3 blocks I see in job changers (and how to move through them)
Making a work move when you're unsure of the ‘what’ or the ‘how’ can feel like standing in a thick fog.
You know you want more from your work, but you don’t have clear vision. Over the years, I've worked with many people in this place, and I’ve noticed a few consistent blockers that keep them stuck. Here are three key areas, and how you can start to move though them.
1. your not clear on your Value
Many people begin their job search without a clear grasp of what they bring to the table. Not just qualifications or past job titles, but real value. That includes your:
Transferable & Specialist skills
Natural strengths
Life experiences
Unique working style and personal attributes
Before you scan job boards, take time to audit yourself. What do you do well without even trying? What do others come to you for? What feedback have you received that resonated?
The more you understand your value, the more confident (and compelling) you become, in conversations, on paper, and in interviews.
2. your vision is Vague
What do you really want your work life to look like? One of the biggest blocks I see is not knowing what you actually want to be doing day to day. We often focus on job titles, but the real question is what kind of work will make you feel motivated and engaged? Start by getting curious. What kind of problems do you love to solve? What environments or industries are you attracted to? How do you want to feel at the end of a workday? Start focusing in on that and you just might manifest it!
Once you know more about what you want to do, it becomes way easier to match those qualities to real-world roles, even if they’re outside your current field.
3. You don’t have a good Plan
You can have clarity about your value and your vision, but without a plan, it’s hard to build momentum. A clear strategy keeps your energy moving forward, even when things feel slow. Start with these questions:
Who could I reach out to for a career conversation?
What events / webinars could I attend to learn/connect?
What LinkedIn profiles (people, orgs, groups) can I learn about possibilities from?
Are there short courses or certifications that would open new doors for me?
Break it into tiny, do-able steps - action builds confidence, even small actions.
The between jobs ‘limbo’ time can be emotionally tough. You may go weeks without positive feedback, without the structure or validation that work can bring. That’s when mental fitness becomes your secret weapon.
This is the time to strengthen the part of you that stays hope-full, focused, and self-supporting. Learn to notice and question your inner judge. Practice celebrating even small wins you have. Stay connected to your long-term vision and continually build habits that feed your confidence! Career change isn’t just a strategy problem, it’s a mindset one too.
And of course you don’t have to do this alone, you can engage with a coach to offer you practical, purposeful support. Book a free chat with me here or check out the CDAA website to find a career specialist near you.