In this episode: the hidden grief of job loss, rebuilding your identity, five-question career clarity, relationship-first job searching, financial resilience with Michelle Schafer

Episode Summary

Losing your job may be a business decision, but it creates a deeply human loss. Career transition coach Michelle Schafer reveals the shock, shame, betrayal, and identity struggles people rarely discuss—and explains how to move from emotional recovery to career clarity, strategic networking, and new possibilities.

Guest Bio

Michelle Schafer is an Ottawa-based career transition coach, author, and certified grief companion. After experiencing two restructurings, she built a coaching practice that helps people recover from job loss, identify energizing work, and navigate their next move with purpose.

Resources & Books Mentioned

• Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose by Michelle Schafer
• Michelle’s Career Focus Framework
• Calm meditation app
• Ask What’s Possible exercise

Guest Contact Information

• Website
• LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Job loss is disenfranchised grief; acknowledge the emotions and find support before rushing into tactics.
• Updating your résumé is premature until you define a target using Michelle’s five career-reflection questions.
• Relationships, recruiters, and focused outreach are more effective than sending hundreds of applications.
• Taking a bridge job is not failure; set a timeline and keep pursuing work aligned with your priorities.

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