The Career Shift You Didn’t See Coming

When the Unthinkable Happens

I recently watched Don Cheadle on?The Jimmy Kimmel Show, where he talked about his family having to evacuate during the devastating L.A. fires. They moved into two hotels, only to have to evacuate both. Eventually, they sought shelter at a friend’s home, where they stayed in the bedroom of the friend’s daughter. Imagine this—Don Cheadle, a globally recognized actor, living in a child’s room surrounded by Billie Eilish posters.

It was a humbling story, a reminder that life can turn everything upside down, no matter your status or success.

The same can be said for job loss. Companies reallocate resources, restructure, or sometimes life just happens. It’s a truth that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced unexpected challenges in their career.

My Story: Facing an Unexpected Downgrade

When I worked on Capitol Hill as a congressional aide, I always knew my time there would be temporary—tenures are notoriously short on "The Hill." Still, I was unprepared for what happened in my fourth year.

One day, my congressman asked me to switch roles with the receptionist. For me, it felt like a step-down, and I couldn’t see myself continuing in a role that didn’t align with my contributions and career goals. So, I resigned.

At the time, the Congressman's request felt abrupt and unsettling, but in hindsight, it was the best decision I could have made. I had just been accepted to the Fashion Institute of Technology to study Fashion Design, and leaving “The Hill” opened the door to an exciting new chapter in my life. Sometimes, what feels like a setback is really a redirection.

For Anyone Navigating Career Challenges

If you’ve faced an unexpected career shift, like a layoff, a demotion, or a position downgrade, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions—shock, frustration, or even grief. I’ve worked with many clients in similar situations, and I want you to know:

• ????Your feelings are valid.?Whether it’s disappointment, anger, or sadness, give yourself the space to process it all.
• ??Reflect honestly.?If there’s anything you could have done differently, acknowledge it, but don’t dwell on it or blame yourself—use it as an opportunity to grow.
• ???Understand the bigger picture.?Market conditions are unpredictable, and so much is beyond your control. Just look at the price of eggs these days—volatility affects businesses too.

The key is to use these moments to recalibrate. Even when the path forward is unclear, you’re building resilience and setting the stage for your next opportunity.

Preparing for Your Next Role

When you’re ready to move forward, keep these strategies in mind:

• ? Ask insightful questions during interviews, like, “How long have most people on this team been with the company?”
• ? Research the company’s history of employee retention. High turnover can be a red flag.
• ? Avoid taking a new job out of desperation—it’s worth waiting for a role that aligns with your desire for long-term employment.

Resources

1. Don?Cheadle?Opens?Up?About?L.A. Fires (People)
2. Worst?Bosses: Capitol?Hill?Turnover (LegiStorm)
3. How to Deal With Loneliness After Getting Laid Off Fast Company

Have you ever faced an unexpected career shift, like a demotion or a layoff? How did you navigate it? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.

If you need to talk with a trained professional about a layoff or any uncertainty in your career, DM me. As a dual-certified coach, I’m here to help.

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