Who Am I Here? Rebuilding Career Identity as a Woman in Transition

Meet Anna: The Fear of a Career Break

Today I spoke with Anna, a bright and capable woman who had taken a two-year career break. Her voice lowered when she said, "I feel like no one will take me seriously anymore." Like many women in transition, Anna feared her time away would be seen as a gap instead of the growth it truly was.

We talked about reframing that story—and boosting her confidence by honoring what she did do during those two years: raising a child, managing a household and completing a certification online. That’s not a gap. That’s life. And it builds resilience.

Life changes—like moving to a new place, taking a break from work, switching careers, or becoming a parent—can shake up how we see ourselves professionally. You might find yourself wondering, "Who am I now?" when your usual job title or daily rhythm no longer applies.

Why It Can Feel So Unsettling

Our careers are a big part of our identity. When that part shifts or goes quiet, it can feel like we’ve lost our footing. It’s totally normal to feel a bit lost, unsure, or even disconnected.

Questions That Might Be on Your Mind:

• How do I describe myself if I’m not currently working?

• Am I still a professional without the job title?

• Will I find something that fits who I’m becoming?

These questions aren’t signs of failure—they’re part of the journey.

3 Gentle Ways to Reconnect with Yourself:

1. Tune Into What Matters: Think about what really lights you up. What parts of your past work brought you energy? What do you want to carry with you into this next chapter?

2. Shift the Story: How are you framing this season of life? As a pause, a setback—or maybe a chance to reset? The way you talk to yourself matters.

3. Remember Your Strengths: You still have everything that made you great at what you did. Jot down what you’re proud of, what others appreciate in you, and how those strengths still show up, even in small ways.

LinkedIn Tip for Women in Transition:

Not in a job right now? That’s okay—you still have a story. Update your LinkedIn headline with your core strengths or what you're passionate about (like “Curious Communicator | Advocate for Human-Centered Leadership”).

In your About section, talk about what you care about, what you're exploring, and what kind of work you'd love to do next. Be real. Be you.

Tips for Updating Your CV During a Transition

1. Add a "Career Break" or "Transition" Section: If you’ve taken time off, include it honestly. Use a title like “Career Transition” or “Personal Development & Growth,” and mention what you’ve been doing—volunteering, learning, caregiving, or personal projects.

2. Focus on Skills, Not Just Job Titles: Create a "Key Skills" or "Professional Highlights" section at the top. Use this to show what you’re great at—things like leadership, communication, adaptability, or project management.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience (Even Outside of Traditional Jobs): Don’t overlook freelance work, community leadership, continuing education, or unpaid roles—they count!

A Gentle Reminder as You Move Forward

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a quiet forest trail. The path ahead is unfamiliar—soft, winding, still forming with each step you take. You glance behind at the road you’ve walked: the titles held, the boxes ticked, the milestones reached. That version of you mattered. And this one does, too.

Maybe right now, you’re not sprinting ahead. Maybe you’re walking slowly, stopping often, listening inward. And that’s not lost time. That’s wisdom settling in.