Navigating a Career Transition with Confidence and Clarity (November 10, 2025)

Before diving into today’s post, I want to share a bit of my journey. There have been three times in my career when I stepped away from athletic communications. In 2003, I took a four-month break to study website design and maintenance at Columbus State Community College. In 2012, I stepped away again—this time for nine months—to complete coursework in social media design and human resources at Franklin University and Columbus State. Most recently, from 2020 to 2021, I worked outside the profession as an implementation consultant with Paylocity. 

Each of these departures taught me skills I still use every day, both personally and professionally. If you find yourself at a similar crossroads, feel free to reach out—I’d be glad to support you.

Career transitions — whether changing industries, roles, or reentering the workforce — are among the most defining (and daunting) experiences of professional life. The challenge isn’t just finding a new job; it’s redefining your professional identity. 

Begin by mapping the why behind your transition. 

Ask:

• What am I moving away from (burnout, stagnation, lack of growth)?
• What am I moving toward (impact, creativity, flexibility)?

Clarity in purpose helps you communicate your story with confidence. Employers often hesitate with career changers not because of capability gaps, but because the story feels unclear. Your job is to show the connection between your past and your next step. 

Create a “bridge statement” that links your old and new paths.
For example: “After five years in education, I’m transitioning into corporate learning because I want to apply my training expertise to help organizations develop talent.” 

Then, build a learning plan. Identify what new skills, certifications, or experiences will make your transition credible. Even small portfolio projects or volunteer experiences can fill the gap between “interest” and “evidence.” 

Action Steps:
• Write your personal “Career Transition Story” — 3 paragraphs connecting your past, present, and future goals.
• Research 3 people who’ve made a similar move and note how they describe it on LinkedIn.
• Enroll in one micro-course, workshop, or volunteer role aligned with your desired field.

Transitions succeed when you lead them with narrative, not apology. You’re not starting over — you’re evolving forward.