The Uncommon Career Podcast: Career Change Strategies for Mid- to Senior-level Professionals

40. Step away from the burnout and take a road trip, with Cristina Crouth

Cristina Crouth discusses her experience with taking a year off to road trip across the country, freelancing, and finding a balance between work and personal life. She shares her initial fears and challenges when taking the leap, and the motivation she has to find her own version of success.
Cristina also talks about the financial concerns that come with leaving a job. She emphasizes the importance of having a plan and a foundation before taking the leap. Cristina believes in the healing power of storytelling and wants to pursue writing to help others who may be struggling.
We talk about:
Deciding to take a leap and go on a road trip
Ditching burnout and finding new seasons
Identity and career transition
Road trip experiences and contrast between burnout and freedom
 
Topics:
Introduction / Taking a leap
Balancing success and true happiness.
Road tripping and self-discovery.
Season of burnout and nature.
Taking calculated risks.
Identity and career transitions.
Accepting vulnerability as a strength.
 
About Cristina:
Cristina Crouth left her job in search of a great adventure (and less burnout). She's is on a year-long road trip from California to New York, managing to fit everything she owns into a 2018 Subaru named Sylvia. She's worked in mental health and trauma for the past 12 years and believes in the healing power of storytelling, now trying to share that healing spirit with her own stories. She is living the uncommon career for a year, taking freelancing and other non-traditional work along the way.
Follow Cristina's adventures and writing on Instagram @Cristina_Adventures16 or by clicking here: https://instagram.com/cristinas_adventures16 
 
Connect with me:
Follow me on LinkedIn
Get Started: Download the Career Transition Checklist

38. Balancing Work and Side Ventures: Insights from Christa Hutchins

You're a full-time professional with a desire to pursue a side ventures, but the right balance seems impossible. You've been told to simply work harder and sacrifice more, but that advice hasn't brought you any closer to achieving your goals. As a result, you're feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and stuck in a cycle of frustration. It's time to break free from this ineffective action and discover a better way to navigate the complexities of balancing work and side ventures. Join us as we reveal the secrets to achieving success without sacrificing your sanity.
 
We talk about:
Methods for balancing traditional career roles and entrepreneurial goals.
Tangible tactics to set boundaries, and manage time.
Transparency and ethical values in balancing a 9-5 and entrepreneurship.
Self-doubt and technical ability deficit.
The secret to a supportive tribe and sustained entrepreneurial success.
About Christa Hutchins
Christa Hutchins is a powerhouse with a compassionate spirit. With over three decades of experience in the engineering and construction industry, Christa brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her role as a project manager paved the way for her journey into women empowerment and supporting budding entrepreneurs. Her passion project revolves around helping Christian women leaders give structure to their big ideas, thereby aiding them to excel in their calling. Apart from professional commitments, you'd often find her making the most out of her cherished time with her family.
 
"You don't have to strive to quit your job. It's okay to have a side venture that coexists with your career and brings fulfillment and passion into your life."
- Christa Hutchins
 
Download Christa's guide: How to Pursue Your God-inspired Dream While Working Full-time:
https://doanewthing.com/uncommon 
Listen to Christa's Podcast: Do One Simple Thing:
https://doanewthing.com/podcast/ 
Connect with Christa:
https://www.instagram.com/doanewthing/ 
https://www.facebook.com/doanewthing/ 
 
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Thanks for listening! 
Let's connect:
Connect with me here: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist 
 
 

37.Pushing Past Self-Doubt: Unlocking Career Potential with Impostor Syndrome Strategies

Have you heard these myths about imposter syndrome?
 
If I admit I don't know something, everyone will think I'm a fraud.
I have to know everything to be successful.
I'm not as talented as my colleagues.
These beliefs can hold you back from reaching your full potential in your career.
But here's the truth: imposter syndrome is a common experience and doesn't define your worth or abilities. The key is to recognize when it's happening and develop strategies to overcome it.
Today, I share:
How to effectively tackle Imposter Syndrome
The telltale signs of Imposter Syndrome 
Unique strategies to transform negative self-talk
The true impact of Imposter Syndrome on career growth
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Thanks for listening! 
Let's connect:
Connect with me here: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist 
 
 
 

36. Creating a Presence on LinkedIn for Career Success, with Orlando Hayes

Are you tired of submitting job applications with no response? In this episode of The Uncommon Career Podcast, talent acquisition expert Orlando Hayes shares how to leverage LinkedIn for career growth and build a strong personal brand. But what happens when your dream job is in sight, only to slip away? Tune in to find out.
In this episode, we'll cover:
The power of LinkedIn to boost your career and unlock opportunities.
The secrets to a compelling profile that stands out.
Content creation and its impact on your professional image.
LinkedIn networking and how to engage effectively.
Stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve astonishing career growth.
My special guest is Orlando Hayes
Introducing Orlando Hayes, a thought leader in career development and LinkedIn branding with two decades of experience in talent acquisition. As a podcast host and author, Orlando has made it his mission to empower individuals to establish their personal brand on LinkedIn, helping them reach their career goals. By providing a wealth of practical and valuable advice, Orlando has played a crucial role in the success of many professionals navigating the challenging and competitive world of job-seeking.
 
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:21 - The Evolution of LinkedIn00:06:07 - Strategies for Building a LinkedIn Presence00:09:38 - Benefits of Content Creation on LinkedIn00:14:29 - Networking on LinkedIn00:18:01 - Leveraging LinkedIn to Stand Out00:19:55 - The Importance of Strategic Approach00:23:49 - Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn00:28:22 - Immediate Results on LinkedIn00:29:33 - Commenting and Tagging Companies00:32:00 - Emotional Component to Content Creation00:33:38 - Visibility Creates Opportunity00:35:01 - Final Thoughts and Resources
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Orlando Hayes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlandohaynes/
Get the Career Accelerator Planner here: https://careertalkspod.samcart.com/products/career-accelerator-planner
Build a Presence Not a Profile ebook: https://careertalkspod.samcart.com/products/build-a-presence-ebook
Listen to the Career Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/careertalks/id1567135916 
Listen to the Career Talks Podcast on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orlando-haynes 
Listen to the Career Talks Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUvx3MAUdCcZMMYjGJHsgQ 
 
_________________________________________________
Thanks for listening! 
Let's connect:
Connect with me here: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist 
 

35. Create Your Own Career Opportunities with DeeDee Lake

Regardless of technical and mechanical skills, DeeDee Lake's superpower of connecting with anyone, anywhere, and anytime launches her into a career as an Author Relations Coordinator, highlighting the importance of knowing oneself and working in strengths rather than weaknesses.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Recognize your strengths for career triumph
Build connections and seize career opportunities
Realize your strengths are more important than your weaknesses
Focus on staying genuine during your job search
 
My special guest is DeeDee Lake
 
Get to know DeeDee Lake, an inspiring individual who has built a successful career on her innate ability to connect with others. DeeDee has experienced a multitude of professional roles, including being a homeschool mom, a connection specialist at a church, and an Author Relations Coordinator at a Christian publishing house. Her passion for communication and relationship-building has remained a constant throughout her varied career. Being a Navy brat and Army wife has given DeeDee a unique perspective on change, adaptability, and the importance of making connections wherever life may lead. Her enthusiasm for helping others find their path in life is infectious, making her the perfect guest to discuss the power of networking and the importance of taking chances when seeking new job opportunities.
 
The key moments in this episode are:
 
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:05:00 - Advocating for Your Strengths,
00:07:12 - Taking Chances to Create Your Own Role,
00:12:24 - Importance of Willingness and Teachability,
00:13:35 - DeeDee's Career Journey,
00:19:11 - Finding Your Red Thread,
00:24:29 - Immerse Yourself in the Industry,
00:26:05 - Flexibility is Key,
00:29:05 - Being Purposeful,
00:30:04 - Building Relationships,
00:31:18 - Rules of Engagement
 
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
DeeDee Lake's books:
Operation: Christmas Camouflage
Operation: Allegiance
Check out her website here: https://deedeelake.com
and Cross River Media here: https://crossrivermedia.com
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Thanks for Joining!
Start your career move here:
Download The Career Transition Checklist
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/in/pmortega 
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34. Laid off? It’s not your fault. Here are your next steps.

Have you been laid off? Whether your company decided to downsize, restructure, or decided your position was redundant, being laid off is not your fault. Loosing a job can be devastating, and is often a traumatic loss experience for many professionals. 
In today's episode, I cover the three phases you need to go through to get back into the market without jumping into a bad-fit position too soon. Learn:
How to navigate and move past the rollercoaster of emotion 
What to think and reflect on to avoid bad career decisions
Bite-sized steps to take as you get back into the career search
Before you hop back into resumes, job search, networking conversations and interview prep, let's chat for 30 minutes and get you on the right track. 
I created a fillable PDF based on this episode, it's yours to download below:
https://theuncommoncareer.com/layoff-guide
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Get started:
Download the Career Transition Checklist here
 
Connect with me on LinkedIn!
https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega 
 
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Click here for Apple Podcasts show page and scroll down to rate/review.

33. Harsh Garg: Unlock an Technical Career - No Experience Needed

Have you ever faced challenges while transitioning to a tech career?
Harsh Garg and I chat about  the role of certificates and coaching to making career transition smoother.
"If you spend half an hour every day learning a skill in the next five years, you will become a national expert in that area." - Harsh Garg  
Harsh shares:
• How to make a career change into technology
• How outcome-based resumes help you land positions in a skills-based economy
• How to find a good certification course (and which he recommends)
• How coaching helps clarify and accelerate the process
 
Harsh Garg is a career coach with a mission to help individuals without prior experience break into the tech industry. With over two decades of IT experience, Harsh specializes in software testing and is passionate about driving testing transformation.
Harsh guides aspiring professionals through a personalized 16-week journey to find their desired career path in technology through short-term certificates. His unique approach focuses on understanding the 'why' behind each individual's goals, providing tailored resources and training, and equipping them with the necessary skills and certifications to land their dream job.  
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:12 - How Harsh Became a Career Coach
00:09:06 - The Coaching Process
00:13:03 - Freelance Work and LinkedIn
00:16:44 - Preparing With Certifications
00:19:05 - Skill-building
00:23:30 - Success Stories
00:27:12 - Criteria for Choosing a Career Track
00:31:07 - Harsh's Services  
 
Resources mentioned:
- Udemy
- Google Cloud Certificate
- Microsoft Cloud Certificate
- Scaled Agile Academy
- Scrum Alliance
- DataCamp
- The Mom Project
 
Connect with Harsh:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshgarg78/   
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harsh.garg.5059    ==============================================
 
Connect with Patricia:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/     
 
Get started with your career change:
• Download The Career Transition Checklist
• The 10 Easy Ways to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

32. Transform Your Life with Goal Setting Secrets from Kylee Robinson

"If you're feeling like your hard work and dedication towards your career goals isn't paying, then you are not alone!"
Today's guest, Kylee Robinson, paid off $44,000 in student loan debt in just 26 months and published a book within a year.
Today, she'll show you how you can reach goals like these too. In this episode, Kylee Robinson helps us formulate attainable goals that align with our core beliefs and future vision.
 
She shares how to:
• Focus on the most influential goals to stay motivated.
• Build a growth mindset and trust in your abilities.
• Break your objectives into smaller milestones.
• Remove mental and material distractions to optimize your progress.
 
Kylee Robinson is the founder of Compass Living and an expert in goal-setting. With years of experience in sales and executive coaching, she has worked with entrepreneurs and leaders in Fortune 500 companies to set and achieve their goals. Kylee's unique approach to goal-setting is based on personal values and vision, which she honed through her own life experiences, including being homeschooled. She has created a seven-week course to help others develop realistic, achievable goals that align with their priorities. Her expertise and personal achievements make her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to set and accomplish meaningful goals! Key moments/timestamps: 
 
00:00:00 - Introduction •
00:01:00 - Setting Effective Goals •
00:07:00 - The Power of Goal Setting •
00:09:00 - Overcoming Failure •
00:13:10 - Controllable Factors •
00:14:16 - Overcoming Barriers to Career Outcomes •
00:18:40 - Kylee's Course Overview and Key Concepts •
00:20:40 - Identifying Key Areas of Focus •
00:26:32 - What to do when goals don't align •
00:27:05 - The key to Achieve Greatness •
00:30:11 - Creating Space for Goals •
00:35:35 - Kylee's Business Ventures
 
 
Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega  
 
Get started:
• Download the Career Transition Checklist here
• 10 Easy Ways to Stand Out in a Crowded Market  
 
 

31. Create resume with Chat GPT - How artificial intelligence (AI) is making your career search faster -and what to watch out for!

ChatGPT is a great tool. Many are using this artificial intelligence in their job search and some are able to add keywords to their resume, beat the applicant tracking system (ATS), and secure the interview.
In today's episode, I cover a few theories about the future of using this not-so-secret weapon, pros and cons of Chat GPT, and a process you can use to make your resume faster while not loosing your professional brand in the process.   
Learn:
Why Chat GPT may not be the answer we all think it is...yet
The step you CAN'T SKIP when creating your resume with ChatGPT
How to stand out for your future position - even if you have no experience in that field. 
ChatGPT is pretty amazing! But it's still just a tool. 
Let's learn how to use it together. 
 
ChaT GPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt 
 
*This episode was published in April 2023. ChatGPT, artificial intelligence, and the response from the ATS and hiring entities can change at any time. All content in today's episode is based on information through April 2023.  
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Get started:
The Career Transition Checklist 
10 Easy Ways to Stand Out in a Crowded Market
 

30. Erin Harrigan - Career pivots and getting into & out of corporate

Need to make a career change? Thinking of going into corporate or getting out of corporate? How do you know when it's time to move on? 
In this episode, Erin Harrigan shares her personal journey of getting into corporate with a sociology major, moving up and succeeding in corporate, and transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship.
She discusses:
The importance of recognizing when it's time to make a career change
Practical tips for avoiding burnout and achieving work-life balance. 
Signs to watch out for to avoid getting into unfulfilling work
Advice for getting into corporate from education, non-profit work or small businesses.
Whether you're looking to pivot your career, start your own business, or take your existing business to the next level, this episode has something for everyone.
Erin covers a wide range of topics, including job satisfaction, self-care, goal-setting, time management, and skill-building. You'll leave this episode feeling inspired and empowered to pursue success on your own terms, without compromising your faith.
Mentioned in this episode:
Erin's website at https://erinharrigan.com
Redefining Hustle - Pursuing Success as a Christian Woman Podcast: https://womenschristianpodcast.com.
Special Bonus - Erin's 4 Keys to Redefine Hustle and Escape Overwhelm in Your Business: https://erinharrigan.com/4Keys.
About Erin Harrigan
Erin Harrigan is a Christian wife, empty nest mom, speaker, author, and business coach on a mission to help high-achieving Christian women level up their businesses without compromising their faith. With over 30 years of corporate work and 10+ years of network marketing experience, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her customized business coaching, speaking engagements, and award-winning podcast, Redefining Hustle: Pursuing Success as a Christian Woman.