Careers By Kelli

12/13/2024

Why Waiting Until January 1 to Start Your Career Transition Is a Mistake

Here are 10 things happening right now that make Q4 the perfect time to act:

1. Companies are rushing to spend their leftover 2024 budgets, which often means hiring now.

2. Organizations need talent in place to execute new initiatives starting in January.

3. Companies are positioning for federal funding and policies—especially in sectors like clean energy, tech, and healthcare.

4. Many job seekers take a break during the holidays, giving you a better chance to stand out.

5. Recruiters and hiring managers are under pressure to close roles before the fiscal year ends.

6. Teams are streamlining decisions to wrap up by the holidays, meaning fewer delays.

7. Promotions and restructuring at year-end create job openings that need to be filled.

8. Holiday events and end-of-year recaps make it a natural time to connect with professionals in your target field.

9. Starting now puts you ahead of the game and sets you up for success in 2025.

10. My clients are landing interviews and offers because they didn’t wait.

What can you do today?

Polish your resume and LinkedIn.

Reach out to someone in your target industry.

Apply to 1 job.

Don’t wait until January—companies are hiring right now. What are you waiting on?

11/11/2024

My father was a Vietnam War veteran, a man whose daily habits reflected a life of discipline, resilience, and learned behaviors from a place that was impossible to leave fully behind.

He wouldn’t sit with his back to a door or window, wore his pants high, mopped floors in a precise zig-zag pattern, and loved pushups—often with my siblings and me on his back.

These habits were part of him, ingrained through experiences that shaped who he was long after his service.

But what I remember most was the struggle he faced after leaving the military. Transitioning to civilian life was harder than anyone realized, and finding work he could settle into felt like a maze he couldn’t quite navigate.

Later in life, he faced another transition, one that tested him just as deeply his battle with cancer. Through every phase, he embodied resilience, adjusting to new challenges with strength and determination.

Reflecting on his life, I realize how much transitions require us to unlearn old patterns, making room for new ways of moving forward.

My dad’s story reminds me that while it’s natural to carry habits from one phase of life to the next, we also need to release what no longer serves us to truly evolve.

To anyone navigating a career shift or life change: draw on your inner resilience, hold on to what empowers you, and let go of what holds you back. Transitioning isn’t easy, but with patience and a willingness to adapt, we can find our way forward.

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served, and to everyone who carries lessons from their past into a new future.

Semper Fi, Dad.

10/14/2024

🔄 Thinking about jumping into just another job to get away from your current role?

I get it—when you're in a toxic or unfulfilling position, anything seems better. But here’s the thing: settling for the next available job without a strategy can put you right back where you started—dissatisfied and stuck. ⛔

Instead of rushing, take a step back and think about building a career path that aligns with what you really want.

💡 Here’s how to approach it:

1️⃣ Identify the tasks or responsibilities you truly enjoy and excel at. 2️⃣ Look for roles that leverage those strengths, not just the ones that pay the bills. 3️⃣ Explore industries that offer long-term growth, where you can thrive, not just survive.

✨ Take Marcus, for example. He was in a high-pressure sales role that drained him, leaving him mentally exhausted. But he realized his favorite part of the job was coaching and mentoring junior team members. We worked together to pivot his career into a talent development role within a company that values its employees' well-being—and now, he’s thriving.

💭 The question is: Are you looking for just another paycheck, or are you ready to build a career that gives you both purpose and fulfillment?

If you’re feeling stuck and unsure about your next step, let’s talk. DM me the word “Path,” and I’ll send you a free guide to help you find clarity and design a career that works for you.

It's time to stop settling and start building the career you deserve. 💪

06/27/2024

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the idea of having to re-interview for your current position can be intimidating, especially when faced with competition from AI and professionals bringing fresh perspectives. Gone are the days when tenure alone could secure your place or promise career advancement.

In the modern workplace, the key to maintaining your role and climbing the career ladder lies in your ability to adapt, innovate, and continuously grow. Companies today value employees who not only have a wealth of experience but also demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and the ability to integrate new technologies and ideas into their work.

AI is revolutionizing the job market by automating routine tasks and providing data-driven insights, while new talent often brings innovative approaches and up-to-date knowledge. To remain competitive, it's essential to blend your extensive experience with these modern advancements. Embracing change, seeking new skills, and staying current with industry trends can make you an invaluable asset to your company.

Ultimately, loyalty and promotion in today’s job market are earned through a proactive approach to professional development and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Your tenure is a testament to your past achievements, but your adaptability and growth mindset are what will drive your future success.

06/26/2024

Have you ever wondered how your career decisions have shaped your life?

Your choices have brought you this far, but deep down, you know there's more out there for you.

Imagine waking up every day excited about your career, feeling fulfilled and confident in your path.

The power to transform your future lies within your decisions. It's about making the choice to invest in yourself and take the next step toward the career you've always dreamed of.

Don't settle for the status quo when you know you're capable of so much more.

Picture yourself in a thriving career, surrounded by opportunities and growth.

This vision can become your reality. It's time to make a decision that your future self will thank you for.

Join us and discover the strategies, insights, and support you need to elevate your career. Your potential is limitless—it's time to unlock it.

02/05/2024

When you embrace a specific label, you inadvertently confine yourself within a restrictive space. This metaphorical box not only limits your capabilities but also narrows your perspective, potentially hindering personal and professional growth. It's akin to placing self-imposed boundaries around your potential, which can stifle creativity and innovation.

Moreover, the absence of knowledge in a particular area should never be seen as a justification for not pursuing learning. Ignorance is not a permanent state unless you choose to remain in it. The unknown presents an opportunity for growth, learning, and development.

In today's rapidly evolving world, the willingness to acquire new skills and knowledge is not just an asset; it's a necessity.

01/25/2024

Often, opportunities for growth and advancement don't just knock; they require you to open the door and invite them in. One such opportunity is effectively communicating your worth in key moments, whether in meetings, networking events, or even casual encounters with senior leadership.

Understanding your value can be challenging, especially if you're used to downplaying your achievements or if you're unsure how to articulate them. This is where external perspectives become invaluable. They can help you see the strengths and unique contributions that you might overlook.

Remember, it's not just about what you do, but how what you do impacts the organization. Your experience, wisdom, and the specific skills you've honed over the years are assets that can significantly contribute to your workplace.

01/12/2024

🚀 Hitting a career plateau can be a game-changer, but not always in the way you expect! For me, hitting that plateau cost me my health at the time.

Here are 3️⃣ insights I wish I knew earlier:

1️⃣ Reigniting Career Passion: It's all about rediscovering what excites you and remembering why you wanted that job in the first place 🌟

2️⃣ Beyond Networking: Create meaningful relationships, not just connections. It's the depth that counts, not the breadth! 🤝

3️⃣ Look around: Every position is a chance to grow. Don't dwell on setbacks; seek out new skills and tools that propel you forward. 🛠️

Want to dive deeper into transforming these insights into action? Join me in my upcoming workshop! Go to: iamkellijackson.com

📈 Let's turn your plateau into a launchpad!

And if you read this far.....should I stick with the glasses or no? Let me know in the comments😊Happy Friday!

01/11/2024

01/08/2024

I'm deeply passionate about helping seasoned professionals aged 50 and above thrive in today's ever-changing job landscape. As someone who believes in the immense value that experience and wisdom bring to the table, I've witnessed the incredible contributions of professionals in our age group who continue to shape our workforce.

This workshop is a testament to my commitment to empower individuals like you with the tools and insights needed to succeed. Join us on Monday, January 15th, for an enlightening experience, where we'll explore new career horizons, navigate emerging trends, and embrace opportunities for unparalleled success in 2024 and beyond. Your journey matters, and your future is full of potential – together, let's partner to achieve your career aspirations!

Link in comments to join us😊