jobs

Throughout my career, and now in my work as a Fractional HRD and coach, I’ve noticed how often conversations turn to career transitions. Sometimes they begin with a passing comment about feeling dissatisfied in a role. Sometimes they’re prompted by organisational change. Sometimes it’s the quiet acknowledgement: “This no longer feels right, but I’m not sure what would.” People often portray career transitions as clean, confident steps from one role to the next. In practice, they’re far more uneven. There are false starts. Moves that turn out not to be the right fit. Periods of feeling stuck or uncertain. Times when a role looks fine on paper but doesn’t feel right in practice. For many, this is when the harder questions begin to surface. Career transitions ask for self‑reflection and honesty, often at a moment when people feel least prepared for it. This is especially true when the change is driven by organisational decisions rather than personal choice. For some, their role has become part of how they see themselves. The title, the responsibility, the expertise… it all becomes woven into their sense of identity. So, when a role no longer fits, or is taken away through organisational change, it can feel unsettling both professionally and personally. For others, there’s the disquiet of financial concerns, something that can make decision‑making feel more difficult. Alongside this sits the worry of how their choices will be judged by others, when in truth they are usually their own toughest critic. At such times, people benefit from support to work this through. Not to rush to an answer, but to understand what’s changed and what matters now. Coaching can provide the clarity that’s been missing and create the conditions for honest reflection and conversation. Part of this is often about rebuilding self‑belief and confidence, recognising that experience, judgement and skills don’t disappear when circumstances change. Transitions, supported well, can create the opportunity to rethink, to reinvent, and to apply strengths in new and meaningful ways. If any of this resonates, I’d be happy to talk and explore it with you.