top of page
Writer's pictureRenata Bernarde
Dec 9

Yes You Can Do This!

Episode 268 - Career Transitions: A Guide for Corporate Professionals Seeking Change




The end of the year often sparks reflection. For corporate professionals, it’s a time to assess the past 12 months, consider new directions, and perhaps make big decisions about the future. This year, those reflections feel more urgent. Economic uncertainty, shifting workplace norms, and the relentless pace of technological change have left many seasoned professionals questioning their career paths.


The idea of a career transition is nothing new. But what feels different in 2024 is the sheer complexity of it. For years, career advice was dominated by stories of bold leaps—dramatic pivots into entirely new industries or ventures. These tales are inspiring but rarely reflect the nuanced challenges that mid- and senior-level professionals face. Transitioning isn’t about abandoning everything you’ve built; it’s about rethinking how your experience, skills, and passions align with the opportunities of tomorrow.


The Question That Drives Change


At the core of any successful career change is one fundamental question: Why do you want to change? It sounds simple, but it’s a question many professionals avoid, often out of fear of confronting uncomfortable truths. Is it the toxic work culture? A lack of purpose? Or perhaps a nagging sense that you’ve achieved all you can in your current role?


Understanding your “why” isn’t just self-reflection; it’s strategic. It provides the clarity needed to navigate the practicalities of transition. Without a strong “why,” any change will feel rudderless—especially in today’s unpredictable job market.


Small Experiments, Big Insights


One of the most valuable lessons I share with my clients is this: You don’t have to leap. Small, low-risk experiments are the modern way to transition. Side hustles, freelance projects, or informational interviews provide invaluable insights into whether a new path is right for you.


Take, for instance, a client who recently explored the consulting world. By working on small projects during evenings and weekends, they discovered not only a passion for solving business problems but also the realities of the consulting lifestyle—tight deadlines, irregular hours, and the constant need to pitch for work. This informed their next move in a way that a blind leap never could.


We often romanticize the idea of a career pivot. But without testing the waters, it’s all too easy to swap one unfulfilling career for another.


The Power of Long-Term Thinking


Jeff Bezos famously used the Regret Minimization Framework to guide his decision to leave a hedge fund and start Amazon. He asked himself a simple but profound question: At 80 years old, what will I regret more—trying and failing, or never trying at all?


For professionals at a crossroads, this exercise can be transformative. But there’s an important caveat: Minimizing regret doesn’t mean taking reckless risks. It means balancing ambition with preparation. A financial safety net, a Plan B, and incremental steps toward change are essential components of a successful transition.


It’s easy to envy Bezos’ wealth and resources, but you don’t need to be a billionaire to make smart, strategic career moves. The principles are universal.


Timing Is Everything


This time of year is ideal for career planning. The natural pause provided by the holiday season gives you the headspace to reflect and set goals for the coming year. But it’s also a reminder that transitions rarely happen overnight.


Most successful changes are incremental. They require setting clear, time-bound goals—like acquiring a new skill or building a professional network over the course of a year—and breaking them into smaller milestones. For example, one of my clients used a 12-month period to reposition themselves from a senior marketing role in retail to a consulting position in sustainability. The key was patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the journey, not just the destination.


Preparing for Pushback


One aspect of career transitions that doesn’t get enough attention is the reaction of others. Change often surprises colleagues, family, and friends—and not always in a positive way. Skepticism, unsolicited advice, and even outright discouragement are common.


As I tell my clients, this is where your "why" becomes your armor. When you’re clear on your motivations, other people’s opinions matter less. And remember, you don’t need universal approval to succeed. You just need one “yes” from the right opportunity, mentor, or advocate.


The Path Forward


As 2025 approaches, the idea of transition feels more relevant than ever. The workplace is in flux, and professionals are reevaluating what they want from their careers. If you’re one of them, here’s my advice: Start small, stay strategic, and keep your long-term vision in mind.


Transitions are rarely easy, but they are often worth it. They challenge us to grow, clarify what truly matters, and align our work with our values and goals. And as the late poet Mary Oliver so beautifully asked, What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?


For corporate professionals, the answer often lies not in bold leaps, but in thoughtful, deliberate steps. If you’re ready to take that first step, now is the time.


bottom of page