Written by Clara Whitaker, The Career Doctor
Clara Whitaker, The Career Doctor, is an executive and career coach specializing in helping senior leaders and high-achieving women navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. With a background in Psychology, HR leadership, and talent development, she brings a refreshingly direct and insightful approach to career transformation.
Navigating workplace change? Here are 5 expert-backed strategies to stay in control, manage uncertainty, and take charge of your career.
“Oh shit,” you think. Closed-door meetings at the C-suite. The Market is ablaze. Geopolitical forces are upending everything. Sales are plummeting. Strategies are topsy-turvy. You’ve seen this all before: workplace changes are coming, and nobody knows what things are going to look like afterward. Perhaps layoffs? Another reorg? A promotion as a blessing in disguise where you inherit a team of alarmed and (very probably) overworked people?
I’ve been a psychologist and a coach for a gazillion years, and I have seen this conundrum land on my lap more often than I can count. I’ve since developed career resilience strategies you can apply immediately so you can thrive during workplace transitions:
1. Focus on what you can do in times of uncertainty
Emotions naturally go all over the place during change. The trick is to acknowledge them but not allow them to overpower you. Here’s what you do:
Make a list of all the things that are worrying you.
Then, cross out all the things that you can do nothing about and do something about the ones you can.
This will keep things sane and help you focus your energy on the right things.
2. Lead by example
Keep your cool. In times of uncertainty, people look for leaders who reflect calmness and direction amid chaos. Help people focus on action rather than insecurity. This is not about telling everyone things will be ok; rather, it is about coaching others to recognize and overcome their fears so they can do what needs to be done in their work and their lives. This will make all the difference.
3. Go have some pints
And by pints, I mean tea, lunch, or whatever gets you in front of people so you can have fun, share experiences, and, most importantly, network. Studies show that between 80 and 90% of roles are filled through networking rather than job boards, so if you find yourself in a situation where you have to look for a new role, networking for career growth will make things a lot easier.
4. Mind your health
When things get tough, some people might reach for their stash of candy, glug two more mugs of coffee, grab an extra cocktail or three, go on a feel-good shopping spree, stay up late doom scrolling, and so on. Don’t be that person. Instead, ask yourself:
What is one thing I can do to take care of my physical health?
Am I being mindful and respectful of my mental health?
If my income were to change today, how long would I last? What changes can I make to make sure this time period would be as comfortable as possible?
Addressing these points will keep your stress levels at bay and will better prepare you for potential roller-coasters ahead.
5. Explore
Free yourself from the idea that your future tomorrow has to look like another version of today. In fact, you might actually have come across an opportunity to bring more purpose, enjoyment and fulfilment to your life! Here’s a fun exercise to get you started:
Grab some sticky notes and, on each one, write all the things you love doing at work or elsewhere. Put them on a wall.
Next, select the sticky notes with things you’re good at.
Now, take a moment to reflect on what you see in front of you. Brainstorm: if there were no limitations, what activities could you combine to build an amazing future for yourself?
So, what’s next?
You can keep bracing for impact, white-knuckling your way through uncertainty, or hear me out, and you can take the wheel. Change at work doesn’t have to feel like a storm you’re stuck in; it can be an opening to something better, something that actually excites you. Whether that means leading with more confidence, networking like a pro, or finally figuring out what on Earth you really want, you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to turn “Oh shit” into “I’ve got this,” let’s talk. Contact me, and let’s map out your next move.
Read more from Clara Whitaker
Clara Whitaker, The Career Doctor
Clara Whitaker, The Career Doctor, is an executive and career coach who helps senior leaders and high-achieving women navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. With a background in psychology, HR leadership, and executive coaching, she brings a refreshingly direct and insightful approach to guiding clients through burnout, leadership shifts, and career reinvention so they can have more fun, pursue meaningful projects, and build a legacy they’re proud of. She is a keynote speaker and the founder of Career Health. Outside of coaching, she mentors women shifting careers globally, volunteers at animal rescue centres, and enjoys hiking and textile art.
