Do Over

Your dream job is closer than you think—what’s stopping you is fear, not reality.

1. You Can Always Hit Reset on Your Career

Many people feel stuck or disengaged with their jobs, believing there’s no way out. The truth is, a career transformation is always possible. The belief that change is unattainable is rooted in fear, but reframing these moments as opportunities can unlock new paths.

The author shares his personal story of moving from traditional employment to freelance work. It required courage and effort, but he found freedom to do more creative, fulfilling work. His journey demonstrates that change doesn’t have to be terrifying, but rather empowering.

Key to this process is understanding the concept of a Career Savings Account (CSA). This organizational strategy emphasizes building skills, relationships, character, and hustle. When you start thinking of these elements as investments in your career, transitions become manageable instead of daunting.

Examples

• 63% of Americans feel disengaged at work, yet hesitate to make changes due to fear.
• The author found fulfillment and adaptability in transitioning to freelance work.
• Building a CSA provides resources for smoother career shifts.

2. Your Support Network Sets the Foundation

When careers hit a standstill, a strong network becomes an essential resource. Losing a job or struggling to find work after college can feel isolating, but surrounding yourself with supportive people makes challenges manageable.

Taking stock of your relationships helps you identify where support exists. Friends and coworkers from previous roles might surprise you with their potential to assist, but it’s also important to weed out any individuals who negatively impact your growth.

Advocates, those who offer wisdom and constructive advice, can guide you during rough patches. Meanwhile, loyal friends motivate and inspire you with their choices. Maintaining and nurturing these bonds ensures mutual benefit during times of need.

Examples

• A coworker’s advice during a job search led to unexpected opportunities.
• The author cautions against toxic “friends” that hinder progress, such as someone constantly distracting you from productivity.
• Staying in touch with past colleagues often opens unexpected doors.

3. Your Skills Are More Valuable Than You Realize

Sometimes the challenge lies not in finding a new path but in feeling trapped by limitations. Recognizing and leveraging both visible and invisible skills can help you break through career ceilings.

Invisible skills might go unnoticed without deep reflection. For example, planning social events shows organizational ability, a highly valued workplace skill. Appreciating these strengths builds confidence and opens the door to new opportunities.

Developing new skills can also lead to remarkable outcomes. Learning something as simple as cooking propelled Alex Atala, a Brazilian immigrant, into the restaurant industry, earning accolades like a spot on the S. Pellegrino list of top eateries.

Examples

• Hosting friends for dinners could also signal management potential.
• The author encourages readers to identify skills hidden in everyday accomplishments.
• Alex Atala’s story of skill development underscores the value of personal growth.

4. Character Determines the Strength of Your Jump

Taking a leap in your career often requires starting a business or venturing into an entirely new field. This shift demands a strong character to stand out and leave lasting positive impressions.

Negative traits like pessimism and narcissism can quickly overshadow talent. Developing positive traits, meanwhile, boosts connections with others, fosters trust, and builds loyalty for new ventures.

Generosity, empathy, and being present lead the list of must-have qualities. The gesture of giving something as simple as football tickets to an employee—it’s not just goodwill; it’s cementing a relationship that might be critical to your success.

Examples

• A respectful boss earns team loyalty through generous acts.
• Pessimistic coworkers tend to be remembered for their negativity, even over positive traits.
• Listening actively in conversations can drastically improve professional relationships.

5. Hustle Is Your Secret Weapon for Opportunity

Landing your dream role often comes when unexpected opportunities arise, but seizing these requires a willing attitude and continuous effort. The combination of grit and hustle prepares you to grab what’s in front of you.

Grit involves overcoming fears such as failing or not being good enough. It’s a mindset that helps propel you forward, even when doubts creep in. Similarly, hustle is about dedicating consistent energy to reaching your goals, no matter how small the steps seem.

Adjust the intensity of your hustle depending on circumstances. Not every phase of life demands nonstop effort, but readiness during high-stakes moments can make all the difference.

Examples

• Swing dance instructors who ignored skeptics found lasting success.
• Adapting to online publishing shows flexibility in a changing industry.
• Seasonal shifts in workload require thoughtful, strategic hustle adjustments.

6. Transition Roadmaps Begin with a CSA

Creating a Career Savings Account empowers you to better handle career transitions, whether they’re unexpected bumps, deliberate changes, or surprising opportunities. The CSA is built by accumulating skills, maintaining sound relationships, developing character, and employing hustle.

Each component is essential. For example, during layoffs, relationships can unlock new job referrals. Character can help you stand out as interviews loom. This framework keeps you prepared for whatever comes next.

Without a CSA, any career change feels riskier than it needs to be. Proactively growing these “savings” offers more control over your choices.

Examples

• A subscriber recommends coworkers on LinkedIn, strengthening job market ties.
• A graphic designer takes evening classes in coding to cover multiple skillsets.
• A steady network helped a former student find a well-matched mentor.

7. New Skills Equal Endless Paths

Whatever your current role, continuously learning new things lends vibrancy to your career. From computer programs to leadership techniques, expanding your toolbox builds resilience and keeps opportunities plentiful.

Even starting at the bottom can open unexpected doors, as illustrated by Alex Atala’s success after humble beginnings. The broader your skills, the easier it becomes to adapt to industries whose changes are unpredictable.

Practicing incremental learning ensures that while your skillset grows, so does your appetite for bigger challenges that push you even further.

Examples

• Learning to code improved employability across sectors.
• Restaurant work led one immigrant to culinary celebrity status.
• Evening language courses connected one worker to global opportunities.

8. Fear Impacts Every Decisions–Overcome It

Fear plays a significant role in preventing the pursuit of career change. It amplifies doubts and silences aspirations before they can spark movement, but understanding that fear itself is often unfounded neutralizes its power.

For instance, fear of failing in a new job frequently looms larger than reality. With proper preparation and a willingness to learn, most difficulties become solvable in time.

Focusing on the present task reduces intimidating unknowns, replacing what-ifs with practical results. The key lies in remembering that all growth involves initial discomfort but delivers long-term satisfaction.

Examples

• Applicants imagine rejection but can gain confidence in writing résumés.
• First job interviews feel overwhelming but improve with practice.
• The author himself transformed fear into a tool for rethinking old routines.

9. Opportunities Are Built, Not Given

Opportunities don’t always land in laps—they arise from your ability to recognize them. Often, small daily hustles like expanding your skills or mentoring a coworker lead to bigger connections later.

Being ready when opportunity knocks requires groundwork. Aligning personal goals with professional habits ensures that chance meetings, updates, or openings won’t slip by unnoticed.

Fostering relationships after initial meetings proves essential—many business collaborations stem from secondary interactions that went above “Hello.”

Examples

• An author self-publishes stories through grassroots outreach.
• Successful alumni tap dormant networks from their college to find business partners.
• Creative side projects frequently transform into full-blown careers.

Takeaways

1. Build a Career Savings Account by focusing on relationships, skills, character, and hustle—all necessary for career growth and making transitions manageable.
2. Develop empathy and presence for maintaining relationships that become valuable both in steady times and career bumps.
3. Challenge yourself to acquire at least one new technical or soft skill every few months—it’s stepping stones for opportunity.