I remember when I first interviewed for a position in biotech. It was a field I knew absolutely nothing about, and a lot of people had intimidating PhDs next to their names.

The interviewer looked at me and asked, “What value can you bring to our biotech company?”

Even with the confidence that had gotten me to this point, I still felt the spiral of self-doubt and frustration start to swirl.

I have no experience in this industry. 

I’m a complete newbie.

After all these years, here I am back at square one.

One of the biggest fears that keeps people from making a career change is the idea that doing so means starting over career-wise.

But instead of letting those thoughts take over, I took a deep breath and told him, “I’m bringing a fresh perspective and proven skills in human resources. Sure, these will be different business conversations—but I know how to learn quickly, build strong relationships, and solve real problems.” (It worked, btw, and ended up being true!) 

The same is true for you. Square one is a distant memory because everything you’ve done up to this point still counts. Here is how you can make it count toward your future.

The “Back At Square One” Myth

I have a beautiful forest green peace lily in my office that has outgrown its current container, so now I need to move it to a new pot with more space for root growth and fresh soil to help it perk up again. 

Everything is new and fresh for my lily, but I would never think of it as going “back to square one.”

And of course not! Repotting isn’t “starting over”–it’s a sign of growth.

*ahem* Do you see what I’m getting at here? 

What’s good for the lily is good for you.

Moving On Doesn’t Mean You’ve Failed–It Means You’ve Flourished

My peace lily outgrew its current situation; likewise, it’s okay for you to outgrow things like…

+ Relationships: without blame or failure, recognize that the connection served its purpose for a season and release it with gratitude. 
+ Dreams that no longer fit: sometimes the version of “success” we once chased isn’t aligned with who we’ve become, and that is entirely natural and a sign of positive self-growth. 
+ Environments: sometimes the jobs, communities, or routines that once felt good start to feel constricting. Perhaps they’ve changed. Perhaps YOU have. 
+ Goals set in a different season of life: It’s okay to change your mind about what you want. 

There is no shame in any of that. On the contrary, there are plenty of reasons to feel proud of yourself. 

Making a change (especially when it’s uncertain or uncomfortable) takes real courage. It means trusting that what you’ve outgrown is an invitation to expand into a version of your life and career that’s more aligned with who you are today. 

Whether you’re shifting industries, roles, or even re-entering the workforce after a break, remember this: You’re not a beginner. You’re experienced—and brave enough to grow.

Everything you’ve done up to this point still counts. Your established root system—your values—keeps you grounded in times of upheaval and change. 

Your leaves and vines—your skills, your experience, your relationships—move with you to your new container, industry, or role. 

You’re not starting over. You’re adding the necessary space to flourish personally and professionally. 

How To Leverage Your Past Experiences For Your Future Dreams

If you need help figuring out how to help your past count toward your future, start here:

1. Identify your transferable skills.
Many job seekers experience frustration because they believe their current job skills are only relevant to their current job title or industry. 

However, the basics of working in various roles are pretty similar! Once you realize this, you’ll find it much easier to showcase and adapt your skills when looking for different jobs or industries.

2. Build a resume that emphasizes the value you bring versus the tasks you complete. 
Task-centered language hinders your ability to communicate value. You have value that’s applicable across multiple roles and industries, but you can’t adequately communicate that if you limit your focus to specific tasks. 

Instead of saying “I’ve led marketing campaigns,” try “I know how to move ideas from concept to reality and deliver measurable results.”

3. Craft a story that connects your past to your future. 
People often get stuck trying to explain why they’re leaving when they should be showcasing where they’re going.  

Take some time to journal and reflect. When you know how your story confidently addresses what you’ve learned, you can position this change as growth—not escape.

Start The Process

Your fresh start can begin today. The Flourish Careers Resignation Toolkit is your guide to navigating career transitions with confidence. 

Inside, you’ll find short audio lessons and practical downloads that will help you exit your current container and transplant yourself somewhere new with clarity and purpose.

Resignation Toolkit

How To Quit Your Job and Flourish in Your Next Role

ACCESS THE DOWNLOAD HERE

Want More Career Wisdom? Keep Reading

+ Which Comes First
+ Inhale Faith Exhale Fear Featuring Dr. Shawnté Elbert
+ Career Courage: Why It’s Finally Time To Do What’s Right For You—And How To Begin

Connect with Me

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.

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