Life Lessons on Change and Resilience

The Evolving Women Podcast Interview

I was recently a guest on the Evolving Women podcast with Teresa Lysum. We talked about my book, 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad. This was for Episode 2 of our conversation. Titled, Life Lessons on Change and Resilience, we dove into some of my favorite “rules” for navigating change. They are:

• Rise Above the Noise
• Bet on Yourself
• Embrace Uncertainty

These rules came from moments when I had to make big decisions about my own career. They are also ideas that many people can use when they feel stuck, worried, or ready for change.

Work Stress is Real

Work today is confusing. Some jobs demand too much, while others don’t feel stable. Many people are worried about layoffs, toxic environments, or whether they are doing enough. At the same time, we are told to “be professional” and not bring personal feelings into the workplace.

That creates a kind of secret life. We put on a smile at work, but inside we feel anxious, doubtful, or even broken. I call this “private torture.” And here’s the truth: if you feel this way, you’re not the only one. So many others have the same heavy burden.

During the podcast, Teresa reminded me that even people who seem successful and confident often struggle with the same doubts. I’ve heard from journalists, executives, and even public figures who admit they’ve felt blindsided, lost, or unsure.

This is a powerful reminder: no one is immune. If you have ever thought, maybe it’s just me, please know it’s not.

Rule 8: Rise Above the Noise

Everywhere we turn, there is noise. Social media, news headlines, and co-workers all seem to have opinions about what we “should” be doing. When you’re drowning in advice, it’s easy to lose track of what you actually want.

Rising above the noise means slowing down and listening to yourself. It doesn’t mean you ignore other people. It means you filter what matters most. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that my true goal wasn’t another promotion. It was freedom to work in my own way.

Rule 9: Bet on Yourself

Betting on yourself sounds risky, but it often starts with small choices. For some people, it means finally applying for the job they’ve always wanted. For others, it means starting a side business or stepping away from a toxic boss.

When you bet on yourself, you stop waiting for someone else to choose you. You decide that your own dreams matter. Even late in life, it is not too late to take a chance on yourself.

Rule 10: Embrace Uncertainty

We all want certainty at work. We want to know the job will last, the paycheck will come, and the effort will be worth it. But the truth is, certainty rarely exists. Jobs change. Leaders change. Whole industries change.

On the night my book launched, I was in the emergency room. I was worried about my health. At the same time, I watched a dream come true as the book went live on Amazon. That strange mix of good and bad taught me something important: life is never just one thing. Joy and struggle happen together. If we can hold both, we can keep moving forward.

Journaling Can Help

In my book, every chapter ends with journal prompts. Journaling helps you sort out the swirl of thoughts and emotions that build up when work feels heavy.

When readers use the prompts, they often write their own rules. Things like trust my instincts, say “no” more often, or remember that rest matters. Writing these down helps make them real. If you feel trapped at work, try journaling for just ten minutes a day. It might surprise you how much lighter you feel. I teach a short course on this technique. Check out the details to know more.

The Myth of Control

For years, I thought my career should follow a straight line. Work hard and get promoted. Yet that plan almost never worked out. I tried to control things that weren’t mine to control.

Now I see my career more like a journey. There are twists, turns, and even detours. A fork in the road isn’t failure—it’s a chance to try a new direction. That shift in thinking took away so much pressure

Encouragement is the Greatest Gift

Encouragement is one of the most powerful tools we can share. It doesn’t cost anything, but it can change everything. A simple “I see you. I hear you. Everything is going to be ok,” can help someone feel less alone.

Moving Forward with Hope

Work is changing fast. So are we. The best we can do is rise above the noise, bet on ourselves, and embrace the uncertainty with courage. Journaling and encouragement can help us keep going even when things feel shaky.

You don’t need to have every step figured out. You only need enough trust in yourself to take the next one.

If these ideas of change and resilience connect with you, I invite you to read 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad. It’s part memoir and part toolkit.

If you’ve ever faced a crossroads in work or life, you know how challenging it can be. You might also need a reminder that change can open unexpected doors. I think you’ll find some encouraging, resilient messages here. Most of all, it’s a reminder that your story matters, your feelings are real, and you are not alone.

Episode 2: Life Lesson on Change and Resilience
(Previous Episode 1: The Power of Reinvention)

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