Shift Happens: Finding Your Next Career Move When You’re Unsure What’s Next

Change has a way of showing up uninvited. Sometimes it’s a gentle nudge, other times it’s a seismic jolt that shakes everything you thought was certain. Whether your job has lost its spark, your industry is shifting, or your priorities have evolved, one truth remains: shift happens.

But what happens when you know it’s time for a change… and you don’t know what’s next?

The good news is—you don’t need to have all the answers before you start moving forward. You only need clarity on the next right step.

Step 1: Acknowledge the Shift

The first step in any career change is admitting that the current chapter no longer serves you. This isn’t about failure—it’s about growth. The moment you stop resisting the truth, you free yourself to start exploring new possibilities.

Step 2: Reconnect With Your Core Compass

At Mission2Transition, we use the compass as a metaphor for finding direction. Before scanning job boards or polishing your resume, take time to identify your non-negotiables, strengths, and values. Ask yourself:

• What do I want my daily life to look like?

• What problems do I feel called to solve?

• What work energizes me rather than drains me?

Your answers become your internal coordinates—helping you navigate opportunities that align with your true self.

Step 3: Explore Without Committing

This is your discovery phase. Shadow someone in a role you’re curious about. Take a short course. Volunteer. Have informational interviews. Give yourself permission to experiment without pressure.

Step 4: Build Your Bridge, Not Just Your Résumé

Career change isn’t only about finding a new job—it’s about building a bridge from where you are now to where you want to be. That may mean adding new skills, updating your professional network, or learning how to communicate your transferable experience in a new way.

Step 5: Take Imperfect Action

Waiting for certainty can keep you stuck for years. The real clarity often comes after you start moving. Apply for a role that feels like a stretch. Say yes to a contract project. Pitch yourself for work in a new sector.

At Mission2Transition, we help individuals navigate career change with strategy, clarity, and confidence. Our Shift Happens framework blends practical steps with mindset shifts to help you not only survive transitions—but thrive in them.

Your next career chapter isn’t waiting for the perfect moment. It’s waiting for you to take the first step.