3 Career Moves That Paid Off in a Time of Career Uncertainty

Navigating Career Uncertainty in a Shifting Job Market

The job market has changed dramatically over the past 5 years, creating a deep sense of career uncertainty for many professionals.

After a short window of appreciation and flexibility for employees during the pandemic, the balance of power has shifted back to employers. Layoffs, restructurings, and return-to-office mandates have become the norm. Trust has eroded in many places.

In the federal workforce, we've seen buyouts, early retirements, and a wave of questionable dismissals. It’s not uncommon to see DEI programs and fair hiring protections being eliminated.

If you’ve been displaced in your career or fear you might be, you’re not alone. And you’re also not powerless.

Here are three stories of clients who made brave career decisions in uncertain times and received clear “green flags” that confirmed to them that they’d made the right move.

Client 1: Leaving Before the Floor Fell Out

This client had been in a toxic environment for 20 years. Despite consistently working hard and improving, they were never promoted. Every time they met their supervisor’s expectations, the goalpost shifted. Too many questions. Not enough questions. The wrong questions. You name it, there was always an excuse.

After years of being told they weren’t enough, they started to believe it.

Even when they recognized the dysfunction, self-doubt lingered: Why hadn’t I noticed? Why did I stay?

They didn’t even realize how deeply career uncertainty had eroded their confidence until we started the work of rebuilding it.

We wrote their resume and practiced interviewing. We explored what they actually wanted. They put in the hard work and job offers followed. The first few weren’t quite right, but each one was a confidence boost. Then came the perfect fit: great people, higher pay, and frequent recognition, both verbally and financially. Talk about green flags.

✅ Their biggest green flag? The program they’d been on was defunded months after they left. If they’d stayed, they would’ve been laid off with dozens of others. That would have impacted their family and they’d have been in competition with a lot more people for a limited number of jobs. They couldn’t have predicted it, and of course were empathetic to their old colleagues, but they were so glad they took what seemed like a risk instead of staying in a place that seemed secure.

Client 2: Choosing Self-Respect

This client had been at a toxic workplace for a decade, where burnout was expected and voicing concerns made you a target. After working together, they accepted a new job that looked ideal on paper, but the reality didn’t match the promise.

They made a bold move: they quit, even without a backup plan. It was a leap of self-trust they never would’ve considered before. Within a month, they were offered a job with a trusted former colleague. The environment was flexible, respectful, and healthy – all green flags. They’re now healing, professionally and personally.

✅ Their biggest green flag? Their former organization went through a major layoff earlier this year. If they had stayed, they would’ve waited for their job to be next while navigating a crushing workload and demoralized team.

Client 3: Leaving Government to Lead Again

This senior federal leader began working with me after being sidelined and silenced by a toxic new leader. It was draining their confidence and sense of purpose. At the same time, a private organization was actively pursuing them.

Initially, they were hesitant. Government work had always felt more secure. But after weighing the risks and reflecting on their values, they said yes to the new role.

Now they’re thriving. They feel confident, impactful, and energized again – all green flags.

✅ Their biggest green flag? They’ve avoided the current federal employment crisis.

What did they all have in common?

What could you have in common with them?

✅ They were senior professionals with 10-20 years of experience

✅ Their workplaces had turned toxic and undermined their confidence

✅ They chose to leave, even without guarantees

✅ They found roles that respected, recognized, and empowered them

✅ They avoided the layoffs and fallout in their former organizations

✅ They now say: “I wish I’d left sooner.”

Each of these professionals faced real career uncertainty. But instead of staying stuck, they took action, and now they’re reaping the benefits.

 

Is it harder now than it was a year ago?

Yes. But there are still good organizations out there and many are still hiring.

You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re facing career uncertainty, let’s talk about how I can help.

👉 Schedule a conversation here