What making BIG moves really feels like

Hey reader,

I want to share a personal story with you today. One about taking a leap that completely changed how I see myself and my career.

How making BIG moves became my career strategy

When I packed my bags for Dublin to work at LinkedIn, I had NO guarantees it would work out.

Just me, choosing a path that felt completely unknown and scary.

Moving to a different country without any of my traditional support systems.

What most women don't realise is that behind big career moves like this are big moments of doubt and fear. Lying in bed the night before my flight, wondering if I was making a terrible mistake. Have you ever felt that mix of excitement and fear before a big change?

"That sounds risky, are you sure about that Jen?" friends asked.

Taking big jumps into the unknown showed me exactly WHO I was. They've become the most transformational stories of my life.

Transformation doesn't happen when we're comfortable. It happens when we stretch ourselves past what feels safe.

I wasn't trying to make the perfect career move on paper. I just wanted to find out who I could be when I stopped playing it safe.

I did not have everything figured out.

Nobody does, by the way. Even the women announcing amazing new roles on LinkedIn or the women who seem like an ‘overnight success’, they all had moments of doubt too.

These were moments where I thought: I have 1 life. I don't want to wonder "what if" when I'm 80.

The biggest growth happens when you make moves that have everyone else saying, "WHY are you doing that?" while you're thinking, "WHY haven't I done this sooner?"

That first week in Dublin, with my entire life packed into 2 suitcases, I met a side of myself I never would have known if I'd stayed comfortable.

I've been in your shoes. Making those big moves with zero guarantees.

One question that changed everything for me

If you're standing at a career crossroads right now, whether you’re considering a new role, or making a bigger leap, I want to share the one question that's helped me and my clients gain instant clarity:

If I picture myself in the exact same role 1 year from now, what do I feel in my body?

When I asked myself this question before leaving LinkedIn, my shoulders immediately tensed, and I felt a knot in my stomach. My body knew I needed a change before I was ready to admit it mentally.

One of my clients described it as "getting punched in her stomach" when she imagined staying in her current role. That told her everything she needed to know, much more than any pros and cons list could.

Your turn!

Take just 2 minutes right now to close your eyes and picture yourself 1 year from today in your current role, doing the same work with the same people.

What physical sensations come up? Tightness in your chest? Heaviness? Or perhaps excitement and energy?

Your body often knows what your mind isn't ready to accept yet.

I'm curious, where are you now?

Are you standing at a career crossroads right now? If so, I'd love to hear:

What's the biggest doubt or question holding you back from making your next BIG move?

Hit reply and let me know. I personally read every single response, and your question might inspire a future newsletter.

Talk to you soon,

Jenn

When you're ready, there are 2 ways you can currently work with me.

• Ready to land your next role in Tech with community support? Join the Tech Career Catalyst​ for the last cohort of 2025. We start on 16 June, and I’m offering € 650 OFF the program investment until 31 May (use promotion code FRIENDS650 when checking out).

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