What needs to catch up? What's slowing you down?

If only desire and ambition guaranteed momentum.

If only a bold plan were enough.

Yes, these are foundational elements for career change (or any change),

and yet...

Slower doesn't mean bad, wrong, defective, or lack. It just means there's a bottleneck. A place where things slow down, stall, or circle back.

Maybe it's the emotional weight of leaving something familiar behind. Maybe it's fear disguised as perfectionism, or grief over what you're releasing to make room for what's next.

That slower part isn't the enemy.

(Tip: We run into all kinds of trouble when we treat it that way.)

Instead, when you tend to those slower parts, you don’t get stuck there; you actually accelerate

Some real-life examples (names changed for confidentiality)

Beth was a strong leadership candidate, but a whisper held her back: “I’m not ready.” That whisper, subtle yet powerful, kept her standing at the starting line while the rest of her was trying to sprint

After a government layoff, Margo, a single parent who had built a life around service and stability, was hit with a sudden loss. It wasn’t just financial; it left her feeling unmoored. When she began interviewing again, her practical side moved quickly with polished applications, practiced answers. But under the surface, a fearful story:

"What if I can’t rebuild enough for my kids to feel safe again?”

Every new opportunity forced a small reckoning: could she trust work again after it had broken its promise? For months, she wasn’t just job-hunting; she was testing hope.

If changing jobs were only about logistics, transitions would be easier. Calendars, résumés, and LinkedIn updates move at the speed of our hands. What moves slowly are the parts of us that hold identity, belonging, or pride. Take Joachim, a 45-year-old MBA candidate moving from a law firm to Fintech. His new credentials were aligned, but a deeper question slowed him: “If I’m no longer the expert legal voice, who am I?” His readiness on paper met hesitation in identity.

Movement starts where you are, so slow down to notice

We talk about speed a lot in transitions: how to pivot faster, and learn quicker. But transformation often happens at the pace of what’s hardest to release, that version of ourselves we’ve trusted the longest.

 If you’re feeling resistance as you move through a change, try this: 

• Pause and ask yourself,  

• "What part of my old chapter am I still holding onto?" Is it uncertainty about identity, loyalty to those you care about, or fear for the future? Something else?

Sometimes, just naming the slowest part unlocks the next step. Because when you stop ignoring, resisting, or being angry at the slower parts and start working with them, everything begins to move differently.

If you ever want support identifying what’s slowing you down (or what needs honoring before you move forward), reach out.

Sometimes what feels stuck is just waiting to be heard.

Judy Garfinkel helps you clarify "what's next." Her expertise in building confidence and resilience supports personal development and the ability to navigate career and work transitions, especially now! She is a PCC credentialed coach, certified Trauma-Informed, Whole Person, and Life Purpose and Career Coach. Judy also crafts bespoke resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and bios that open doors for her clients and land jobs. Judy is a Past President of the International Coaching Federation - Connecticut Chapter, where she led 250+ member coaches. You can reach her at judy@moveintochange.com.