09/04/2020 by Kori Burkholder

Stuck in a Job Rut? How I Escaped Law and Launched My Passions

Job loss can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes unexpectedly. For Katelyn Krieger, it was a turning point that led her to reevaluate her career and ultimately find a more fulfilling path. Katelyn’s journey from practicing law to exploring a role in HR as a Chief of Staff is an inspiring story of self-discovery and resilience. Here’s how she navigated this transition with the help of the Purpose Driven Career Accelerator Program.

The Struggle: Stress and Dissatisfaction in Law

Katelyn spent nine years immersed in the legal field, but despite her hard-earned success, she became increasingly unhappy and stressed. The high-pressure environment and the nature of legal work left her feeling on the brink of a panic attack daily. She knew that law wasn’t the right fit for her, but breaking away from such a specific career was challenging. The societal expectation that a lawyer would remain in the profession for decades trapped her.

"I went into the program trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. I was practicing law at the time, and after about nine years between law school and working in the legal field, I knew that it wasn't the right environment for me and the type of work I wanted to do," Katelyn shares. "The day-to-day work and the structure of working in a law firm were stressful, and most days, I felt like I would have a panic attack."

The Turning Point: Seeking Purpose

When Katelyn lost her job during the pandemic, it was both a shock and a relief. The job loss forced her to confront her dissatisfaction and allowed her to explore new career options. She joined the Purpose Driven Career Accelerator Program led by Kori Burkholder, seeking guidance on next steps. Katelyn was ready to find a career aligned with her values and interests, but she wasn’t sure where to start.

The Discovery Phase: Identifying True Passions and Strengths

The program began with a deep dive into Katelyn’s interests, skills, and strengths. This phase was about more than just updating a resume; it was a journey of self-discovery. Katelyn reflected on her past experiences, including what she enjoyed doing outside of work, such as yoga and wellness activities. This helped her realize that her previous legal career didn’t match her personality or passions.

Through future self-meditations and envisioning exercises, Katelyn started to see a clearer picture of the kind of work environment and role she wanted. She discovered that she thrived in collaborative, smaller settings rather than the hierarchical structure of a large law firm.

The Breakthrough: A New Career Vision

One of the most impactful tools in the program was creating a "work star" and lifestyle blueprint, which combined her strengths, achievements, and aspirations. This exercise revealed that Katelyn was suited for a flexible, creative role that allowed her to work closely with leadership in a supportive capacity.

"My only concern was making sure I could figure out what I wanted to do next. Over the past six months working with Kori, I figured out exactly where I want to go!" says Katelyn. "I'm now crafting a position for a company as a Chief of Staff to support their leadership team, where I can do more creative work with leadership while bringing in the skills I've used as a lawyer."

Taking Action: Building a New Path

With a clear vision, Katelyn updated her LinkedIn profile and resume to reflect her new career goals. She also started engaging in community projects that aligned with her interests, such as volunteering for mutual aid organizations and creating an Instagram account, @soberinnyc, to support the sobriety community in New York City.

"I've also started a new Instagram in the sobriety community in New York (@soberinnyc), which has helped me narrow down companies I want to work for, like non-alcoholic beverage brands and modern recovery programs," Katelyn explains. "I feel more confident connecting with people in these fields and sharing my ideas and plans for what's next."

Embracing the Future: Confidence and Clarity

Today, Katelyn feels confident and proud of her direction. She no longer needs to justify her career change or hide her aspirations. Instead, she openly discusses her goals and interests, whether pursuing a Chief of Staff role or dreaming of opening a yoga studio.

"I don't feel any guilt or regret about saying I don't want to practice law, which feels so freeing!" Katelyn expresses. "If you're considering this program and looking to find something more purpose-driven, it helps you do that because you're not focusing on what jobs are available now, whether your skills fit into them, and getting the resume done. Instead, it's more about figuring out what you want, the skills you enjoy using, where you want to make an impact, and then finding opportunities that match that."

Katelyn’s journey is a testament to the power of introspection, the importance of aligning one’s career with personal values, and the courage to pivot when necessary. Her story inspires others to leap into a more purpose-driven career, showing that finding fulfillment and success is possible even after a significant career shift.

Discover Your Own Possibilities

Katelyn’s transformation showcases the profound impact of the Purpose Driven Career Accelerator Program. Listen to our full interview to learn more about her journey and how you can embark on a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.

Listen to our interview to discover your possibilities!

How To Identify And Leverage Your Transferrable Skills To Advance Your Career

P.S. And, whenever you're ready… here are four ways we can help you get unstuck and grow your purpose-driven career:

Watch a free Masterclass: Clarify the fastest path to land a more fulfilling and purposeful career & beyond. First, identify any limiting beliefs and self-sabotage patterns so that you start creating an inspiring vision of your future dream career. Then, learn how to implement the 4-step game plan our clients use to develop a career they look forward to every day and a solid plan to achieve it. Watch the free Masterclass right here>>>. Click Here.

Download my "Purpose Driven Career Quiz" workbook: If you're struggling to figure out what you want to do next career-wise, then download my new workbook "Purpose Driven Career Quiz" to see just how far (or how close!) you are to landing a purpose-driven career!>>> Click Here

Join our FREE Purpose-Driven Careers Facebook Group and connect with other driven professionals learning how to make an impact, earn income, and create the freedom they desire in their life and career>>>. Click Here

Work with me privately: If you'd like to work directly with me to build a career of your dreams… schedule your complimentary Career Strategy Breakthrough Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding and landing your dream role and create a strategy for you to make it happen… Apply for your FREE call with me here>>> Click Here To Apply

Feed