Are you still following a career blueprint that was designed for a world that no longer exists? As we navigate 2026, the traditional "rules" of professional growth are being rewritten, yet so many mid-career women are still holding themselves back by trying to play an outdated game. In this episode, I’m diving deep into why the career advice we were given a decade ago is actually sabotaging our progress today. I share why "staying the course" can sometimes lead to stagnation and how you can shift your perspective to navigate this new landscape with confidence. From the rise of AI to the strategic power of the "job hopper" label, it’s time to stop settling for a career that fits your past and start redesigning one that fuels your future. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Expiry Date of Traditional Advice: Why the "proven" strategies of the past are now the biggest hurdles for mid-career women. The Power of the Pivot: Why I’ve embraced "job hopping" as a tool for advancement rather than a mark of inconsistency. Navigating the AI Shift: How to focus on your unique human value so that technological changes become your competitive advantage. Career Redesign vs. Career Recovery: How to move from just "getting through the week" to intentionally engineering a path that aligns with your personal growth. Action Steps:Audit Your Internal Rules: Identify one piece of "standard" career wisdom you’re still following (like staying in a role for a minimum number of years) and ask if it actually serves your 2026 goals. Give Yourself Permission to Move: Stop viewing a career change as a "restart." View it as a strategic upgrade to a version of work that fits your current season of life. Prioritize Navigation over Path: In a changing economy, your ability to navigate and adapt is more valuable than any linear ladder. Start looking for the moves that keep you agile. Ready to Redesign Your Career? If you’re feeling the tug to move but aren't sure how to navigate the current market, I’m here to help you get unstuck. 👉 Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and let’s map out your next best step together. Send a textWebsite: careerchangemakers.comEmail: [email protected] LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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