Episode 7: Maybe You Should Fly a Jet… Or Just Survive the 2025 Job Hunt
What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? (No, Seriously…)
If you’ve ever felt like Dr. Seuss was speaking directly to your soul with Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet!, you are in good company. Lately, that’s been the soundtrack running through my brain…maybe I should be a podcaster, maybe a voiceover artist, maybe stick with program management… Or, as my son would suggest, maybe I’m meant to be an ice cream truck owner. (And honestly, there are worse ways to spend a summer!)
The Never-Ending Question
As life keeps moving (sometimes way too fast), I keep coming back to the same question: What do I really want to do when I grow up? The truth is, my planner-brain wants a clear, color-coded answer. But real life? It’s messy, a swirl of hope, self-doubt, stress, and all those late-night what-ifs. Some days, I feel like I’m getting closer; other days, it’s like the ground is shifting under my feet.
Why I’m Sharing This (and Why You Should Too)
I’m not here to complain. I’m here to be real. I know how lucky I am, grateful for past flexibility, for an amazing work team, for the chance to discover new sides of myself I never expected. But I also want to speak for everyone who’s feeling a little stuck, a little lost, or just in between chapters. Maybe you’re right there with me.
The Job Search, AI Madness, and… Just Plain Exhaustion
Let’s be honest: Job hunting in 2025 is wild. The unemployment rate might be stable, but it feels like everyone is hustling for the same handful of jobs. The notifications from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor? At first, they’re exciting. After a while, it’s a parade of “not qualified,” “not interested,” or “how can I possibly have five years of experience in something that was invented last year?!”
And don’t even get me started on AI. We’re all using it to perfect resumes and cover letters only to find out companies are using their bots to filter us out. It’s like a digital arms race, and half the time, I’m just trying to keep up.
Building, Creating, Not Giving Up
Here’s what I am doing: I’m building my brand, Small Things, Big Life, not just a podcast, but a print-on-demand shop and a whole new creative outlet. I’m still putting myself out there with voiceover auditions, networking, and trying new things. Some days, it feels like shouting into the void. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the only way forward is through. We’re all allowed to have those moments of frustration, fear, or just plain tiredness because we’re human.
My Reflection: The “Both/And” Life
Here’s what I haven’t said out loud until now: I do want to rejoin the workforce. I want to make a difference, even if it’s just for one person. But right now, being present for my kids is my top priority. I’m grateful to be here in this season, but it doesn’t mean I’ve let go of my ambition.
If anything, motherhood, remote work, and building my own thing have made me stronger and more resilient. I can lead, pivot, solve problems, and build community whether it’s at home, in a boardroom, or behind a microphone.
I’m looking for work that fits all of me: the professional, the parent, the creator, the human. I’m ready to contribute, grow, and join a team that values the whole person, not just a resume or a job title.
If you’re feeling that same tug-of-war, just know you’re not alone. You don’t have to pick one path. You get to choose, to change, and to grow at your own pace.
What About You?
So here’s my question for you:
What do YOU want to be when you grow up? Is it something you dreamed of as a kid, or has it changed a hundred times like mine? Are you chasing a wild idea, building something new, or just trying to figure out what comes next? I want to hear your stories, your dreams, your struggles. Drop a comment, send me a DM, or reach out via email. Maybe I’ll even feature some of your responses (anonymously, if you prefer) in a future episode!
Coming Up Next… Inspiration Alert!
Need a shot of inspiration for your own next chapter? Stay tuned for my next podcast episode with Kate Browning from Cherry Blossom Management. Kate is redefining what it means to take charge of your story, your boundaries, and your dreams. You don’t want to miss it!
Thank you for being here, for showing up, for reading, for reminding me that none of us are in this alone. Your next chapter might look different than you planned… and that’s okay. That’s kind of the point.
