The Importance of Knowing Your Worth and Understanding Your Value During a Career Transition
Losing a job or navigating a career transition can be one of your most challenging times. It's a period filled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and, often, a questioning of your self-worth. As the founder of 2B Bolder and host of the 2B Bolder podcast, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with countless women who have faced these challenges head-on and emerged stronger. One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned—and shared—is the importance of knowing your worth and understanding your value, especially during these pivotal moments in your career.
Why Knowing Your Worth Matters
When experiencing a job loss or career transition, it's easy to feel lost and question your professional value. However, understanding your worth is not just about salary negotiations; it’s about recognizing the unique strengths, skills, and experiences you bring to the table. Knowing your worth empowers you to make confident decisions, pursue opportunities that align with your values, and ultimately, take bold steps in your career.
Here are some actionable steps to begin recognizing and embracing your self-worth.
1. Reflect on Your Achievements
Start by taking stock of your accomplishments, both big and small. Reflect on the projects you’ve led, the skills you’ve acquired, and the positive feedback you’ve received throughout your career.
Actionable Step: Create a “brag book” or a professional portfolio highlighting your achievements, testimonials, and examples of your work. This tangible record will remind you of your value and can be a powerful tool during interviews and networking opportunities.
2. Identify Your Unique Strengths What makes you stand out? Is it your problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, or creative thinking? Understanding what you do exceptionally well will help you position yourself effectively in the job market.
Actionable Step: Write down your top five strengths and think of specific examples where you’ve demonstrated these qualities. Practice articulating these strengths in your elevator pitch, resume, and during interviews.
3. Seek Feedback from Trusted Sources
Sometimes, it’s hard to see our value. Contact mentors, colleagues, or trusted friends who can provide an objective perspective on your strengths and contributions.
Actionable Step: Ask for constructive feedback and testimonials to add to your professional portfolio. This outside perspective can boost your confidence and give you new insights into your value.
4. Reframe Negative Thoughts Feeling a sense of loss or frustration during a career transition is natural, but don’t let those emotions cloud your judgment of your worth or hold you back from moving forward. Reframe negative thoughts into opportunities for growth.
Actionable Step: When self-doubt creeps in, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself, “What evidence do I have that this is true?” Replace negative beliefs with affirmations that reflect your true value, such as, “I am capable, skilled, and ready for new opportunities.”
5. Align Your Job Search with Your Values
Knowing your worth also means being clear about your values and what you want from your career. Don’t settle for roles at companies that don’t align with your professional and personal goals.
Actionable Step: Make a list of your non-negotiables—a specific salary range, work-life balance, or a company culture that aligns with your values. Use this list as a guide when evaluating potential job opportunities.
6. Network with Purpose Networking is more than just meeting new people; it’s about building relationships that recognize and affirm your value. Connect with individuals who appreciate your skills and can open doors to new opportunities.
Actionable Step: Attend industry events, join professional groups, and engage with peers on LinkedIn. Be intentional about forming connections with those who can support your career growth and reinforce your sense of worth.
During career transitions, it’s essential to stay grounded in your worth and the value you bring to the professional world. Understanding your value isn’t just about getting the job you want—it’s about ensuring that your next career move reflects the full scope of what you have to offer.
At 2B Bolder, we believe that every woman has the potential to take bold steps in her career, no matter the obstacles. By recognizing your worth, you empower yourself to navigate transitions with confidence and resilience, emerging stronger and ready to seize new opportunities. Remember, a job title or a paycheck does not determine your worth—your unique contributions and impact on the world define it.
You’ve got this. Be bold, be resilient, and always know your worth.
Always Strive to be BOLDER, Mary Killelea