"Society and our families often have specific expectations, but your job isn’t to make everyone else happy—it’s to find what lights you up. Trust that you deserve a career that excites and fulfills you."

I hope this day has you feeling blessed friends!

I’ve got some juicy insights to share from this podcast episode with the incredible Mabel Machini. If you’re feeling stuck in the rat race or just yearning for a career that makes your heart sing, this one's for you. So grab your coffee, tea, or whatever makes you happy, and let’s dive into some goodies to help you ditch that soul-sucking job and find something that truly works for YOU!

Create Space with a ‘Bridge Job’

Mabel Machini, our career transition specialist extraordinaire, shared a golden nugget that could be a game-changer. If you’re struggling with the mental clutter and stress from a job you can’t stand, consider finding a ‘bridge job’. This is a job that might not be your dream, but it frees up some mental and emotional bandwidth so you can explore what you truly want to do. It’s like decluttering your mind’s closet to make room for the fabulous new outfits (aka career paths) waiting for you!

Explore Your Local Joy Spots

Ever thought that fun and excitement might be lurking around the corner? Mabel suggests diving into activities within a 10-mile radius of your home that make you feel alive. Whether it’s starting a new hobby, joining a group, or trying out something novel, these mini-adventures can provide clarity about what career paths might bring you genuine joy. Who knew a pottery class or a salsa dance lesson could hold the key to your professional happiness?

Self-Worth is Non-Negotiable

This one is a biggie. Mabel emphasizes the importance of recognizing your self-worth in your career journey. Society and our families often have specific expectations, but your job isn’t to make everyone else happy—it’s to find what lights you up. Trust that you deserve a career that excites and fulfills you.

The Journey Beyond the Great Resignation

It’s been dubbed the Great Resignation, but Mabel and I dug deeper into what this massive career shift truly means. People are waking up to the idea that work should complement life, not consume it. This continuous journey of finding your fit isn’t about a quick fix but about shedding layers of societal beliefs and honing in on what makes you tick.

Listen to Your Feelings

Ever found yourself dreading Monday mornings? Mabel’s advice is simple yet profound: listen to those feelings. If your job gives you the blues, it’s speaking to you. Maybe it’s time to stay put for six months while doing some soul-searching on the side, or perhaps it’s about securing that bridge job to pave the way to something greater. Your feelings are valuable data points. Don't ignore them!

Mabel’s Secret Sauce: The Career Compass Method

For those of you feeling a bit lost, Mabel offers 1-on-1 coaching through her Career Compass Method. It’s not about a magical one-size-fits-all solution but guiding you through self-discovery to find the long-term fulfillment you deserve. It’s like having a personal GPS to navigate the winding roads of career change!

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. I truly believe that with the right tools and mindset, you can find a career that’s not just a paycheck but a source of joy and purpose. 

P.S. Don’t forget to connect with me on social media @suzanneproksa or visit my website suzanneproksa.com for more inspiration and resources. Stay tuned for our next episode—it’s going to be epic!

Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or just say hi in the comments below. Let's keep this wonderful conversation going!

OTHER RESOURCES

ABOUT SUZANNE PROKSA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, HHP

I'm Suzanne Proksa. A SHRM-SCP and SPHR certified Human Resources and Business Strategist, IAWP Certified Wellness Coach, AADP certified Holistic Health Practitioner, fierce supporter of women, and autoimmune educator + advocate. My focus is supporting, coaching, and creating programs for women, people-focused organizations, and online businesses so they can positively impact their own lives and those of others.

In my time as an online strategist, I've helped thousands of women gain confidence, establish clarity in their businesses, get visible and drive audience growth, create simple strategies and automation to grow their businesses, crush their tech challenges, and start making sales. During my time in HR, I have launched and led multiple initiatives to enrich and improve company culture and the employee experience. I've had my hands in business nearly my entire life starting when I was a kid selling my creations in my neighborhood. My business Bliss Candles was a Featured Seller on Etsy, featured in the book “How to Make Money on Etsy,” and a community favorite - and also a trailblazer in online marketing for small business.

My work has been published and featured in the Huffington Post, Medium, Thrive Global, the Amazing Women of Influence Summit, and on my beloved podcasts.

I've been honored with nominations for the MISHRM Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award, the HR Unite! Inspire Award, and the HR Unite! TA Trailblazer Award.

When I'm not loving on my business or being the best HR leader I can be -- I'm lifting up people however I can, strength training, studying all things women's health, geeking out over technology, attending networking events, and working/living in the beautiful oasis I've built at home.

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