Career Change Flub – Did I Ruin My Career?
I'm in my mid-30s and currently unemployed after attempting a career change. About two years ago, I left my job at a prestigious think tank following 12 years in federal policy and a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy. I had worked for our executive director at a previous organization and have known her for over a decade. She was very understanding when I gave my notice and even agreed to stay on for a month to transition my work. She mentioned that she had made a career change in her 40s and completely understood. Most of my background is in the nonprofit world—think tanks, research firms, and trade associations. I’ve worked as a project manager, program manager, and policy analyst.
I was burned out by federal policy, especially after being shuffled through four bosses—the last one made my life especially difficult (she was fired a few months after I left). With support from a career coach, I decided to pivot.
I took a bridge job doing literature reviews and landscape scans for a state-based organization, which eventually evolved into leading their policy work and presenting recommendations to state agency officials. While there, I also took foundational design courses, completed a product management program, and brushed up on data analysis.
Unfortunately, that organization’s funding dried up a few months ago. Aside from occasional freelance work for them, I’m unemployed.
I’ve been applying for jobs for months—some in my previous policy field, and others in project management and entry-level product management/product owner roles. I try to get out at least 5 job applications a day and am trying to be more intentional about tailoring my resume and cover letter. So far, I’ve only had a couple of interviews for state policy positions, and didn’t land either.
Adding to the challenge: I’m in the D.C. area, competing with thousands of highly qualified people laid off from federal positions. I’ve reached out to former coworkers, but most are in the same boat or overwhelmed with similar requests.
In the meantime, I’ve:
Set up an LLC for freelance/consulting work (so I can list myself as “Founder & Principal Consultant” on my resume)
Reached out for informational interviews on LinkedIn
Tried to find clients on Upwork
Started building a portfolio of case studies on my own
Still, I feel stuck. I know there are things I could have done differently, but I can’t help but wonder: Have I done irreparable damage to my career?
Financially, we’re okay because my husband has a good job—but I haven’t contributed since the end of last year, and that weighs on me.
Is there anything I could be doing differently right now?
Jobadvisor:
It sounds incredibly frustrating to be putting in so much effort and still feel stuck, especially after making a proactive move to change your career path. It's completely understandable that you're questioning whether you've done irreparable damage, but from the outside looking in, it doesn't sound that way at all. You took initiative, gained new skills, and even started your own consulting venture. That shows resilience and a drive to keep moving forward.
Let's break down what's happening and explore some avenues you could consider.
What's Likely Happening:
- Tough Job Market: You're spot on about the D.C. area being incredibly competitive, especially with recent federal layoffs. This isn't a reflection of your qualifications, but rather the sheer volume of talent vying for similar roles.
- The "Bridge Job" Perception: While your role at the state organization provided valuable experience and allowed you to explore new areas, potential employers in your original field might see it as a temporary detour rather than a significant career progression. Conversely, product management roles might view it as not deep enough experience.
- The Hybrid Profile Challenge: You have a strong background in policy combined with newer skills in design, product, and data analysis. While this could be a strength in the long run, it might be making it harder for recruiters to pigeonhole you for specific roles right now. They might not immediately see where you best fit.
- Entry-Level Product Management Competition: The product management field, even at the entry level, is often flooded with applicants who have specific tech backgrounds or internships in the area.
- The Time Factor: Job searches can take longer than anticipated, even in strong economies. Months of searching without significant traction isn't unusual, though it's certainly disheartening.
Have You Done Irreparable Damage?
Honestly, it doesn't sound like it. You haven't burned bridges, you gained new skills, and you're actively trying different strategies. The career change itself wasn't a "flub," but rather an attempt to find more fulfilling work. The current unemployment is a consequence of a challenging job market and the complexities of transitioning fields.
What You Could Be Doing Differently Right Now:
Let's focus on some actionable steps you can take to refine your approach:
-
Sharpen Your Targeting:
- Revisit Your "Why": Why did you want to pivot in the first place? What aspects of your previous work did you want to leave behind, and what new challenges excite you? Clarifying this can help you focus your search.
- Identify Overlapping Skills: Instead of applying for purely policy roles or purely entry-level product roles, look for positions that sit at the intersection of your experience and new skills. Think about roles like:
- Policy Analyst with a Product Focus: Organizations that develop digital tools or platforms for policy analysis or advocacy.
- Project Manager in Tech or Policy-Related Tech: Leveraging your project management skills in a sector where your policy understanding is a bonus.
- UX Researcher with Policy Expertise: Combining your research skills with your understanding of user needs in a policy context.
- Consulting Roles: Many consulting firms value individuals with diverse backgrounds who can bridge different areas of expertise.
- Tailor Ruthlessly: Generic applications get lost. For each application, specifically highlight how your unique blend of policy experience and new skills makes you a strong candidate for that specific role at that specific organization. Use their language from the job description.
-
Refine Your Resume and Narrative:
- Consider Multiple Resumes: You might need different versions of your resume that emphasize different skill sets depending on the role you're applying for. One might highlight your policy experience and project management, while another focuses on your product management coursework and relevant transferable skills.
- Focus on Accomplishments and Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible, even in your bridge job. Instead of saying "Led policy work," say "Developed and presented three policy recommendations to state agency officials, resulting in [positive outcome if possible]."
- Frame Your Career Change Positively: In your cover letters and interviews, frame your career change as a deliberate move to gain new skills and broaden your perspective, making you a more well-rounded and adaptable candidate. Emphasize the transferable skills you gained.
- "Founder & Principal Consultant": While this is good for showing initiative, ensure your descriptions of this role highlight tangible skills and projects, even if they are self-initiated case studies.
-
Strategic Networking:
- Go Beyond Former Coworkers: While staying in touch is good, think about who else in your network might be valuable. Consider alumni from your Master's program, people you met during your design and product management courses, or individuals you connected with during informational interviews.
- Be Specific in Your Asks: Instead of a general "looking for opportunities," ask for specific advice or connections related to the types of roles you're targeting. For example, "I'm exploring roles in policy-focused tech project management. Do you know anyone in that space I could connect with?"
- Attend Industry Events (Even Virtual Ones): Look for online or in-person events related to policy, tech, or project management in the D.C. area. These can be great opportunities to meet new people.
-
Elevate Your Portfolio and Online Presence:
- Show, Don't Just Tell: Your case studies are a great start. Make sure they clearly demonstrate your problem-solving process, the skills you used, and the outcomes (even if hypothetical).
- LinkedIn Optimization: Ensure your LinkedIn profile clearly articulates the types of roles you're seeking and highlights your relevant skills and experience. Engage with posts in your target industries.
- Consider a Personal Website: This can be a central place to showcase your portfolio, resume, and consulting services.
-
Consider Short-Term Strategies:
- Volunteer: Volunteering in a relevant field can help you gain experience, build your network, and keep your skills sharp.
- Micro-Consulting Projects: Even small, paid projects through your LLC or platforms like Upwork can provide income, build your portfolio, and potentially lead to larger opportunities.
- Further Skill Development: Are there any specific skills that are highly in demand in your target roles? Consider short online courses or certifications to boost your qualifications.
-
Manage Your Mindset:
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge every interview, every informational interview, every connection made. Job searching can be emotionally draining, so recognizing progress is important.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Career transitions take time and effort. Don't let the current situation define your worth or your future potential.
- Lean on Your Support System: Talk to your husband and other supportive people in your life about how you're feeling.
It's clear you're not giving up, and that's the most important thing. You have a strong foundation and valuable skills. By refining your strategy, focusing your efforts, and staying persistent, you can navigate this challenging period and find a fulfilling new chapter in your career. You've taken risks and learned along the way – that's not a flub, that's growth. Keep going!
I'm in my mid-30s and currently unemployed after attempting a career change. About two years ago, I left my job at a prestigious think tank following 12 years in federal policy and a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy. I had worked for our executive director at a previous organization and have known her for over a decade. She was very understanding when I gave my notice and even agreed to stay on for a month to transition my work. She mentioned that she had made a career change in her 40s and completely understood. Most of my background is in the nonprofit world—think tanks, research firms, and trade associations. I’ve worked as a project manager, program manager, and policy analyst.
I was burned out by federal policy, especially after being shuffled through four bosses—the last one made my life especially difficult (she was fired a few months after I left). With support from a career coach, I decided to pivot.
I took a bridge job doing literature reviews and landscape scans for a state-based organization, which eventually evolved into leading their policy work and presenting recommendations to state agency officials. While there, I also took foundational design courses, completed a product management program, and brushed up on data analysis.
Unfortunately, that organization’s funding dried up a few months ago. Aside from occasional freelance work for them, I’m unemployed.
I’ve been applying for jobs for months—some in my previous policy field, and others in project management and entry-level product management/product owner roles. I try to get out at least 5 job applications a day and am trying to be more intentional about tailoring my resume and cover letter. So far, I’ve only had a couple of interviews for state policy positions, and didn’t land either.
Adding to the challenge: I’m in the D.C. area, competing with thousands of highly qualified people laid off from federal positions. I’ve reached out to former coworkers, but most are in the same boat or overwhelmed with similar requests.
In the meantime, I’ve:
Set up an LLC for freelance/consulting work (so I can list myself as “Founder & Principal Consultant” on my resume)
Reached out for informational interviews on LinkedIn
Tried to find clients on Upwork
Started building a portfolio of case studies on my own
Still, I feel stuck. I know there are things I could have done differently, but I can’t help but wonder: Have I done irreparable damage to my career?
Financially, we’re okay because my husband has a good job—but I haven’t contributed since the end of last year, and that weighs on me.
Is there anything I could be doing differently right now?
Jobadvisor:
It sounds incredibly frustrating to be putting in so much effort and still feel stuck, especially after making a proactive move to change your career path. It's completely understandable that you're questioning whether you've done irreparable damage, but from the outside looking in, it doesn't sound that way at all. You took initiative, gained new skills, and even started your own consulting venture. That shows resilience and a drive to keep moving forward.
Let's break down what's happening and explore some avenues you could consider.
What's Likely Happening:
- Tough Job Market: You're spot on about the D.C. area being incredibly competitive, especially with recent federal layoffs. This isn't a reflection of your qualifications, but rather the sheer volume of talent vying for similar roles.
- The "Bridge Job" Perception: While your role at the state organization provided valuable experience and allowed you to explore new areas, potential employers in your original field might see it as a temporary detour rather than a significant career progression. Conversely, product management roles might view it as not deep enough experience.
- The Hybrid Profile Challenge: You have a strong background in policy combined with newer skills in design, product, and data analysis. While this could be a strength in the long run, it might be making it harder for recruiters to pigeonhole you for specific roles right now. They might not immediately see where you best fit.
- Entry-Level Product Management Competition: The product management field, even at the entry level, is often flooded with applicants who have specific tech backgrounds or internships in the area.
- The Time Factor: Job searches can take longer than anticipated, even in strong economies. Months of searching without significant traction isn't unusual, though it's certainly disheartening.
Have You Done Irreparable Damage?
Honestly, it doesn't sound like it. You haven't burned bridges, you gained new skills, and you're actively trying different strategies. The career change itself wasn't a "flub," but rather an attempt to find more fulfilling work. The current unemployment is a consequence of a challenging job market and the complexities of transitioning fields.
What You Could Be Doing Differently Right Now:
Let's focus on some actionable steps you can take to refine your approach:
-
Sharpen Your Targeting:
- Revisit Your "Why": Why did you want to pivot in the first place? What aspects of your previous work did you want to leave behind, and what new challenges excite you? Clarifying this can help you focus your search.
- Identify Overlapping Skills: Instead of applying for purely policy roles or purely entry-level product roles, look for positions that sit at the intersection of your experience and new skills. Think about roles like:
- Policy Analyst with a Product Focus: Organizations that develop digital tools or platforms for policy analysis or advocacy.
- Project Manager in Tech or Policy-Related Tech: Leveraging your project management skills in a sector where your policy understanding is a bonus.
- UX Researcher with Policy Expertise: Combining your research skills with your understanding of user needs in a policy context.
- Consulting Roles: Many consulting firms value individuals with diverse backgrounds who can bridge different areas of expertise.
- Tailor Ruthlessly: Generic applications get lost. For each application, specifically highlight how your unique blend of policy experience and new skills makes you a strong candidate for that specific role at that specific organization. Use their language from the job description.
-
Refine Your Resume and Narrative:
- Consider Multiple Resumes: You might need different versions of your resume that emphasize different skill sets depending on the role you're applying for. One might highlight your policy experience and project management, while another focuses on your product management coursework and relevant transferable skills.
- Focus on Accomplishments and Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible, even in your bridge job. Instead of saying "Led policy work," say "Developed and presented three policy recommendations to state agency officials, resulting in [positive outcome if possible]."
- Frame Your Career Change Positively: In your cover letters and interviews, frame your career change as a deliberate move to gain new skills and broaden your perspective, making you a more well-rounded and adaptable candidate. Emphasize the transferable skills you gained.
- "Founder & Principal Consultant": While this is good for showing initiative, ensure your descriptions of this role highlight tangible skills and projects, even if they are self-initiated case studies.
-
Strategic Networking:
- Go Beyond Former Coworkers: While staying in touch is good, think about who else in your network might be valuable. Consider alumni from your Master's program, people you met during your design and product management courses, or individuals you connected with during informational interviews.
- Be Specific in Your Asks: Instead of a general "looking for opportunities," ask for specific advice or connections related to the types of roles you're targeting. For example, "I'm exploring roles in policy-focused tech project management. Do you know anyone in that space I could connect with?"
- Attend Industry Events (Even Virtual Ones): Look for online or in-person events related to policy, tech, or project management in the D.C. area. These can be great opportunities to meet new people.
-
Elevate Your Portfolio and Online Presence:
- Show, Don't Just Tell: Your case studies are a great start. Make sure they clearly demonstrate your problem-solving process, the skills you used, and the outcomes (even if hypothetical).
- LinkedIn Optimization: Ensure your LinkedIn profile clearly articulates the types of roles you're seeking and highlights your relevant skills and experience. Engage with posts in your target industries.
- Consider a Personal Website: This can be a central place to showcase your portfolio, resume, and consulting services.
-
Consider Short-Term Strategies:
- Volunteer: Volunteering in a relevant field can help you gain experience, build your network, and keep your skills sharp.
- Micro-Consulting Projects: Even small, paid projects through your LLC or platforms like Upwork can provide income, build your portfolio, and potentially lead to larger opportunities.
- Further Skill Development: Are there any specific skills that are highly in demand in your target roles? Consider short online courses or certifications to boost your qualifications.
-
Manage Your Mindset:
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge every interview, every informational interview, every connection made. Job searching can be emotionally draining, so recognizing progress is important.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Career transitions take time and effort. Don't let the current situation define your worth or your future potential.
- Lean on Your Support System: Talk to your husband and other supportive people in your life about how you're feeling.
It's clear you're not giving up, and that's the most important thing. You have a strong foundation and valuable skills. By refining your strategy, focusing your efforts, and staying persistent, you can navigate this challenging period and find a fulfilling new chapter in your career. You've taken risks and learned along the way – that's not a flub, that's growth. Keep going!