Have you ever felt like life was making all the decisions for you? Taking jobs just to pay the bills. Staying in a draining role because you were afraid you didn’t have the skills or education to do anything else. Desperately clinging to positions for the insurance. I’ve been there—and it almost broke me.
In 2020, I found myself in a dead-end job, completely stuck and out of options. My career had been a series of reactive choices, not intentional moves. But I made the decision to take back control—and that decision transformed my life. Today, I’m a senior project manager at a global law firm, earning four times my previous salary and loving what I do.
The journey from survival to strategy wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step. And in this article, I’m going to share three key lessons I learned along the way—lessons that can help you break free from survival mode and build a career you love.
1. Make the Choice to Make a Change
Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of taking a leap. For years, I stayed in jobs that weren’t fulfilling because they felt safe. But in reality, they weren’t safe—they were keeping me small.
Making the choice to leave was terrifying. I didn’t have a clear direction, and the thought of failure loomed large. But I realized that waiting for the “perfect time” would keep me stuck forever. I had to take action, even if it felt uncertain.
Every small step I took—updating my resume, learning new skills, exploring different paths—built my confidence and brought me closer to where I wanted to be. The first and most powerful step was simply deciding: I’m not staying here anymore.
2. Find Your True North
Taking action is important, but without a clear direction, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why finding your “True North” is so crucial. It’s your guiding light—the vision of where you want to go and what you want to achieve.
For me, finding my True North was a journey. I explored options like data science and accounting, but they didn’t feel right. It wasn’t until I discovered project management that everything clicked. I realized it aligned with my strengths, my passion for problem-solving, and my desire to lead.
You might have false starts, and that’s okay. Each step, even the ones that don’t work out, brings you closer to clarity. Take the time to reflect on what lights you up and the kind of impact you want to make. When you find your True North, you’ll finally have the direction you need to move forward with confidence.
3. Build a Support System
You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, you shouldn’t. Support and accountability can make the difference between staying stuck and making real progress.
When I decided to pursue project management, I hired a career coach who helped me align my experience with my goals and build a resume that showcased my value. I also found an accountability buddy who kept me on track with weekly check-ins. Together, these steps gave me the clarity, confidence, and momentum I needed to succeed.
Support doesn’t have to mean hiring a coach—it can be a mentor, a trusted friend, or a professional network. What matters is that you have someone in your corner, helping you stay focused and motivated.
Your Next Step
Breaking free from survival mode and building a career you love starts with one decision: the decision to take back control.
If you’re ready to make a change but don’t know where to start, I’ve created a free resource to help: The Survival to Strategy Career Action Plan. This guide will help you identify where you are, where you want to go, and the steps to get there.
Download it here: Resource Library | Kayla Quijas CC
Your career doesn’t have to feel like an accident. With the right mindset, direction, and support, you can build a career that excites you and sets you up for success. The choice is yours.
And if you’re ready to take it a step further, I’d love to help. Schedule a free coffee chat: Apply to Work With Me | Kayla Quijas CC
Together, we’ll create a clear, actionable plan to move your career from survival to strategy.
It’s time to reclaim your power and build a career on your terms. The next step is yours.
Additional Resources
Testimonials: Testimonials | Kayla Quijas CC
YouTube: Kayla Quijas - YouTube
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