Navigating the "Landslide"& Staying Strong During Career Transitions

There’s something about the song "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac that always stops me in my tracks. The first few notes alone are enough to make me pause and reflect. Recently, as I listened to the lyrics, I found myself thinking about the many transitions I’ve experienced throughout my career. Change, whether chosen or unexpected, always comes with its share of uncertainty, self-doubt, and moments of questioning. And right now, as I prepare to step into a new role, those emotions feel more present than ever.

Career transitions, whether it’s starting a new job or facing the uncertainty of job loss, can shake even the most confident among us. The familiar rhythms of our work routines are disrupted, and we suddenly find ourselves navigating unfamiliar terrain. But confidence is not about always knowing what comes next; it’s about trusting ourselves in the process. Over the years, I’ve found a few ways to maintain confidence during these pivotal moments, and I want to share them with you.

1. Redefine What Confidence Means

When we think about confidence, we often associate it with certainty—the belief that we have all the answers. But what if confidence was less about having the answers and more about trusting our ability to figure things out along the way? Confidence is not the absence of fear or doubt; it’s the ability to move forward despite them.

When I was laid off early in my career, I initially felt like my confidence had been shattered. My identity had been so closely tied to my job title that without it, I wasn’t sure where I stood. But over time, I realized that my skills, my work ethic, and my ability to adapt didn’t disappear just because my job did. I started viewing confidence not as a fixed trait but as something I could cultivate by taking small, meaningful steps forward. Whether you're stepping into a new role or searching for your next opportunity, remind yourself that confidence is built through action. Even when you don’t feel ready, show up. The rest will follow.

2. Anchor Yourself in Your Strengths

When change is swirling around us, it helps to have something solid to hold onto. One of the best ways to maintain confidence is to ground yourself in what you already know you do well. Think about past career wins—projects you led, problems you solved, challenges you overcame. These moments serve as proof of your resilience and capability. These moments make up your career portfolio.

If you’re transitioning into a new role, take stock of the strengths that got you there. Remind yourself that you were chosen for a reason. If you’re dealing with a job loss, recognize that your skills and experiences are still valuable, even if your current employer no longer needs them. One exercise I love is writing down three to five things that I know I do well and reading them back to myself when self-doubt creeps in. Confidence grows when we focus on what we bring to the table instead of what we think we lack.

3. Lean on Your Community

Confidence doesn’t have to be a solo effort. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during career transitions is that surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. Whether it’s mentors, colleagues, friends, or family, having a support system to remind you of your strengths can be incredibly powerful.

During a particularly tough career transition, I remember reaching out to a mentor for guidance. I was feeling lost, questioning my decisions, and wondering if I had what it took to move forward. Their words stuck with me: “You're talented and you have choices. Find yourself and be that.” Sometimes, we need to borrow confidence from others when ours is running low. Don’t hesitate to ask for support, whether it’s through networking, coaching, or simply having an honest conversation with someone who believes in you.

Embracing the Landslide

The beauty of "Landslide" is that it acknowledges both the fear and the inevitability of change. Career transitions, like life itself, come with moments of uncertainty, but they also bring opportunities for growth, reinvention, and newfound confidence.

As I step into my next chapter, I’m reminding myself that confidence isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about trusting myself to navigate the journey. And if you’re going through a career transition right now, I hope you’ll give yourself that same grace. You’ve faced challenges before, and you’ve come out stronger. You’ve adapted, grown, and evolved. This transition is just another step in your journey, and you are more than capable of handling it.

So, as Fleetwood Mac sings, "Can I handle the seasons of my life?" The answer is yes. And so can you.