Introduction: The Tale of Two Candidates

Imagine two people, Alex and Jamie, interviewing for the same job at a tech company.

Alex answers questions by listing tasks completed and results achieved. Jamie, however, shares a story about a time they unexpectedly had to lead their team, highlighting how they helped everyone succeed during a tough situation.

Alex’s answers aren’t wrong but they also don’t really stick in your mind. Jamie's storytelling does more than just share facts; it makes the interviewers visualize the situation and feel impressed by how Jamie handled it.

This way of using stories isn’t just about sharing what happened, but about making it interesting and memorable. Jamie turns the interview into something special, and that helps them stand out.

Step 1: Understand the Power of Storytelling

Storytelling isn't just for bedtime; it's a potent communication tool that resonates on a deeper...

Fall is in the air . . .
 

The leaves are changing.

There's a crispness in the mornings, and pumpkin spice lattes (warm apple cider for me!) are back.

It's a season that naturally inspires change and new beginnings. And just like nature, maybe it's time for your career to experience a bit of a refresh too.

As a mid-career woman, you've likely achieved a lot professionally. But perhaps you're feeling a little stagnant, or you're wondering if there's more out there for you. Fall is the perfect season to re-energize your career and set yourself up for continued success.

In this blog post, we'll cut through the fluff and give you actionable steps to revitalize your career this fall. From getting clear on your goals to learning new skills and expanding your network, we'll cover the essentials to help you make real progress.

So grab your favorite fall drink, get comfortable, and let's dive in!

1. Reflect and Reassess:...

Many of us have been there: dreading Mondays, counting down the minutes until 5 p.m., and working out of financial necessity, not out of a passion or because the work makes you feel fulfilled in some way.

You might even be applying for other jobs secretly during your lunch break. 

If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably repeatedly asked yourself: Should I stay in my current job or is it time to move on to something else?

What's Making You Unhappy? 

Let's figure out why you're feeling this way. Take some time to reflect and answer these questions honestly:

What are the specific things about your job that you dislike? Is it your boss, your coworkers, the tasks you do, or something else?

Do you feel bored or unchallenged? Are you not learning or growing in your role?

Does your job align with your personal values and interests? Does it feel meaningful to you?

What are your biggest frustrations at work?...

Being mid-career can be a time of immense potential...and immense frustration.

From the outside looking in, you're doing great but moving up feels hard. It’s annoying. It’s infuriating. It’s… fixable. 

So what now? Well now, I’m going to give you 5 common questions you might be asking yourself and uncover the steps you can take to finally get that promotion and/or raise that you deserve.

Challenge 1: "Why aren’t people acknowledging my great work?"

The Issue: You nailed that presentation, but your boss only praises your other colleague. You constantly share brilliant ideas in meetings, but they seem to go in one ear and out the other. Meanwhile, less experienced team members are getting tapped for exciting new projects. It feels like no one notices your hard work or your potential.

The Solution:

1. Document your wins: Start a "Wins" file (or Brag Folder as I call mine) where you keep track...

Forget the idea that summer means hitting pause on your career. With a bit of intention, it's actually the perfect time to make smart moves toward your goals!

Summer often brings a slightly slower pace at work, giving you the mental space to refocus, learn, and grow. Whether you're dreaming of a promotion, a career switch, or just want to feel more energized in your work, summer is yours to seize.

Let's dive into actionable tips to help you take advantage of the season and get closer to where you want to be professionally.

Tip 1: Set Specific Goals

Don't just drift through summer expecting that career magic will suddenly happen in the Fall.  What do you REALLY want to achieve by the end of the year? More visibility at work? A promotion? New skills in a cutting-edge field?

Action Step for You: Break down your big-picture goal into 2-3 smaller milestones you can aim for this summer. This makes progress feel achievable!

...

Feeling a bit lost or disconnected in your career? Like, when you finally take a moment to catch your breath and look around, do you think “Is this all there is?” Or “I don't know what I want to do next but it ain’t this!”

It's a completely normal experience, especially for women at this career stage. Many of us find it challenging to expand our network or feel unsure of how to tap into its potential. Let's tackle this head-on with advice designed just for you.

1 Problem 1: "I feel out of touch/out of the loop after a career break."

Taking time out of the workforce happens, whether it's to raise a family or tackle personal circumstances. But stepping back in can feel intimidating. First, remember you have valuable skills and experience.

Here's how to reconnect and update your network:

Reconnect with Purpose
Reach out to former colleagues and see what they're up to. You can send them a quick message via...

Hit a wall in your career? You're not alone.

Many of us reach a point where what we're doing just doesn't feel right anymore. Maybe you're bored, maybe you crave more challenges, or maybe you always had a different dream bubbling under the surface. Whether it's a nagging whisper or a full-blown scream, it's time to listen to that inner voice pushing for change.

Understanding Your Unique Career Fears

Feeling a bit terrified about hitting mid-career reset is totally normal!

Here's why it can feel extra scary for women:

The "Shoulds"
Society places so much pressure on women to fit certain roles, and stepping outside those roles can make us doubt ourselves. Been there. Still trying to avoid doing that!

Juggling Act
Often, we're managing care for kids, parents, and ourselves on top of a demanding job, leaving zero space for career soul-searching.

Confidence Gap
It's no secret that the workplace isn't always a level field....