If 2024 was the year of quiet quitting, 2025 has been the year of quiet recalibration.

Despite a few bright spots, this year’s job market has been unpredictable. Companies like Microsoft, Starbucks, UPS, and Meta have all announced layoffs, while global employers such as Nestlé and Chevron are restructuring for efficiency. According to the World Economic Forum, over 40% of employers expect to reduce headcount in the next five years because of AI adoption.

Meanwhile, U.S. job growth has slowed, with hiring freezes and leaner teams becoming the new normal. And yet, no matter what’s happening in the economy, the only thing you can truly control is you: your clarity, adaptability, and ability to design a career that fits who you are now.

Here are the seven biggest career themes I’ve seen with clients this year and the real stories that bring them to life.

1. Success Doesn’t Equal Fulfillment

Many high achievers have climbed the ladder only to realize they’ve outgrown their careers.

Kristen spent years producing hit reality TV shows, but behind the scenes, she felt drained and disconnected. Through coaching, she reconnected to her early passion for hosting, transitioned into a producer role at CMT with better work-life balance, and landed a hosting gig on Amazon TV.

Her story reflects what I hear from so many clients: it’s not about chasing more success, it’s about redefining what success means now.

2. Too Many Options, Not Enough Clarity

With job boards, AI tools, and endless “what ifs,” career possibilities have multiplied and so has confusion.

Brianna had four completely different ideas for her next move: event planning, nutrition, social work, and law school. She felt paralyzed by choice. Once we unpacked her values and non-negotiables, she realized her real driver wasn’t the title, it was freedom, creativity, and impact.

Clarity doesn’t come from scrolling. It comes from slowing down and getting honest about what matters most.

3. Burnout Is the Wake-Up Call

Many professionals are no longer willing to sacrifice health and happiness for performance.

Shauna, a proposal manager in the A/E/C industry, hit her limit after years in a toxic environment. Her burnout became the spark for something new: exploring how AI could modernize her field. She’s now building a five-year roadmap to integrate tech and purpose into her work.

Burnout isn’t the end. It’s often the beginning of reinvention.

4. Structure Creates Progress

Most people know what they should do—update LinkedIn, network, apply—but struggle to stay consistent.

Gabriel, a creative retoucher, felt stuck after months of job searching with no results. Together we built a project plan with weekly milestones, outreach targets, and portfolio goals. Within weeks, he had momentum again.

Structure isn’t about rigidity. It’s about rhythm. It’s what keeps you moving when motivation dips.

5. Reinvention Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

Career pivots don’t require wiping the slate clean. You can repurpose what you already know.

Katherine worked in advertising for 5 years before realizing she wanted to help people, not brands. She transitioned into recruiting without taking a pay cut or starting at an entry level.

When you learn to translate your strengths into a new language, you realize you’re far more qualified than you think.

6. Creativity Is Coming Back

After years of stability-focused decisions, people are once again craving creative expression.

Cynthia moved from bartending and customer service into marketing at MasterClass. Through coaching, she uncovered her creative side, launched The Collective to support artists, and began exploring property for a future business space.

Her story shows how creativity doesn’t have to compete with career; it can fuel it.

7. Everyone’s Thinking About AI and Relevance

AI is reshaping every field, and with it comes uncertainty about staying employable.

Shauna’s story echoes this shift, but so does Jordan’s. A wealth-management professional, she’s combining human relationship skills with tech literacy to create a hybrid role that makes her indispensable.

The question isn’t “Will AI replace me?” but “How can I use what makes me human—strategy, empathy, creativity—to stay irreplaceable?”

Looking Ahead to 2026: How to Stay Proactive and Irreplaceable

The most significant shift heading into 2026 is that career stability no longer comes from a company. It comes from you. Even in strong sectors, layoffs are reminding professionals that visibility, relationships, and skills are their real safety net.

Here’s how to stay ahead of change and make yourself invaluable in the year ahead:

1. Build Career Insurance Before You Need It

Don’t wait for uncertainty to hit before updating your materials, networking, or learning new skills. The average job search now takes between 16 and 24 weeks, depending on level and industry. The best time to prepare is before you need to.

2. Keep Your Network Warm

Networking isn’t something you do only when you’re job hunting—it’s something you maintain. Check in with previous coworkers, bosses, mentors, and alumni. Congratulate people on milestones, share helpful resources, or simply ask how they’re doing. Staying visible keeps you top of mind when opportunities arise.

3. Be Seen and Add Value

Visibility is one of the most overlooked forms of career protection. Whether you’re remote, hybrid, or in-office, make your contributions visible. Volunteer for cross-team projects, mentor others, or post insights on LinkedIn about what you’re learning. Being known for adding value keeps you on the radar when promotions, projects, or new roles open up.

4. Strengthen In-Demand Skills

Every field is evolving, especially as AI and automation accelerate. Build adjacent skills that keep you relevant—data fluency, project management, creative strategy, and AI literacy. The goal isn’t to chase every trend, but to understand where your industry is headed and stay a few steps ahead.

5. Clarify Your Direction Now

If you’re unsure what you want next, start working on clarity before you need to pivot. Knowing your strengths, values, and goals gives you time to explore and prepare. The clearer you are about what you want, the faster you’ll land it when the time comes.

6. Become the Person People Think of First

When leaders think about reliable, high-impact contributors, you want your name to come to mind. That happens when you consistently show initiative, deliver solutions, and nurture relationships. In times of change, being trusted is as valuable as being talented.

Bottom line: 2026 will favor those who are visible, connected, and continually evolving. Career security doesn’t come from waiting for stability. It comes from building it.

Ready to Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to explore your next chapter, start with my book Screw the Job Market: Reinvent Your Career from the Inside Out. It’s a practical guide to finding clarity, confidence, and purpose—no résumé required.

Get the book here →

Or, if you’d prefer personal guidance, schedule a complimentary Career Clarity Call to design your next career move with structure and confidence.