Navigating a career transition can be daunting, especially if you’ve recently started a new role, only to find that it doesn’t meet your expectations. Many professionals make the mistake of jumping into a new job without fully assessing whether it aligns with their long-term goals, only to return to the job market a few months later, dissatisfied. The first step includes taking a measured approach, one that allows you to set yourself up for success while minimizing the risk of disappointment. The old saying, "measure twice, cut once," rings especially true when making decisions that will  shape your career.

"My team and I coach our clients (seasoned Financial and Insurance Professionals) how to avoid this costly cycle." Kari Ellis

"Building Your "Job Search Council"
Phyl Terry, author of the book Never Search Alone; The Job Seekers Playbook, emphasizes the importance of creating a strong support group of which she coined, "Your Job Search Council" to help navigate the emotional and strategic aspects of career search. She says an effective way to approach this process is to involve trusted colleagues and peers in your job search process. When you do, you’ll gain valuable perspectives that can help ensure your next role better aligns with your aspirations. Terry claims in her publication that 85% of executives polled said they reached senior management by leaning into the support they received from others during their career transition. A strong network of peers can provide guidance, encouragement, and critical feedback to help you make more informed decisions. The key is not to rely on your council to do the work for you, but to seek their support as informed colleagues with valuable insights. Start by reaching out to professionals in your network who are also seeking new roles or those who have recently gone through job changes themselves. Even if they’re currently employed, they can provide unique perspectives on balancing job transitions. The goal is to create a group of individuals who can offer cognitive empathy—they understand the challenges and can help you refine your approach.

Creating Your Personal Career Roadmap

A crucial step in avoiding dissatisfaction with a new job involves taking the time to define exactly what you want from your career. Write down your goals, both long-term (such as becoming a Wealth Management Consultant) and short-term (such as finding a role with clear growth potential). Use the feedback from your Job Search Council to refine these goals and prioritize what’s most important for your next job. Draft a document that outlines what you enjoy doing, what you need in a job, your “must-haves” and “must-nots,” and the kind of culture you want to be a part of. This document will serve as your career roadmap, helping you stay focused on what truly matters during your search.

The Golden Question and Conducting a Listening Tour

Another key element of Terry’s advice is to ask your network the “Golden Question”: “If you were in my shoes, how would you approach this job search?” This simple but powerful question invites people to offer their perspective on your job search strategy and can uncover insights that you might not have considered. Additionally, invite previous bosses or colleagues to share what you did well and where you could improve. This feedback will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, and allow you to refine your approach as you move forward.



Aligning Your Goals with the Market

Understanding how and where your skills fit into the current job market is essential. This concept is about recognizing where your skills and experience align with the job market’s needs. If your dream job isn’t available right now, work with a recruiter or career coach to develop a multi-step strategy that will eventually lead you to your desired position. For example, if you're aiming for a chief of staff role, but that position isn't currently open, focus your efforts on smaller leadership roles in the same field, gradually working your way toward your goal.

Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your career strategy too. Make sure your "About" section and skills list are aligned with your target position. If you’re interested in Financial Services roles, for example, ensure that your profile includes the word “financial” and other relevant keywords. Recruiters often use filters to find you. Align your online digital asset (your profile) with your goals to help make you more visible to those looking for candidates like you.