It’s 2020.

Sorry to make you go there—promise it’s just for a sec.

After a particularly draining workday at my tech leadership job, I collapsed on the couch and yelled, “I’m trapped!” I wanted to believe that primal, childlike surge of emotion was because of quarantine. But I knew it ran deeper. I just didn’t know what it meant—yet.

Today, folks share similar experiences with me during our exploration calls:

• “I feel trapped, stuck, and unmotivated in my career.”
• "I feel stuck in my current role, like I’m spinning my wheels but not getting anywhere."
• “I can’t keep going like this, but I’m overwhelmed by options (or lack thereof)”

They want to be free—just like I did. Just like any human would.

To “feel lighter” and “motivated and energized.” To “use my skills to make a positive change in the world.” To “be compensated equitably.” To enter a “more sustainable stage.” To “turn my work brain off.” To “actually enjoy what I do (if that’s even a thing…)”

If you feel trapped right now, breathe.

You’re not actually trapped.

But without the right perspective and support, it sure can feel that way.

I patchwork-quilted my way to freedom—consulting experts, engrossing myself in research and reflection, and taking baby steps (and big leaps) to build my sense of self.

Years later, I can say that—yes—leaving my corporate tech job to go all in on coaching was the right move. This pivot unlocked life-affirming levels of agency, passion, and fulfillment.

But there were deeper reasons I felt trapped:

I felt trapped because anything less than 100% felt like failure. Because no amount of planning, organizing, or money ever made me feel safe. Because I built a life around what should feel good—not what actually did (e.g., helping people directly, creating something of my own, belting Sara Bareilles songs on a mountain).

I broke free—and keep breaking free—by choosing to think and act like a free person.

The first phase of 1:1 career coaching is uncovering what freedom means to you—so you can start thinking and acting like a free person now.

Together, we explore and answer:

• Sustainability: What keeps you healthy and happy? How do you prioritize it?
• Retrospective: What can you shift or learn from your current/past roles?
• Values: What matters most about your career and relationship to work?
• Criteria: What are your non-negotiables (salary, location, flexibility)?
• Assets: What do you love—and excel at—that gets real results?

Your answers will help us select your highest-impact actions, like:

• Setting boundaries that protect your energy
• Reducing, shifting, or delegating draining stuff
• Making connections in fields that interest you
• Interviewing or building your biz in parallel
• Having some freakin’ fun!

Again, if you're feeling trapped right now—breathe.

You’re not alone. You’re not broken. And you’re not stuck forever.

I’ve got your back—until you remember that you’ve got it, better than anyone ever could.

Want to talk through what freedom could look like for you—and what it might take to get you moving toward it?

I’ll bring thoughtful questions, a career strategy nerd’s mind, and deep care for you and the life you're building. If it feels like a fit, we’ll schedule a follow-up to talk about working together.

Onward!
Grace

P.S. Not feeling trapped, but struggling to take action or build momentum toward a big career goal? Whether it’s landing your dream role, re-entering the workforce, or starting a business—that’s exactly what the Career Change Collective is for. Got questions about whether this is the right program for you? Reply to this email!