THE CAREER COMPASS
Feeling stuck in your career? The Career Compass is your guide to navigating uncertainty and moving forward with clarity. This free resource is designed for professionals ready to pause, reflect, and take action toward their next step.
Step 1: Reflect on What You Really Want
Before diving into job boards or tweaking your resume, it’s time to step back. Clarity comes when you ask the right questions, and that’s what this step is all about.
The REF Method:
Reflect: What’s no longer working for you? Is it the culture, the work itself, or something else entirely?
Explore: What matters most to you now? What are your core values, strengths, and motivations?
Find: Who do you want to be in this next chapter? What kind of impact do you want to make?
This isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about getting real with yourself and defining what matters most.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Stay or Go
This question can feel overwhelming, use this framework to assess where you stand:
Are You Growing? Is your role helping you develop the skills and experiences you need for your long-term goals?
Does Your Work Align?
With your strengths: Is most of your time spent doing what you’re naturally great at?
With your values: Does the company culture/mission resonate with what matters most to you?
How Do You Feel About Mondays? Temporary stress is normal. Chronic dread is a signal that something deeper needs to change.
Read my newsletter on 4 Simple Tips for Planning Your Next Career Move to get intentional about this decision.
Step 3: Refresh Your Resume
If it’s been years since you last updated your resume, it’s time to give it a serious upgrade. Here’s how to make it stand out:
Use Google’s XYZ Formula
Write your accomplishments like this: Accomplished [X] by doing [Y], resulting in [Z].
Example: “Boosted team productivity by 25% by implementing x software, saving 10+ hours weekly.”
Focus on Impact
Highlight measurable outcomes, leadership contributions, and results that show your ability to drive change. Focus on your impact, not on your tasks.
To do: Rewrite 3 bullet points on your resume using the XYZ formula. Focus on metrics and tangible results.
Step 4: Build Relationships That Open Doors
Here’s the truth: most career opportunities come through conversations, not applications. If your network feels stale, this is your moment to revive it.
How to Start:
Reach out to past colleagues, mentors, or peers. Keep it simple:
“Hey [Name], I’ve been reflecting on my career and would love to hear how things are going on your end. Let’s catch up soon!”
Make Networking Feel Natural:
Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. It’s about creating genuine connections and being open about what you’re looking for.
Pro Tip: Read “Why You Should Build Relationships and Network” for a fresh, no-BS take on expanding your circle.
Your Career Compass Checklist
Ready to take action? Download The Career Compass Checklist to track your progress through the steps in this guide.
This accessible, actionable checklist will help you:
Reflect on what’s missing in your current role.
Clarify your next move.
Stay organized as you update your resume and reconnect with your network.
WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING
From stuck to new role
“I reached out to Ashley at a time in my career when I needed guidance and someone to remind me how much I have to offer. Ashley is an expert at listening to you and truly understanding what you are passionate about and skilled at and then coming up with a strategy to get you into roles that utilize those skills and passions. With Ashley's expert guidance, I was able to ultimately a new role with a significant salary increase and leadership advancement opportunity.”
-Assistant Director, Higher Education
From frustrated to thriving
“I initially sought a coach to help me find clarity and meaning in my next career move. What I received in Ashley was a coach who helped me unlock my purpose and instilled in me the courage to ask for what I deserved. She is smart, caring, and exceptionally strategic. She knows exactly the right questions to ask, and she was quick in tailoring her approach to meet my specific needs. I can't imagine a world where she is not a part of my journey."
-VP, Marketing in Publishing
MAKE THE CAREER CHANGES YOU DESIRE
NEED MORE HANDS ON SUPPORT?
You’re ambitious, talented, and ready to take the next step—but something is holding you back. Whether it’s navigating leadership challenges, advocating for yourself, or stepping into a role that matches your potential, it’s time to get intentional about your career. Through personalized coaching, I’ll help you gain clarity, strengthen your leadership presence, and create a strategic plan to achieve your next big career move—on your terms.