Steps to Revitalize Your Creative Career

How can you turn a necessary break into a massive career launch? People leave their jobs temporarily for many reasons, caregiving, parenthood, mental health, etc. Thankfully, we've normalized career breaks. But many professionals disappear from LinkedIn during personal pauses. They stop being active and think, "but I'm not working on anything valuable right now, so what's the point?" That's a missed opportunity. (PSA: By the way, all your experience doesn't just disappear. You're still the expert in your field!) A break gives you the time to clarify your thoughts and build your brand without managing work AND your other personal duties. It gives you a little more time to focus purely on your brand. I worked with a commercial leader recently who took a much-needed break to take care of a loved one. Instead of feeling guilty, we used the time to create a powerful portfolio of original content. So here are my 3 steps to build your career during a pause: - Define the next brand. Choose the 4 pillars that will get you the next, higher-level job (e.g., Global sales strategy, M&A integration, Leadership, and Diversity & Inclusion). - Create the portfolio. Write detailed posts on those pillars, write about your experiences and perspectives. You are not looking for a job (yet), you are acting like the leader of that next role. Demonstrate your strategic thinking. - Active engagement. Stop passively liking and spend 30 minutes a day commenting with truly insightful thoughts on posts by the people you want to work with/for. The more strategic you are, the less time you'll need to see results. This is how you turn a personal pause into a powerful professional launch. Need help turning your experience into a clear, magnetic narrative? Check out the link in the comments 🙌

“I don’t know what I want to do with my career…” Let’s just go ahead and normalize this. Because more people are here than you think. And not just once, sometimes multiple times throughout their lives. (I know I’ve been here. More than once.) But the part we don’t talk about enough? The HOW. → How do you figure out what you actually want? → What fits? → What makes sense for your life now? So here’s what I’ve learned from being that person and helping other people work through this same exact thing: 1. Stop trying to force yourself to pick a job title. - Scrolling job boards hoping something clicks? - That usually leads to frustration. - Truth is, most of us don’t even know how to name what we’re looking for. Start by asking: → What kinds of problems do I enjoy solving? → What work has felt most like me, even if the title didn’t reflect it? → What do people always ask me for help with? 2. Look at the why behind your past roles (and other parts of your life). → What were you brought in to do? → What made you feel useful or alive? → What did you outgrow, and what did that teach you? Your career has patterns. You just haven’t been taught how to read them yet. 3. Use this filter: Pay. Power. Peace. → Can you live off it? → Do your strengths actually matter here? → Can you breathe? If it doesn’t hit at least 2 of the 3, it’s probably not it. 4. Don’t just run to quit your job, run small experiments. You don’t need to burn it all down. You need data. → Try a course. → Join a project outside your usual lane. → Ask someone, “What do you actually do in your role?” Clarity is built in motion—not in your head. 5. Keep a “Could-Be-Me” list. Every time something lights you up, write it down. Then ask: → Why does this resonate? → What strengths do I already have? → What would I need to build? No pressure. Just explore. 6. Create a Career Criteria list. Think beyond the job. Ask: → What kind of life do I want? → Flexibility or structure? → Am I best front-and-center or behind the scenes? → What are my absolute no’s? You’re not trying to fit into a job, you’re building a career that fits you. Let me say this: If you’re in the “I have no clue what I want to do” season… -You’re not broken. -You’re not late. -You’re just being honest with yourself. And that’s where real clarity begins. If you want support figuring it out with guidance, strategy, and real community, I got you. Drop “PATH” in the comments or DM me and I’ll send you the info to join the P.A.T.H. Forward™ Community. You’re not behind. You’re in the middle of realignment. And that’s brave as hell. 💥 _______________ Join the P.A.T.H. Forward Community: https://lnkd.in/gDMj8V5r Hi, I’m Erica Rivera, CPCC, CPRW. 👋 Voice-finder. Story-shaper. Career strategist. I help you untangle the career story you were handed — and rewrite it in a way that aligns with your values, your vision, and your next chapter.

Stuck isn’t a place—it’s a mindset. For years, I thought the perfect career would simply find me. Spoiler: it didn’t. It took courage, curiosity, and a few missteps to realize that staying stuck wasn’t an option—and neither is it for you. Here’s the truth: you have the power to rewrite your story. If 2025 feels like the year to pivot, explore, or reignite your passion, here are 25 practical ways to get started: 1. Align with your values: What truly matters to you? 2. Get curious: What sparks your interest? Follow that thread. 3. Reconnect with your network: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or peers. 4. Experiment: Test-drive new roles or skills through freelance work or volunteering. 5. Create a side project: Showcase your talents on your terms. 6. Invest in learning: Take a course, read a book, or attend a workshop. 7. Job shadow: Observe someone in a role you aspire to. 8. Update your CV and LinkedIn: Tell your story clearly and authentically. 9. Explore new industries: What field has always intrigued you? Dive in. 10. Set realistic goals: Start with small, actionable steps. 11. Join communities: Surround yourself with people who inspire you. 12. Reflect often: Ask yourself, “What’s working? What’s not?” 13. Prioritize self-care: Don’t let burnout derail your journey. 14. Ask for feedback: From colleagues or trusted friends—it’s invaluable. 15. Attend industry events: Meet people and learn what’s trending. 16. Embrace imperfections: No job (or career pivot) will be flawless. 17. Find a mentor: A guide can make all the difference. 18. Use online resources: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are gold mines. 19. Research company cultures: Do they align with your values? 20. Develop soft skills: Communication, adaptability, and empathy are timeless. 21. Track your progress: Celebrate every step forward. 22. Stay flexible: Your dream job might look different than you imagine. 23. Consider coaching: A career coach can provide clarity and structure. 24. Take risks: Growth lives outside your comfort zone. 25. Keep going: The journey to your dream career is worth it. I’ve seen it firsthand: when you take brave, intentional steps, amazing opportunities unfold. So, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take one small step today. Who knows? Your next big adventure might be closer than you think. 💬 What’s one thing you’ve done to get ‘unstuck’ in your career? ♻️ Think this post could help someone in your network? Share it! 👋🏼 Hey, I’m Utkarsh—Executive Coach and lifelong learner. I share insights on leadership, growth, and living courageously. Follow along for more thoughts and strategies.

Most of us will face a moment in our careers when we have to start over. Sometimes it's a choice. Other times, it’s not. A layoff. A failed venture. A burnout spiral. Or simply realizing the dream job… isn’t. Hitting reset can feel like failure, but it’s not. It’s feedback. And if you listen closely, it often points you in the direction you were meant to go all along. But let’s be honest, starting over is hard. You second-guess your skills. You worry what others will think. You wonder if you’re too late. Here’s what’s helped me (and others I’ve coached) get through it: 1. Take inventory. List what you’ve learned, what you loved, and what drained you. Your past isn’t wasted, it’s raw material for your next chapter. 2. Redefine success. The old version may no longer apply. What does success look like now, to you, not to LinkedIn? 3. Build micro-momentum. Start small. New habits, new skills, new connections. Small wins rebuild confidence. 4. Tell the new story. Craft your narrative. “I failed” becomes “I learned.” “I’m lost” becomes “I’m exploring.” Language shapes identity. 5. Get support. Find people who’ve been there. You’re not alone. Career reinvention is more common than it looks. Whether you’re pivoting industries, starting something of your own, or simply stepping off the hamster wheel... Remember: It’s okay to start over. You might just like your new story better. What chapter are you writing right now? #careerreset #reinvention #professionalgrowth #creativedirection #lifedesign #careerchange

Yesterday I posted some advice for those just starting out in advertising. But there are also those in the industry who are like a good roast chicken - well seasoned. There are a lot of changes happening in the industry, and that brings with it a lot of questions and doubts. Some want to reinvent their careers, some are stuck in the middle wanting to climb to the next level, and others are asking - “What the f*ck do I do now? “ I've been coaching a number of people who fit into the above categories. Following on from my thoughts for those just starting their careers, this is my advice for those already well into their journey. Here are 10 things I’d suggest. Some points are similar to my advice for those just starting out. 1. The day of the one-trick pony is coming to an end, or, it has already ended. Be a triple threat. In the theatre world a triple threat is someone who can act, sing, and dance. No, I'm not suggesting you become a Broadway act, just have more than one skill up your sleeve. 2. Adopt a ‘creator’ mindset. Being able to think, create, and make will become an invaluable asset. 3. Build a personal brand. Cringe all you want about this, but if you want to stand out in a crowded market, with fewer opportunities, it will be one of the smartest moves you make. 4. Make LinkedIn your publishing space. And maybe back it up with a secondary social or blogging platform. Get your thoughts and POV out there. This is an extension of your personal brand. Nobody is out there looking for you, you need to help them bump into you. 5. Stay relevant. Don't be left behind. Stay on top of culture, trends, changing consumer behaviour, technology, music, and more. 6. Understand AI, don’t ignore it. It’s not going away. You don't have to become an expert, but you need to know what it can and cannot do. 7. Find mentors. You’re never too old to keep learning and evolving, and you’ll never know everything. 8. Stay creative. Sounds obvious, but many creative people forget to continue being creative. Comfort zones are the enemy of creative careers. 9. Never let your ego be your spokesperson. Sure, you may have done some great things in your career…but a little humility goes a long way. 10. Make sure it's still fun. If it's not, find out why and get to work addressing it. Many people are reinventing their creative careers right now, so you're not alone. It's never too late to restart. But it's a bad time to stay in a holding pattern. “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun.” – Mary Lou Cook … I have spots open for my one-to-one creative coaching. I work with Creative Directors (current & aspiring), Creative Founders, people wishing to establish their own micro-agency and those at a career crossroads. DM or email for details - chantcreative@gmail.com … ®️©️ 🤘 ⚡ … #creativedirector #advertising #creativecoach #creativity

Raise your hand if you've been feeling uninspired lately? ✋ We've all been there—those moments when inspiration seems just out of reach. For me, I have to feel inspired to write, and quite frankly, feel unstoppable. If you find yourself in a similar rut boat (Is this a real thing?! It is now...), here are some practical tips to help you get back on track and reignite your creativity: Change Your Scenery 🌳 Step outside, visit a new place, or simply rearrange your workspace. A change in environment can work wonders for your mindset. Connect with Others 🤝 Engage in conversations with colleagues, friends, or mentors. Fresh perspectives can provide the spark you need. Take a Break 🛋️ Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to come back stronger. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge. Explore New Interests 🎨 Try something new—whether it’s a hobby, a book, or a podcast. Broadening your horizons can lead to unexpected inspiration. Set Small Goals 🎯 Break down your tasks into manageable steps. Celebrate each small win to build momentum and confidence. Reflect on Your Why 📝 Revisit the reasons you started your journey. Rediscovering your passion can reignite your motivation. Remember, feeling uninspired is temporary. With the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity for growth and renewal. What are your go-to strategies for overcoming a creative slump? Share your tips below! 👇 #Inspiration #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #Creativity