 It’s not just a tough week. It is more than just needing a vacation. This is burnout, the kind that seeps into your soul. The kind that makes you unsure of how to climb out of the spiral. The kind that makes you feel alone on an island.
This burnout has pushed you into a career pivot, or it might be the career pivot that has caused the burnout ! You want to find your next dream job, but with all of the things weighing on you, how can you make that happen? There are real-life responsibilities to juggle...the bills don’t stop, health insurance is non-negotiable, and for many, there’s a desire to contribute to your family in a new way, especially after a long stretch of caregiving. Maybe you’ve suddenly become the sole income earner. When it all falls on you, every decision feels heavier. Here’s what I want you to know. Reinvention doesn’t mean you are starting completely over. It means starting from where you are, with everything you’ve already built. Repackaging, not replacing. I work with people in the midst of major career shifts, people who are walking away from roles that no longer fit, rediscovering their identity post-caregiving, or building something brand new after being underemployed or overlooked. So where do you even begin? When you’re burnt out, lost, or simply craving something new, the idea of reinventing your career can feel impossible. You already have a rich collection of experiences, skills, and strengths. Let’s build on the foundation of what you already know, love, and do well, and build a bridge to what is next. Inventory Your AssetsStart with your Spark Zone, the sweet spot between what you’re great at and what lights you up. One way to do that? Download my 5 Steps to Monetize Your Brilliance workbook and use the Spark Worksheet. It’s designed to help you identify the intersection of your superpowers (the skills that pay the bills) and your passions (the things that energize you and give you purpose). Next, revisit your kudos file. This might live in your inbox, your LinkedIn recommendations, old performance reviews, or even that sticky note you saved from a client or colleague. These pieces of positive feedback are gold, they reveal how others experience you at your best. Ask yourself: What compliments have stuck with me? What kinds of things do people thank me for? What do I consistently get pulled into because “you’re so good at this”? Have you considered reaching out to your community for a fresh perspective? People around us often see us in a very different way than we see ourselves. Reach out to former colleagues, managers, friends, or clients and ask: What do you see as my greatest strengths? What kind of problems do I help solve? What’s something I do exceptionally well that I might not even notice? What kind of role or environment could you see me thriving in? Reflect on Your Lived Experience Now, zoom out. Think about the moments that have shaped your career and your life. What were you doing when you felt most energized and alive? What challenges do you find yourself solving over and over again? What parts of your previous roles brought you joy or made you feel like your fullest self? Those moments hold clues about what you want more of, and what you’re ready to leave behind. Consider Your Network. Your next opportunity may come from the most unexpected corner of your world. It might be someone in your book club, a fellow volunteer, a parent you met on the sidelines of a soccer game, or a neighbor who knows someone hiring. Take inventory of the people in your world: Who opens doors for others? Who’s always doing interesting things that catch your eye? Who’s a few steps ahead of you in the kind of career you’re dreaming about? Who’s a super-connector that seems to know everyone? Who was there with you, or benefited, when you were in your zone of genius? Reach out. Reconnect. Have real conversations. Because conversations lead to clarity. They spark new visions. And they help you start writing a new narrative for your future. Let’s Be Honest. This Is Brutally Hard. You’re not going to figure this out in one day. And that’s not because you’re doing it wrong, it’s because reinvention is messy, emotional, and deeply personal. Burnout, identity shifts, financial pressure, uncertainty on top of everything else that mid-life throws at ya…it is a lot! You just need the right tools…and the right support. Download the 5 Steps to Monetize Your Brilliance Workbook to start turning your lived experience into a career vision that aligns with who you are now so that you can use that newly discovered spark to illuminate the path as you redefine what work is to you. And if you want someone to help you process it in real time, book a complementary Career Exploration Call with me. We’ll talk through what’s next and start shaping a path that feels possible. #CareerPivot #BurnoutRecovery #CareerChange #MonetizeYourBrilliance #LifeByDesign #MidlifeCareer #Reinvention #CareerCoach
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 You got what you wanted… so why does it feel like everything is unraveling?
You did it. You made the leap, new title, new role, new business. You post the news, and the likes roll in. “You’re amazing!” they say. But then, a few weeks later, you wake up and think, why do I feel so off? Wasn’t this supposed to feel better than this? You are exhausted. Dread Creeps in…quiet, unexpected, and unsettling. What is happening here? What happened to the confident joyful moments!? The Dread After the Dream “I wanted this… but now I just feel like I’m drowning.” “I am not sure I want this…” “Shouldn’t I be crushing it already?” “I can’t do anything right” Christine made the brave bold move to leave corporate and launch her own consultancy. She found her way to me after 6 months. “I am watching my savings dwindling down and down. Some mornings I just stare at my laptop wondering what exactly I should be doing. I didn’t think it was going to be this hard…” Why You’re Feeling This Way When I work with clients, it is not uncommon for us to continue our work AFTER the big pivot. WHY? Because this is often when the impostor syndrome, fear of failure, financial anxiety, overwhelm and regret really start to set in. This fatigue and emotional strain is a normal part of doing big things. Our body and our brain crave routine, and a big career pivot, well is anything but routine. Our brain is going to fight to go back to the status quo. The reality of the uncertain road ahead can be a lot to tackle all alone. Here is what I want you to remember when you are paralyzed with self-doubt. 👉 Give yourself a grace period – Allow yourself a few weeks/months of decompression and adjustment before demanding clarity or results. Build a structure to take good care of your body and soul. Eat well, get good sleep, find ways to decompress and move your body regularly. 👉 Be aware of the stories you're telling yourself – When doubt creeps in, notice the internal narrative. Are you assuming you're failing, or that you should “have it all figured out” by now? Check the facts. If you’re in a new role, have you even asked your boss what success looks like in the first 90 days? Clarity can silence unnecessary self-criticism. 👉 Reconnect to your “why” – Revisit what made you take the leap in the first place. Journaling or vision boards help reignite purpose and get some dopamine flowing. 👉 Celebrate micro-wins – You are learning and growing in so many directions. Focus on small progress instead of perfection. Each action forward is momentum. 👉 Talk to others who’ve done it – Whether at work, or in your entrepreneurial community, surround yourself with fellow career pivoters who can offer support and insights to navigate the journey ahead. You’re Not Alone—Let’s Map Out Your Next 90 Days Christine didn’t stay stuck in the dip. Together, we reset her expectations, celebrated micro-wins that proved she was on the right path, and anchored her “why” with a visual reminder in her workspace. With the support of Positive Intelligence training and a community of like-minded mentors, she built the mental resilience to navigate uncertainty with more confidence and clarity. Her pivot didn’t just survive, it started to thrive. If you’re feeling the swirl of “what now?” after a big move, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. Let’s map out your next 90 days with calm, clarity, and confidence. Book a complimentary call with me and leave with a plan for impact, income, and inner peace. https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session #CareerPivot #NewJobStruggles #EntrepreneurLife #MidlifeCareerChange #ResilienceAtWork #PositiveIntelligence #ImpostorSyndrome #PortfolioCareer #WomenInTransition #BuildAThrivingCareer #LifeByDesign #CareerGrowth #MindsetMatters #FromFearToFreedom  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  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  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 |
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