From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Finding Possibility in Work Disruption
Weekly Dose of Work Recovery Vol. 4.2.25
Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Fresh Look at Work Disruption
Ever been hit with a career curveball so disruptive that your first thought was, "I don't want this"? And maybe you fight the urge to cry or curl up in a ball or both?
Layoffs, forced returns to the office, losing key clients, unexpected pivots. These changes can feel overwhelming, disorienting, even unfair. They're happening more frequently now, shifting our expectations about work, stability, and control.
But here's a perspective worth considering:
What if that unwanted curveball is creating space for something better?
We often carry subconscious agreements or beliefs about our careers:
If I perform well, I'll always be safe.
Loyalty will shield me from layoffs.
My clients will always stay.
Reality, however, doesn't often follow these agreements. Work changes happen, disrupting plans and expectations. But disruption often brings opportunity.
In the initial chaos, it’s natural to focus on the negatives. The trick is learning to hold the pain of the change alongside the possibility it creates:
Yes, losing this role hurts deeply, and could it open doors to more fulfilling work?
Yes, returning to the office feels inconvenient, and might it position you better for advancement or collaboration?
Yes, losing a client is tough, and could this lead to attracting better-aligned projects?
One powerful shift is recognizing these situations as opportunities to redesign your work life more intentionally. Ask yourself:
What new possibilities is this unexpected change creating for me?
Rather than clinging to outdated structures or expectations, this mindset shift can reduce resistance and spark creativity in thinking through the possibilities that always exist, even in the toughest, most painful times.
The reality is career paths aren't linear. Disruptions—though difficult—often lead us exactly where we need to go, inviting more aligned and meaningful opportunities.
So, if you're facing uncertainty or unexpected change, hold space for both grief AND growth. Because it may just be preparing you for something even better.
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P.S. If you want to hear more about unwanted curveballs, check out Ep. 88 on the How Good Can It Get? podcast where I dig into my curveballs and share how I now process them to acknowledge that even when everything is changing, there is still room for good.
This Week's Did You Know? Beware the “BIG BOSS” is back…
Corporate leaders are adopting a more direct and assertive communication style with employees, reflecting a shift from encouraging personal well-being to emphasizing performance and accountability. This change aligns with a softening labor market and economic uncertainties, granting management greater leverage than during the COVID-19 era. Sadly, these “bros” missed the memo that happier employees drive better results…
Source: CEOs Deliver Tough Talk, Axios
Links & Resources We Love Right Now
A listen: Binaural beats, which can be googled or played on Apple music or Spotify, is two sounds or frequencies to help the brain relax, calm, and sink into focus. I've been using this for deep work sessions and it soothes my distracted mind.
A learn: My new rule in business is to “fail” faster - I'm limiting my biz contracts to three months max (to avoid overpayment if a service, product, tool doesn't work). Savings!
A shoutout: I met with leadership coach and work culture expert Rachel Anderson who is the author of book on human centric leadership that is dropping in June, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
Something I love: Watching my friends do BIG things! This week a good friend launched a supportive course for anyone who wants to start a podcast and another launched a Denver-based women's community Align Society. So much goodness all around.
