How To Soul Search Before Your Job Search: Stephanie’s Story
When Stephanie joined the Purpose-Driven Career Accelerator, she didn’t just want a new job—she was searching for clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
With a background in advertising and market research, she found herself professionally successful but personally unfulfilled. Something inside her was telling her there was more. What she didn’t realize was that her next chapter would require a soul-deep transformation—not just a resume update.
This is Stephanie’s story of finding alignment, purpose, and unexpected momentum.
“I Didn’t Feel Fulfilled—And I Didn’t Know What I Wanted”
“I couldn’t see the short-term future of my career. I knew where I wanted to be in 10 years, but I had no idea how to get there—and I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in the present.”
Stephanie came to the program unsure of her next move. On the surface, she was thriving in her industry. But beneath that? Confusion, disconnection, and a constant sense that she wasn’t on the right path.
She assumed the answer might be grad school for psychology—a career that would allow her to help people. But deep down, she wasn’t ready to move forward with it.
“I was stuck in the ‘thinking about it’ phase. I hadn’t applied, hadn’t studied, hadn’t done anything. And yet I kept telling myself it was the next logical step.”
That’s when we decided to slow things down, peel back the layers, and explore what was really underneath that desire.
Why Soul Searching Comes Before Job Searching
Stephanie’s biggest breakthrough didn’t come from jumping into job applications. It came from pausing to ask: What do I actually want?
“If I hadn’t gone through the soul-searching process before trying to find a job, I probably would’ve ended up in the wrong place again.”
She explored her values, passions, and skills—and uncovered a recurring theme: health and wellness. That discovery became the spark for a new, purpose-driven direction.
“I did the passions and interests exercise, and health kept coming up. It was a total lightbulb moment. Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.”
She enrolled in a health coaching certification program with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, beginning a new journey toward a more aligned life and career.
From Inner Critic to Inner Confidence
Stephanie realized that the biggest thing holding her back wasn’t a lack of qualifications—it was an outdated inner narrative.
“The inner critic and positive mindset exercises helped me rebuild my confidence. Even if I’m not perfect, I now know how to talk myself into reality—and move forward.”
That mindset shift helped her communicate with more clarity, write more compelling success stories on her resume, and show up in networking conversations with conviction.
“Before, I’d speak so generically about my experience. Now I understand how every skill I’ve built translates into my next chapter. Nothing is wasted.”
A Rooftop Conversation That Sparked a Career Connection
Stephanie used to hesitate when sharing her dreams with others. But once she found alignment, everything changed.
“One day I was on the rooftop of my building having lunch—it was one of the hottest days in NYC—and I started talking with a woman sitting nearby.”
That woman turned out to be a recruiter-turned-founder, and their casual chat turned into a meaningful conversation about purpose and career goals.
“We were dripping in sweat, it wasn’t a professional setting at all—but I shared my story, and she wanted to collaborate. That never would’ve happened if I hadn’t gotten clear and started speaking it out loud.”
Since then, Stephanie has connected with multiple founders, joined networking events, and stopped hesitating to follow up.
“I used to think I was being a pain when I followed up or asked for help. But now I realize—this is my life and career path. Why wouldn’t I advocate for it?”
✨ Dream Job Landed—And a Promotion Followed
Shortly after finishing the program, Stephanie emailed with incredible news:
📩 September 2021:
“After four rounds of interviews and a strategy presentation, I got the job at Spring Health!!! I’ve never been this excited to start a new role in my life—and it comes with a nice salary increase too :)”
She was stepping into her dream role at a health tech startup with a mission she fully believed in.
But her story didn’t stop there.
📩 December 2022:
“I recently got promoted to Sr. Manager of Member Growth. I love the work I’m doing—it feels so meaningful.”
In parallel, she continued her training as a health coach, nurturing her long-term vision of launching her own wellness-focused business.
Stephanie’s Advice for Anyone on the Fence
“I had hesitations—it’s a time and financial commitment—but this was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. I’ve never felt more sure or excited about the path I’m on.”
“This wasn’t just a career shift. It was a confidence transformation. I found clarity—and I found myself.”
She also shared that when things feel uncertain, she reminds herself how far she’s come:
“Sometimes when I’m stuck, I take a moment to remember where I was when I started the program. I’ve grown so much.”
Ready to Reconnect to Your Purpose?
Stephanie’s story is a reminder that clarity doesn’t come from jumping into another job posting—it comes from reconnecting to yourself.
If you’re feeling stuck, unclear, or unsure of your next move, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Book a complimentary 15-minute brainstorming call where we’ll talk about your goals, roadblocks, and create a custom game plan to get you moving in the right direction.
Because when you’re aligned with your values, the right opportunities have a way of showing up.
