And when a conversation led to her dream role, she was able to start feeling rejuvenated with a positive mindset, because throughout the process she had grown, learned, and built relationships that would serve her far beyond this one job. Whether you’re changing careers, starting a business, or working toward any big goal, don’t wait until the finish line to feel accomplished. Allowing yourself to celebrate the wins along the way will create emotions that fuel you rather than break you. Not only would you reach your goals in a healthier way, but you will also be creating more of the feelings that you actually want in your life. So, what have you achieved today? Seeking inspiration and a clear path forward in your career pivot? Schedule your free career exploration call and gain clarity and confidence to take that next step: https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session  When I was returning to work after a 12-year career gap, I knew I needed a strong network to relaunch my career. But there was just one problem—I didn’t have one. At least, that’s the story I told myself. To make things even harder, I had just moved across the country to a rural area, leaving behind 20 years of relationships. It felt like I was starting from scratch.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, I don’t have a network, I see you. Maybe you were happily employed for decades, only to be blindsided by layoffs. Maybe you’ve been focused on raising a family, caregiving, or running a business, and networking simply wasn’t a priority. Or perhaps you’ve been in an industry where networking wasn’t front and center. Whatever the reason, if you’re struggling to figure out how to land a job, accelerate your career, or even get inspired about what’s next, having conversations is a big piece to navigating the next step. But here’s what I need you to know: You do have a network. You just might not be seeing it yet. You’ve probably heard the phrase, your network is your net worth—and it’s true. Up to 85% of jobs are landed through connections. And any business person can tell you the difference between a warm referral and a cold lead. As Jim Rohn says, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with—your circle shapes your mindset, habits, and success. The network that got you here isn’t necessarily the one that will take you where you want to go next, but you already have a solid foundation to build from. Today, I’m going to show you how to uncover your hidden network, and take the first steps toward building the next level connections you need to succeed—whatever that looks like for you. Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success Before you start networking, set up the tools you’ll need to track conversations and maintain outreach. Since you’re here, I assume you’re working on your career in some capacity—so for most, LinkedIn is the obvious starting point. However, if you're in an industry where LinkedIn isn't widely used (like teaching), consider using a spreadsheet or a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to keep track of connections. Other essential tools include: ✅ A calendar system (Goggle, Calendly, etc.) to simplify scheduling. ✅ A professional email address that is your name. ✅ Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) to expand your reach. ✅ A video conferencing tool (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams). Free versions work but be aware of the time restrictions. Step 2: You Have a Network (Even If You Think You Don’t!) I’ve helped countless clients set up their first LinkedIn profile—or dust off one that’s been inactive for 10+ years—and here’s what I’ve seen time and again: you already have a network. You just need to recognize it. Think about: 🔹 Everyone you've worked or volunteered with. 🔹 People from your community, church, alumni groups, family, and friends. 🔹 Fellow members of professional organizations or social groups. 🔹 Neighbors, business owners, and even people you interact with regularly. Start by connecting with these people on LinkedIn (or track in a spreadsheet/CRM), then prioritize who to reach out to based on their field, experience, or connections. People want to help—you just need to show up authentically, take an interest in them, and reach out. Step 3: Reach Out to People Who Inspire You Who are the people that light up a room, inspire you with their work, or live in a way that aligns with your interests and values? Start by setting up coffee chats—virtual or in person—with them. The goal isn't just to "network" but to exchange ideas and support each other. Before your conversation, consider: 🔹 What does success look like for this meeting? 🔹 Are you looking to explore new career possibilities? 🔹 Do you want an introduction to a company or client? 🔹 Can this person get you to where you want to go faster - because they have already done it, or are a few steps ahead of you? Be intentional—these conversations can open doors you didn’t even know existed and introduce you to new ideas and possibilities. Step 4: Expand Your Network Strategically Once you've reconnected with people you already know, it's time to branch out. Look for events and communities that align with your interests—both in person and online. There are plenty of free or low-cost options, so mix it up! Great places to start: 🔹 Social media groups and LinkedIn events. 🔹 Local community and alumni networks. 🔹 Professional associations and development workshops. 🔹 Eventbrite and Meetup keyword searches. 🔹 Sign up for workshops and courses online, or an your local university or college. 🔹 Volunteering (a fantastic way to showcase your skills and meet like-minded people). Before attending an event, ask yourself: Who is likely to be in the room? What would make this experience valuable? Be intentional—your time is an investment. Step 5: Take Action—Set Up 2-5 Calls This Week! Yes, this week. People are busy, it can take weeks to find a time where schedules align. Here’s your challenge: 1️⃣ Set up at least two calls with people in your existing network or those you admire. 2️⃣ Do a little research beforehand so you can ask thoughtful questions. 3️⃣ Be genuinely curious—show interest in their journey, challenges, and insights. 4️⃣ At the end of every conversation, ask: Who should I talk to next? Bonus Tip: Virtual relationships can be just as powerful as in-person ones. When I moved across the country, I worried I was leaving my entire network behind—but that fear turned out to be unfounded. Through social media and strategic visits back home, I not only maintained my connections but also strengthened them in new ways. Over the years, my remote network has supported me in projects, provided lifelines when I felt stuck, connected me to job opportunities, sent client referrals, and offered a sounding board for my ideas. My network didn’t disappear—it simply evolved to work for me in a different way. The right connection can change everything —your career trajectory, your confidence, your future. A conversation today could lead to a job tomorrow. A warm introduction could open doors you didn’t even know existed. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, let’s connect. Let my network become your network. Connect with me on LinkedIn and let’s build the relationships that will take you where you want to go. My mission is to inspire you to disrupt traditional career paths and build lives by design – so you can be exactly where they’re meant to be, when you’re meant to be there. If you’re ready to reimagine what work can look like for you, I invite you to hop on my calendar. Let’s chat! https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session #career #over40 #midlife #networking #connections #mentor #getajob #promotion #careervision #coach #CareerTransformation #NewBeginnings #mindset #richlife #lifevision  Consider the paradox that is the human mind. Humans have the ability to create and dream. To spin infinite realities in their minds. Yet that same brain that impacts how big we dream is often the very thing that sabotages those dreams. If you could do anything for work, what would it be? I mean anything? It might be that thing that your 10 year old self inspired to be. Or something new may have caught your eye as you matured in your career. What do you want to do next?! OK - write it down. Look at it. And pause for a moment. Now, I dare you to push yourself to dream bigger…. unapologetically prioritize your desires, needs, and dreams as you consider this next move. What does that look like? Write it down. What is your brain doing right now? Is it mocking this idea? Is it telling you all of the reasons why you can do this thing? Is it reminding you of the time you tried (and failed) to do this thing? Maybe you are committed to doing this thing and have already started the transition to doing it. But progress has been slow…really slow. You know you are capable of achieving big things, but somehow you can’t seem to get there. Here are 5 common traps that may have you in their grasp. The Comfort Zone Trap Shaking up the status quo on the way to doing big things is HARD. And when we deviate from the ‘norm,’ our brain is going to let us know. It generates all of the anxiety and fear - of financial insecurity, the unknown, of judgment, failure, and just plain old discomfort. When we cling to what is ‘safe,’ prioritizing short-term comfort, we stay stagnant, sacrifice long-term fulfillment and sometimes even financial security. Escape the Trap: Do hard things on a regular basis. Show your brain who is boss. What are you going to do today to step out of your comfort zone? The Perfectionism Paradox When we leap into the unknown of going after a big dream – there are going to be a lot of things that we have to learn along the way. Are you stuck at the start line because of a need to develop a flawless plan before you even start? This delays action and prolongs dissatisfaction in their current situation. Escape the Trap: Start taking steps, you can course correct along the way. Surround yourself with people who have done or are doing similar things. Learn from their mistakes and accelerate your progress. The 'Can't Let Them Down' Cycle Are you prioritizing other people’s needs before your own? Do you tell yourself “If I leave, everything will fall apart. They rely on me - I can’t just abandon them? It would be selfish for me to say out loud - I want to make a lot of money! I want people to like me.” It is time to stop carrying the burden of feeling indispensable to an employer, your family, or anyone else. You deserve this girl. Go get it! Escape the Trap: Being helpful does not have to equal sacrificing your dreams. Empower others to be capable and move on. Isn't it about time that you built your own dream instead of someone else's? Imposter Syndrome Loop You feel excited in a way that you have not felt in a long time. “It is just perfect.” This job listing is at your dream company. It is a title you have held before. You are ready to apply, but then you read down further. “Oh I don’t have that skill. I’ve never worked on that platform. I’ve never managed a budget that big!” Before long you have convinced yourself that you are not good enough or qualified enough to even apply! “Who am I to think I can do this?” Take bold steps toward your next big thing and remember whether you believe you can or you believe you cannot, you are right. Escape the Trap: Focus on the things that you CAN do. Know that you will upskill along the way, connect with a mentor, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. The Overwhelm Overload The dream is right there, you can almost touch it. You can see the steps. ALL of them. The plan comes together and you start making lists. One task leads to another and another - suddenly the plan has expanded. And soon you find yourself so far in the weeds – it is too much. “I can’t do all of this. What if I do all of this and still fail?” Your brain is trying to protect you - this is uncomfortable. It fights back by ensnaring you in the other traps! Anyone would feel overwhelmed. Escape the Trap: Take one step at a time. One day at a time. When hit with additional inspiration, put a pin in it. Focus on the plan. Be realistic about your timeline and ditch the perfectionism. Does this step need 110% effort, or can it just be done… When we dare to unapologetically prioritize our desires, needs, and dreams in our work, our brains push back. Disrupting the status quo sets off alarm bells. And your brain is going to scream at you with doubts, fears, excuses. It thinks that it is keeping you safe. Safe and stuck! Recognizing these traps is the first step to realizing your big dreams. Would you like to arm yourself with tools that build the mental resilience to not only get you through tough things, but result in sustained change so that you can do even bigger things next time? If you’re ready to strengthen your mental fitness, crush those traps and self-sabotage, and move forward with confidence, I invite you to join one of my upcoming mental fitness cohorts. Stand by other women who, like you, are determined to do big things in their lives—and together, we’ll learn to live life on your own terms while leaving a lasting legacy to inspire future generations. I invite you to join me at my upcoming summit where you can: Learn proven strategies to overcome self-sabotage and build resilience Learn actionable techniques to boost emotional intelligence and leadership skills Build sustainable habits to eliminate burnout and achieve work-life balance Don't miss this opportunity to transform your life and career in 2025! Secure your spot now and get ready to make 2025 your best year yet! January 28, 29, 30th, 2025 Same time each day: Noon PT/1:00 p.m. MT/2:00 p.m. CT/3:00 p.m. ET Grab your seat here: https://www.pqamplified.com/empower  When my dad called me and asked me to come in mid August, neither of us had a clue as to what was coming. I booked a one-way ticket and made the 1,000-mile trip. As I settled into my seat on the plane, a profound wave of gratitude washed over me. Over the past three years, I have redefined what work means to me. It wasn’t an easy journey. My work, deliberately crafted around my passions and purpose while working on my own terms. Now I was reaping the benefits of that decision, supporting my dad during a time when he needed me most.
My dad’s story is not unique. Many of my peers share similar stories about their aging parents. “Stubborn, hanging on by their fingernails. Living alone in a home that no longer meets their needs.” Dad’s mobility, balance, and stamina had been decreasing with each passing month. He knew that he needed support, to live, to make a decision about what came next. For 10 days, I supported him. No decisions were made—until a health crisis forced one. Dad spent 21 days in the hospital, then 30 days in a rehab facility, then onto the next “temporary” home. I have spent 8 weeks over 2 trips with Dad. I am heading back again in a few days. During those long hospital days, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel moments of frustration. I worried about my business. I had to cancel meetings, miss events, and set aside projects. My last blog post was early August—a stark reminder of how life had shifted. Yet, I allowed myself to feel those emotions before summoning gratitude. Because deep down, I knew there was no other place I was meant to be. This is why I redefined my career—so I could show up fully for the people and moments that matter most. I built a career that aligns with my life, not the other way around. And that’s exactly what I want for you. So many women I speak with dream of a career that allows them to be exactly where they want to be, when they want to be there. Some may feel stuck, undervalued, or unfulfilled in their careers. Others may be facing a big life transition such as divorce or empty nesting, and want to build meaningful work, but keep the autonomy and flexibility they have grown accustomed to. I invite you to join me to redefine what work means to you and create a career that aligns with your values, passions, and purpose. Building a career that fits your life starts with clarity—understanding your vision, your priorities, and your non-negotiables. Here are three key steps to help you begin: 1. Declare It’s Time for a Change It’s time to take control. Start by asking yourself: “What do I truly want from my work and my life?” “What do I need out of my work?” “What are my non-negotiables?” Give yourself permission to dream without judgment or limits. 2. Envision Your Ideal Work-Life Blend What does a career on your terms look like? It may start with an employee job to give yourself the runway to build a portfolio career that blends part-time work, consulting, passion projects, and entrepreneurship. Perhaps it’s transitioning into an encore career that leverages your expertise in a meaningful new way. The possibilities are endless when you redefine work on your terms. 3. Take the First Step—Even If It’s Small Change can feel overwhelming, but progress starts with one small step. Maybe it’s exploring your options, reaching out to a mentor, or having a conversation with me. Momentum builds confidence. My mission is to inspire women to disrupt traditional career paths and build lives by design – so you can be exactly where they’re meant to be, when you’re meant to be there. If you’re ready to reimagine what work can look like for you, I invite you to hop on my calendar. Let’s chat! https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session #career #over40 #midlife #divorce #emptynesting #layoff #getajob #promotion #careervision #coach #CareerTransformation #NewBeginnings #mindset #caregiving #sandwichgeneration #richlife #lifevision  Have you been thinking about this career pivot for a while? Maybe you explored positions within your company? Did some research about opportunities beyond what you are doing now. Or even sent out a few applications here and there - “putting the feelers out” How long ago was that. How long have you been aware that it is time for the next big move in your career? What is the hold up?
It is human nature to start and stop, start and stop, when reaching for a goal. Especially when navigating toward a big goal. Some of us have been soaring in our careers and are reaching for higher highs. Some are ready to define our next career move on our own terms. Others may find themselves motivated to take action from a place of discomfort or desperation - or the NEED for more. I am going to assume that you have already done the work and are clear on your goal. And if you are not, then start there. WHAT is it you want and WHY do you want to get there? If you are struggling with answering these questions, then read my earlier post: Designing Your Dream Career. On the super hard days, when you are facing rejection after rejection, remembering your WHY goes a long way in helping you find that resilience to keep on going. We've all been there, when the exhilaration of a new idea, the vision of the possibility makes us feel invincible. The spark ignites a fire within us, pushing us to take those tentative first steps toward our goals, excited about a new side hustle, or going after a promotion or job. And when we hit that first set of roadblocks and the spark goes out. When faced with adversity it is human to go back to what you know, to what is safe, no matter how uncomfortable it is. At some point you get excited about reaching toward the goal again. And you take some tentative steps in that direction. You put yourself out there. And then rejection comes and the cycle begins again. Start, stop, start, stop. How will you feel a year from now if nothing changes in your professional life? What can you do to rewrite your career story? Be it until you become it - inside and out! But how? Step 1: Change your Environment The environment that got you to where you are today isn’t the environment that is going to get you to this next place. Have you ever heard the concept that people rise to the level of the 5 people that you spend the most time with? How can you surround yourself with people who are going to lift you up and open new doors for you? Who can accelerate your progress because they have already traveled this road? Who can hold you accountable? What events can you attend, virtually and in-person? Build a strong support network. Changing your external environment is half the battle. Next look inward. When those hurdles or rejection come, what is the narrative in your head? Are you feeling some imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is self-sabotage. These messages have been ingrained in your brain, sometimes since childhood. Learning how to rewire these pathways, to change the messages that your brain believes to be true is going to take some work. Question what you “know to be true.” Who told you that you are not good at math. Who told you that people who look like you do not do this? Who told you that you were not good enough? Why do you continue to give them power? Step 2: Explore Opportunities and Develop Skills Have you considered that another big reason that you are stuck is - you have no idea what is out there and what it would take to get it. You might be thinking, "I don't know what else I can do" or "I don't have the right skills." By changing your external and internal environment you will be exposed to new ideas and possibilities. You can also grow your career vision by researching new paths. Are there any industries, roles, and job listings that align with your interests, skills, and values? Let yourself dream again. What have you always wanted to do? Consider opportunities that could be accessed if you upskilled with a new certification or completed an optional project at work or through volunteer efforts. The most important thing is to get out and try new things to build your confidence. Step 3: Create an Action Plan When you are ready to take the next definitive steps toward your big career pivot, have a plan down to the day, and maybe even the half-hour if you like to keep a tight calendar. A clear plan will help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable - even on the hard days. What daily activities will get you to this goal? Don’t forget to include time to celebrate your wins. The path to a big goal is paved with dozens and dozens of intermediate benchmarks. Celebrate your progress and once in a while look back to see how far you have come. Navigating a career pivot of any type is HARD! But that shouldn’t be a reason to stop. By changing your environment, exploring new opportunities, and creating a clear action plan, you're poised to break free from the start, stop, start, stop cycle of self-doubt and stagnation. Go ahead and take the leap. And if you find yourself needing to ‘phone a friend,’ I am ready to take your call. Let’s leap ahead together and watch your career transform as you build your rich life by design. |
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