'I worked in one company for over 10 years. Now I’m lost on my next move...'

Today I’m analysing the situation of Sammy. I met Sammy via LinkedIn when she contacted me asking for advice.

Sammy has spent over 10 years at the same global company, moving up from a Marketing Graduate to a Senior Leadership position. She loved the work and felt secure in her role. 

Sadly, after recent redundancy rounds, she found herself out of a job. 

Sammy’s feeling lost. For a decade, her career path was shaped internally. Now she’s unsure how to navigate the job market on her own.

What’s the Challenge?

Sammy’s biggest challenge is transitioning from a company-centric career to exploring new opportunities. She’s unsure where to begin and feels disconnected from the broader job market.

How Did She Get Here?

Over the years, Sammy built her career around internal promotions and leveraging company connections. Now, with her job gone, she’s facing the unfamiliar task of reinventing herself and considering the wide array of opportunities outside of her previous employer.

How Can She Move Forward?

Sammy needs to reframe her thinking and embrace a new direction in her career. Yes, it's scary and daunting. But it's also exciting and a huge opportunity. She needs to keep thinking about the latter.

Here’s My Advice:

1. Get to Know Yourself Again

For over 10 years, Sammy’s identity was tied to the company. Now it’s time to rediscover what excites her and what she truly wants from your next role. Think about your values, skills, and passions outside of the corporate world you’ve known for so long.

2. Fully Understand What the Opportunities Are

Sammy has spent a decade focused only on internal opportunities. Now, it’s time to explore the whole job market. Do your research, talk to people in other industries, and open your mind to new roles. Opportunities are everywhere, but you have to actively seek them out.

3. Make a Plan

Job hunting without a strategy can feel overwhelming. Develop a clear plan with at least 2-3 strategies. This might include changing industries, changing roles or even exploring freelance or consulting work. Make sure to include roles that stretch your skills and challenge you.

4. Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

After 10 years in one company, it’s normal to feel like you’re starting from scratch. Don’t expect to land your dream role immediately. Keep a long-term view and be patient with the process. Each step forward, even the small ones, gets you closer to your goal.

If you’re in a similar position, remember that your career is a journey. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and step confidently into your next chapter.

Helping people through BIG career transitions is our speciality on the Creative Career Level Up programme. If you want to make 2025 the year you level up your Creative Career, then the Creative Career Level Up might be the right solution for you.