I finally got serious about changing careers in 2024. Unfortunately, that was the year I lost my mother. Career change took a back seat to grief.

When 2025 hit, I decided to get in action: I attended workshops, worked with career counselors to improve my resume for ATS screening, and took courses to improve my writing skills.

As I applied for jobs, I soon became discouraged because I did not have the relevant experience that employers were looking for. In a competitive job market, experience wins out over someone with no relevant experience but who is eager to learn.

I felt stuck, and I began to fall into despair.

This year, I decided that I may not be able to do anything about my experience (it is what it is) or the hostile job market, but I can work on my own habits, development, and relationships to improve my mindset and perspective.

I can commit to myself.

Discipline and Habit Stacks

If you are unemployed or in the midst of trying to find another job, then the last thing you want to hear about is discipline and building a habit stack because life is hard enough. Bills do not pay themselves.

Here’s some tough love: NOW is exactly the time you need to be working on your habit stack and becoming more disciplined in your life, because this is when you are most vulnerable to falling into despair.

I became depressed about my career transition because I felt like nothing was ever going to change, I was going to be stuck doing the same thing forever, and there was no way out.

I wasn’t sure what to do. I thought about just quitting my job altogether and figuring out my next moves without distraction. I toyed with the idea of a sabbatical, but taking one when you’re frustrated and want to quit your job isn’t a good idea because you still have to go back to work.

My intention in 2026 is to commit to myself because I have no control over the job market, but I do have control over myself.

I am focused on my habits, which is why I joined the 5 AM club, which gives me a great start to the day. I get up at 5 AM to exercise, read, or write, and I don’t feel like I am starting the day behind. I also developed a morning routine and systems to eliminate decision fatigue.

I have been thinking about my next chapter, and I sense it will be dynamic, chaotic, and system-reliant, so it’s better to get into that mode of thinking now. It’s clear to me now that I don’t want a repetitive job. I need a job that will keep me thinking and solving problems.

What do you want?

If you’re unemployed or transitioning careers, now is the time to get clear about what you want with your next job.

Two years ago, all I could tell you was that I wanted a job with a decent salary, benefits, and a path toward a decent retirement. I would have said yes to the first job that offered me this without considering whether it was a good fit, because I was so desperate to do something different.

Now I am much clearer about what I want with my new career

· Be part of a great team (it’s the people, stupid)

· Make enough income to fund my “real life.”

· Intellectually stimulating

· Offers opportunities for career growth and building a network

Now I know what I am looking for, so I do not just settle for the first job that says yes and end up with the short end of the stick.

We are in a tough job market, and as the days go by, it can be hard not to fall into a pit of despair. Remember that you cannot control the job market, but you can control your mindset and perspective. Staying active and in action increases your chances of finding your next opportunity.

I would also encourage you to talk to others who are unemployed or navigating a career change. It is so helpful to know that you are not alone.

Now it’s your turn

Ask yourself these questions

· When life worked best, what was one habit that you performed consistently?

· Would you be able to commit to that habit for four weeks?

· What do you want? What are your top three to five criteria for your job?

· Do you have a network or group where you can share your frustrations or receive encouragement? Even a virtual group is helpful because you realize so many people are going through the same things.