Making A Successful Career Change After 10+ Years in the Same Role: Emily’s Story

Breaking Free from Stagnation
Emily, a career professional from Indiana, spent over a decade in the same company, unsure of where to go next. Feeling stuck in a stagnant position, she knew it was time for a change but struggled with clarity and confidence. In this blog post, we dive into Emily’s journey of overcoming her doubts, gaining clarity, and successfully navigating a career change.
The Struggle: Stagnation and Self-Doubt
When Emily first reached out to me in the fall, she had been with the same company for over 10 years. Although she had a strong foundation, she felt stuck, unsure of where to take her career next.
“I had been with the same company for 10 plus years, and I was feeling very stagnant… not having the motivation or the self-confidence to actually make that movement towards making a change.”
Emily had been in her comfort zone, knowing everyone in the company and understanding the dynamics, but this familiarity kept her from pursuing a career transition.
Hesitation: The Fear of Change
Like many people considering a career change, Emily hesitated before reaching out for help. She had received multiple marketing emails about my coaching program but kept putting off the decision to take action.
“I had gotten on your marketing emails for a while… and I thought, ‘Emily, this is getting you nowhere. You’re not doing it on your own, so you need help.'”
It was this moment of clarity that led Emily to finally take action and reach out. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Turning Point: Finding Clarity and Gaining Confidence
Emily’s first step was setting clear goals. Together, we tackled some of the biggest barriers she was facing, such as updating her outdated resume, improving her LinkedIn profile, and building confidence in interviews. But the most important part of our work together was helping her gain clarity on what she wanted from her next role.
“Honestly, looking back at the goals I had coming in, we literally met every single one… we started with this huge goal and we literally achieved it.”
Though Emily was eager to make a change, she encountered resistance. As we progressed through the process, she found herself questioning whether this would really work.
“I remember getting really antsy in the middle… I kept thinking, ‘Are we ever going to get to the whole picture?’”
This is a common feeling many of my clients face: frustration with the slow progress in the beginning. But as we continued, the pieces started falling into place.
Overcoming Inner Critic: Facing the Fear of the Unknown
One of the biggest challenges for Emily was confronting her inner critic. As she moved closer to making a career change, her fears and doubts became louder.
“It was hard to shut down the ‘what ifs’… What if I don’t know this new company? What if I fail? What if…?”
Having someone to encourage and reassure her made all the difference. Together, we reframed her mindset, allowing her to push past those fears and move forward with confidence.
Tangible Results: A New Job and Salary Negotiation
Emily’s hard work and persistence paid off. After going through the process, she secured a new job in a role that aligned better with her passions and skills.
“The most tangible result is that I got a new job… after 10 years in the same role, I made a career change!”
In addition to her job change, Emily also negotiated a significant salary increase. By preparing for negotiations and building her confidence, she was able to advocate for herself and secure a 30% increase in pay.
“I negotiated a better salary… over a 30% increase!”
This was a huge win, not just financially but emotionally, as it validated her skills and self-worth.
The Takeaway: Trust the Process
For anyone thinking about making a career change, Emily offers valuable advice: trust the process and be patient. The journey is not always quick, but the results are worth it.
“This is not a program that happens quickly… you have to be patient. Trust the process and communicate with Corey—utilize her as a resource.”
By committing to the process, Emily not only achieved her career goals but also learned valuable skills and insights that will serve her for years to come.
The Journey Continues
Emily’s story is a testament to the power of clarity, commitment, and the right support. She has successfully transitioned into a new role that aligns with her passions, increased her salary, and gained the confidence to continue growing in her career.
If you’re feeling stuck in your own career, unsure of where to go next, I invite you to schedule a brief 15-minute call with me to explore how I can help you. Take the first step toward a career that truly fulfills you.
“You’ve got to get some help or you’re going to get stuck in this rut until you die. I couldn’t stop listening to my inner critic, but with Corey’s help, I overcame it.”
Take action today – the career you’ve always dreamed of is within reach.