08 JANUARY, 2026
Episode 303: What Happens When You Stop Following the ‘Safe’ Career Track
In this episode
🎙️ Episode Overview
As we move through the first full working week of January, many professionals find themselves reflecting on their careers and questioning whether the path they’re on still fits.
In this episode, I reflect on my biggest career pivot – stepping off the default legal career track while on maternity leave and how that single decision shaped a fulfilling portfolio career over the last 10 years.
This episode is an invitation to rethink rigid career paths, embrace experimentation, and give yourself permission to choose again as your life, priorities, and seasons change.
Summary
What You’ll Learn:
💡 Why clarity often comes after action, not before and why waiting to have it all figured out keeps many people stuck
💡 How I made her first career pivot without taking a reckless leap, and how small, strategic transitions can de-risk change
💡 Why careers are meant to evolve and how to design work that fits your life, not just what looks good on paper
🧭 Key Themes We Explore
- Stepping off the “default” career path
- Redefining success after major life transitions
- Overcoming fear, identity shifts, and fear of judgement
- Building a portfolio career aligned with your strengths
- Testing, experimenting, and making intentional pivots
- Giving yourself permission to choose differently
🎯 Action Steps
1. Reflect on whether your current career still fits the season of life you’re in now, not the one you were in when you chose it
2. Identify what you don’t want anymore, clarity often starts there.
3. Consider where you could experiment or test before making a bigger change.
Episode notes
As an award-winning certified executive and career coach, TEDx speaker, podcast host and former lawyer, I have seen way too many female professionals under selling themselves and settling for less in their careers. I am committed to equipping high achieving women with the tools and support to create careers that are both meaningful and impactful.
🤍 Work With Me
If you’re at a crossroads and want support designing a career that fits your life, not just one that looks good on paper, this is exactly the work I do with clients in 1:1 coaching.
🔔 Enjoyed This Episode?
If this resonated, share it with a friend who might need permission to choose again in 2026.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and keep moving towards a career that truly fits.
🌿 Monthly Pause & Plan Sessions
I also host a complimentary Pause & Plan session once a month for professionals and leaders who want to step away from the noise and plan with intention. Join our next session.
🔗 Links
Explore more on the website: Career Change Maker Website
Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast
Connect with Janine Esbrand