What if that "backup plan" you've been quietly building isn't a betrayal of your current career—but actually the bridge to your next chapter?

In this episode, I share the story of how a 2016 email about voluntary buyouts at The Wall Street Journal changed everything for me. I started building a coaching practice in secret, afraid to tell anyone. For years, I hid behind the word "backup," convinced I was being disloyal to journalism—my identity, my community, my calling.

Then came the 2023 layoff. And I realized: all that quiet work wasn't wasted. It was preparation.

If you're building something on the side—a project, a certification, a dream you haven't named out loud yet—this conversation is for you. We'll explore why we hide our next chapters, the moment everything shifts, and how to move from isolation to integration.

Key Takeaways:

• Your backup plan is an act of self-respect, not disloyalty
• Quiet preparation counts—it's rehearsal, not wasted time
• Transformation happens through integration, not isolation
• The work you're doing in the shadows deserves daylight
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#CareerTransition #CareerChange #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerCoaching #NextChapter #CareerPivot #FindingPurpose

I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified career coach, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals find the work that works for them. I'm sharing my thoughts on careers, and more, and how I can help you achieve your goals. Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com

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