26 february, 2026
Episode 310: Feeling Guilty About Make A Career Move? Try This Reframe
In this episode
🎙️ Episode Overview
Are you considering a career move but feeling held back by guilt? Whether it’s leaving a role you worked years to attain or walking away from an industry that looks “perfect” on paper, the weight of loyalty and identity can be paralysing.
In this episode, I dive deep into why we feel guilty about wanting more and how to shift your perspective to embrace the evolving seasons of your career. Drawing from my own transition from corporate law to in-house practice after becoming a mother, I talk about how to move from a place of “should” to a place of intentional alignment.
Summary
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The Trap of “Good on Paper”: Why objective success (titles and salary) often masks a deep lack of personal alignment.
- The Psychology of Career Guilt: Understanding how your identity and past hard work can make you feel “stuck” in a role that no longer serves you.
- Embracing Seasonality: Why the decisions you made 5 or 10 years ago don’t have to dictate your future.
- Pivot Without Burning Bridges: How to leave a role or industry with agency and intention rather than fear or drama.
🎯 Action Steps:
- Give Yourself Permission to Re-evaluate: Be honest about what isn’t working in your current role and accept that your priorities may have shifted.
- Audit Your Alignment: Move beyond external markers of success. Ask yourself if your current role aligns with your current personality, values, and motivations.
- Choose Intention Over Fear: Decide to stay or go based on what makes sense for your current season of life, not out of a sense of obligation to your past self.
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.
Do you find yourself relating to this episode and need some guidance?
👉 Book a clarity call at careerchangemakers.com/claritycall and let’s explore your next best step.
And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps the show reach more ambitious professionals who need this message.
🌿 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.
🔗 Get in Touch
Want to connect and share your thoughts on the episode? Send an email to podcast@careerchangemakers.com
Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast
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