Unexpected Career Transition Wisdom

Years ago, I had an unusual role: Home Center Director at The Mead School.

Part teacher. Part advocate. Part social worker. Part team leader. Part coach.

I was responsible for supporting each child’s academic, emotional, and social development, and helping families and teachers work together along the way.

Through that work, my empathy deepened. Overwhelm revealed the need to expand other capacities. And, my strengths came into focus in ways that eventually made me want to use them differently. Lots of growing pains.

One of the VERY best things about the role? I got to choose the books. The ones that would help the children understand themselves, relationships, their world? Ooooooh, a chance to develop humans + books!!!

Turns out, I learned just as much (if not more) from those books as the kids did. Simple truth land different when you're an adult.

Here's a list of "children's" picture books every adult needs to read, and why.

They are especially good if you are in a transition (at any phase).

(click photos for links)

Unexpected Career Transition Wisdom in These Tiny Packages:

Worried about making Mistakes?

Perfectionism, a tendency?

Creativity blocked?

This one's for you.

Mid transition? What you call a mistake, a new perspective calls a starting point. Nothing is wasted...it's material.

It's easy to forget to focus on the essence of things.

Need a reminder that you have unique qualities?

A person, place, or thing has many qualities, but can we return to what's most important? Career changers often get lost in the noise. What is the one true thing about what you do and why you do it?

Wondering where the perseverance went?

Irene will remind you that life is about showing up — tired, scared, uncertain — because it matters. There will be obstacles. You can decide, again & again, to walk through the storm (or another interview

Two very different personalities argue over something that was never really "theirs" to begin with. In career transitions, we often cling to old titles, roles, or identities. It's after we let go that we free up the energy for "what next?"

These are friends who tell each other the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. The most valuable relationship you can have is with someone who won't let you pretend split pea soup is fine when it isn't. Who asks you to look at the truth, with compassion?

Read on soon. And if something clicks, I'd love to know.

Judy Garfinkel helps you clarify "what's next." Her expertise in building confidence and resilience supports career and personal development needed to navigate career and job transitions, especially now! She is a PCC credentialed coach, certified Trauma-Informed, Whole Person, and Life Purpose a& Career Coach. Judy crafts bespoke resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and bios that open doors for her clients. And...her career onstage gives her unique tools to help you shine in interviews.

Judy is a Past President of the International Coaching Federation - Connecticut Chapter, where she led a 10-person board and 250+ member coaches.

When she's not coaching, Judy is either reading or dancing. (If only there was a way to do both simultaneously!)