Answer the Call | Christian Career Coaching

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

We’re so grateful to be closing out the year with a huge milestone – our 250th podcast episode! Truly, praise be to Jesus for giving us the strength and consistency to keep showing up every week.

With the year coming to a close, we’re sitting down for an honest (and very exciting!!!) year in review, reflecting on everything this past year held for The Called Career and for us personally. From big answered prayers to unexpected challenges, we’re sharing the highs, the hard parts, and everything in between.

We discuss:

• The bold goals we set at the start of the year and how they actually turned out

• Audrey’s relationship update! 👀

• Kelsey's BIG personal announcement!!!! 

• The behind-the-scenes business struggles we experienced

• Books, Scripture, and lessons that carries us through the highs and lows

• What we’re prayerfully hoping for as we step into the next year

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this community and for walking with us through another year. 

Every download, share, comment, and message has meant the world to us. You’ve been with us through the highs, the challenges, and everything in between, and we’re so grateful for your continued support, encouragement, and energy as we look ahead to all that the Lord has in store.

With gratitude,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

01:19 – Reflecting on last year’s goals

02:21 – Audrey’s relationship update 👀

03:12 – Pregnancy announcement and fertility journey!

05:53 – How relationships change ambition, identity, and work

10:49 – The “10x revenue” goal and what actually happened

13:48 – Paid ads, money lost, and behind-the-scenes business struggles

22:44 – Knowing when to stop pushing and choose peace

35:56 – Devotion vs. discipline, faith lessons, and hopes for the year ahead

Sometimes, the career “change” isn’t drastic, and that’s okay.

In this client success story, Audrey sits down with Ethan, an engineer who felt stuck and unsure about his career but knew a dramatic change wasn’t realistic. With a wife, 3 young kids, and financial responsibilities, quitting everything or starting over wasn’t an option.

Audrey and Ethan discuss:

• Why a career change does not always need to be drastic to be meaningful

• How Christian beliefs about calling and work can affect career decisions

• The pressure many professionals feel to make a big leap and why it is often unnecessary

• How informational interviews help build confidence and direction

• Learning to trust God’s redirection even when the path looks different than expected

If you’re feeling stuck or pressured to make a drastic move and need reassurance that meaningful career change can happen without starting over, this is for you.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

01:07 From Career Uncertainty to an Internal Pivot

01:47 Feeling Stuck and Not Knowing Where to Start

03:33 Is It Okay for Christians to Want Job Fulfillment?

05:25 Letting Go of the Myth of the Perfect Job

06:41 How Family Responsibilities Shape Career Decisions

09:03 Using Informational Interviews to Find Clarity

15:06 When a Career Interest Becomes a Side Ministry

20:32 Why a Small Career Pivot Can Change Everything

31:20 Encouragement for Job Seekers Who Feel Stuck

Job searching can feel frustrating, isolating, and discouraging, especially when you’re doing everything the right way and still hearing nothing back.

That’s what happened with Alex – who sent out 30+ applications with zero responses, not even a callback… and then she landed a role at a dream company without even applying! 

In this episode, we break down exactly what wasn’t working, the mindset shift that changed everything, and how strategic, faith-led networking opened doors she didn’t even know were there.

If you are:

• Feeling invisible in the job market

• Exhausted from applying online

• Wondering if career coaching is “worth it”

Then this episode is for you.

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

02:18 – When Applying Online Stops Working

05:01 – Why Fixing the Resume Wasn’t Enough

06:40 – Almost Hiring a Headhunter

10:57 – What Networking Was Actually Missing

13:49 – The Shift That Changed Everything

18:54 – How She Got an Interview Without Applying

21:11 – Why Community Matters in Job Searching

31:01 – Dream Company vs Dream Job

35:38 – Is Career Coaching Really Worth It?

What happens when the career you’ve poured 28 years of your life into suddenly disappears?

In this client success story, Audrey sits down with Tamara, a former program manager at Wells Fargo who faithfully served in one company for nearly 28 years until her job was eliminated. Instead of rushing into the next role, Tamara chose to slow down, meet God in the uncertainty, and walk step-by-step into whatever He had prepared next.

Her story is a powerful reminder that:

- You are not done just because one chapter closes

- God does not waste your experience

- Clarity is often found while in motion

- You are fearfully and wonderfully made for work God designed for you

If you’re navigating a transition, especially later in your career, let Tamara’s “clarity while in motion” testimony be the encouragement you’ve been praying for.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK: https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

02:06 – When the job ends, fear begins

03:31 – Working through rejection with God

07:01 – “Should I retire?” Late-stage uncertainty

14:31 – When closed doors = redirection

16:16 – Peace that confirms God’s plan

18:22 – Calling vs. just having a job

21:06 – Using music and reading as ministry

23:27 – Flexibility, purpose & community impact

24:38 – Encouragement for anyone afraid to start

Are you already planning for 2026? Before you sit down with your journal or vision board, we want to show you a peaceful and biblical way to actually plan your year with God, and not just present your goals to Him after the fact.

We discuss:

• How to start your annual planning rooted in Scripture

• How to look back at your year with gratitude

• A simple way to evaluate your spiritual growth

• How to ask God what HE wants for your 2026

• How to consecrate your goals and plans to the Lord

• How to create quarterly plans with God

If you’re feeling unsure about what next year should look like, this episode is for you.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Jordan Raynor - Redeeming Your Goals / https://www.jordanraynor.com/ryg

Jordan Raynor - The Word Before Work / https://a.co/d/5kxNP0b

Jamie Winship - https://www.youtube.com/@identityexchange

SCRIPTURES MENTIONED:

Romans 5:1 | Romans 8:1, 15–17 | 1 John 3:1 | Ephesians 1:5 | Proverbs 16 | Galatians 5:22–23 | Daniel 1:8 | Joshua 3:5 | Leviticus 20:7 | Colossians 3:23

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

00:00 — Why Christians should plan their year WITH God

01:12 — The biggest mistake most believers make when goal-setting

04:20 — A biblical framework for reflecting on your past year

10:50 — How to evaluate your spiritual maturity (Fruit of the Spirit)

20:32 — How to ask God what He wants for your next year

30:12 — A powerful prayer to reset your heart before planning

39:10 — Why it’s safe to confess your desires honestly to God

45:40 — How to consecrate your 2026 goals

If you’re feeling exhausted, stuck, or drained in your current job, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

Today, we sat down with Bobby – a husband, father, and 20+ year corporate professional who believed he just needed to “hold on 10 more years” before making a change. But when burnout, pressure, and calling collided… God began opening a path he never expected.

Through career coaching, prayer, and community, Bobby learned:

- Why feeling drained doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful

- How God debunks the lies that keep us stuck

- What it looks like to dream with God again

- How to make a career transition wisely when you have a family

- The surprising way God revived a buried dream of entrepreneurship

If you’re wrestling with fear, responsibility, or uncertainty about leaving a draining job, Bobby’s story will help you see what’s possible when you invite God into your career decisions.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

01:24 – 20+ Years in Corporate & Hitting Burnout

03:08 – Providing for a Family While Feeling Trapped

07:09 – Inviting God Into Career Decisions

09:51 – Opening Up to Possibility, Hope & Calling

13:06 – “Just 10 More Years…” and the Wake-Up Moment

16:47 – Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Retirement to Live Your Calling

17:23 – The “Crazy Idea” That Wouldn’t Go Away

21:59 – The Power of Saying Your Dreams Out Loud

26:00 – How to Transition Careers When You Have Bills & Kids

35:40 – Final Encouragement to Anyone Feeling Stuck

In today’s episode, Audrey and I walk through five Christian habits that instantly make you more professional and more of a blessing to the people you work with. These aren’t complicated but when you weave them into your daily life, they change the way people experience you, and they quietly reflect Christ through your work.

And the last habit? Most people avoid it completely… but it might be the one that transforms your workplace the most.

We discuss:

• Why “doing what you say you’ll do” is one of the most Christlike habits you can practice

• How learning to say no helps you honor your yes

• What it really looks like to take ownership of your role

• The surprising habit that builds trust faster than anything else

• Why professionalism is ultimately about loving people well

• + More

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Intro

01:56 – The 5 Habits Overview

03:02 – Habit #1

12:19 – Habit #2

18:59 – Habit #3

25:56 – Habit #4

34:43 – Habit #5

If you’ve ever stared at your resume thinking, “Will they judge me for this?” Then this episode is for you!

We address the truth about career gaps, job hopping, and how to confidently talk about them in your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews. Whether you’ve been laid off, took time off for family, or are pivoting careers, you’ll learn how to explain your story with honesty, professionalism, and faith, and still get hired.

We discuss:

• How to address gaps in your resume and LinkedIn without oversharing

• What to say in interviews if you’ve switched jobs frequently

• When (and when not) to explain your gap

• How to own your story and show growth

• The mindset shift you need to stop letting your resume define your worth

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

02:30 – The truth: Career gaps are more common than you think

05:40 – When to explain your gap (and when not to)

08:20 – How to talk about your career break on your resume or LinkedIn

11:45 – Real examples of what to say with confidence

17:40 – Job hopping explained: What counts as “too short” today

22:30 – How to address short stints and still look professional

27:00 – Interview tips: Talking about layoffs or bad bosses tactfully

33:00 – If you’ve truly been flaky, here’s what to do next

If you’ve ever felt like you wasted years in the wrong career path, this episode will remind you that nothing is ever wasted when God’s the one writing your story.

Lauren spent years studying law, earning her degree, and climbing the ladder in the legal world… only to realize she was deeply unfulfilled and misaligned. The idea of pivoting felt impossible, after all, how do you just walk away from years of hard work?

If you’re in the same page as Lauren, listen in as we discuss:

• What to do when your career feels “off” and you’re scared to pivot

• How to release the guilt of “wasted time” and trust God’s redirection

• Why your unique background is part of His intentional design

• How to find peace and clarity through prayer, coaching, and surrender

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unsure how to move forward, or afraid to start over, this conversation will help you take that next faithful step.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

02:22 – Lauren’s journey from journalism to law school

04:10 – The fear of making a mistake with your degree

06:20 – How God works everything together for good

11:10 – The loneliness of being stuck but self-aware

13:15 – Reframing “different” as God’s unique design

23:10 – From rejection to redirection

27:00 – The leap of faith

33:40 – Letting go of fear and trusting God’s plan

38:10 – What Lauren would tell her past self

39:45 – Encouragement for anyone feeling “behind”

Most people hit pause on their job search during the holidays because they feel like it’s not the best time and companies aren’t hiring. But that’s a huge myth! The “I’ll start in January” plan feels safe… but January is when everyone comes back at the exact same time with the exact same plan.

So today, Audrey and I are breaking down why this season can actually be one of the most strategic times to apply, and how waiting could put you behind instead of ahead.

We’re talking about:

• Why job postings don’t suddenly stop just because it’s December

• How end-of-year remaining budget can create open roles

• Why competition is often dramatically lower right now

• How seasonal or contract roles can quietly become full-time

• And how holiday gatherings can actually make networking easier (yes, even if you hate networking)

If you’ve been feeling hesitant, discouraged, or stuck in “I’ll start later” mode, this episode is your permission to stop waiting for perfect timing and start taking aligned steps now.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

TIME STAMPS

0:37 – Is there ever a “bad” time to job hunt?

6:17 – Why there may be less competition in November & December

8:28 – How holiday gatherings can make networking feel natural

11:02 – Grace for those who feel embarrassed or behind

13:22 – Real example: When hiring gets delayed but still works out

15:34 – You are not behind, this is a strategic time!