Dear Empathetic Leader

I wanted to get some other perspectives from anyone that has become a mum and feels like they need to/want to take a step back in their career? I don't know if my experience is unusual or if this is a common thing that happens. I have a very limited village, so any illness or issue means I have to take time off work etc. and progressing in my career in a high stress environment doesn't feel sustainable alongside the home life pressure. Is anyone willing to share their experiences?

Job searching can be draining, and one of the biggest hurdles is the sheer volume of applications. Don't let application fatigue slow you down. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you power through: Step 1: Optimize Your Resume for Each Role, Efficiently! Instead of rewriting your entire resume for every job, focus on targeted tweaks. Identify 3-5 keywords from the job description and make sure they appear naturally in your resume, especially in your summary and experience sections. Use an AI tool or a word cloud generator to quickly spot these keywords in the job posting. This saves time and significantly increases your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS). Step 2: Craft a Concise, Impactful Cover Letter Template Stop writing unique cover letters from scratch. Develop a master template that includes sections for your introduction, your key skills and achievements, and a strong closing. For each application, simply customize the company name, job title, and one or two sentences that specifically highlight why you're a perfect fit for this particular role. Keep it brief – three paragraphs are usually enough. Step 3: Set Application Limits (and Stick to Them!) It's tempting to apply for everything, but this often leads to burnout. Decide on a realistic number of applications you'll submit each day or week (e.g., 3-5 quality applications per day). Once you hit that number, stop! Use the extra time to network, learn new skills, or simply recharge. This helps maintain your energy and focus, ensuring each application gets the attention it deserves. What other job search challenges are you facing?

I work in the health insurance industry and my job is suddenly not looking so stable. I've been warned I might get a minor hour/pay reduction next year depending on how many clients we lose, best case is 10% and worst case is 25%. I know I'm 'safe' for this AEP - I'm the only receptionist for a family business with 2K clients. If they let me go they would not be able to function. But next AEP is not as guarenteed depending on how bad it gets this and next year, and I'm not waiting to find out. So after this AEP, I'm going to be looking for a new job. I have not job hunted in about 2 years. How much different is it? I have solid experience in office work and that's mostly what my education was focused on (that and business). Last time I job hunted is when AI was just starting to make it's way into the job application field, and I loathe to find out how pervasive it is now.

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I would like to prepare what I will say as im approaching last interview and may land the job. The issue is I would rather start right away because i need income urgently to pay bills a- tell them its best for me to start after my procedure - 3 weeks from now ( which will but me in a predicament as i need immediate income) and they might be annoyed they have to wait 3 weeks or b-tell them i can start 1 or 2 weeks before my procedure and but that in 3 weeks I may need an entire week off . advice ?

You’re not alone. The industry shifts fast, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job on top of your actual one. But staying relevant doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple, doable rhythm to follow (even with a full calendar): ✅ Quarterly: Scan open job listings—not just titles, but the skills and tools required. Use AI to spot patterns. ✅ Monthly: Talk to someone in a role you admire. Ask what they’re learning, noticing, and questioning. ✅ Ongoing: Skim global reports (like the WEF’s Future of Jobs) and follow a few sharp thinkers right here on LinkedIn. ✅ Repeat: Make this a habit, not a one-off. You’ll start to see the signals. Then, check in on your fit using the IKIGAI model: ? What you love ? What you’re good at ? What the world needs ? What you can be paid for From there? Close the gap with real upskilling. The best programs offer: ✔️ Hands-on practice ✔️ Critical thinking challenges ✔️ Confidence in what you can do (not just what you know) That’s why I often point folks to flexible, job-aligned platforms like Udacity—especially when time is tight and skill depth matters. You don’t need perfect predictions. Just a smart way to listen for what’s next. ? What’s one signal you’re seeing in your space right now? #CareerDevelopment #TechCareers #Leadership #Udacity