Career grief can come with leaving a job, changing direction, launching a business, or letting go of a dream or identity that once defined you.

Often, it isn’t just about losing a job; it’s about letting go of identities, relationships, and dreams. It can leave you questioning your worth and purpose.

Grief coach, career strategist, and former entertainment executive Laverne McKinnon shares how to recognize these often-hidden losses, move through them with intention, and use them as a pathway to growth.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Career Grief: What It Really Means
The concept of career grief, its implications for individuals, particularly entrepreneurs, and strategies for navigating these emotional waters.

04:22 – The Hidden Signs of Grief
Understanding and recognizing the emotional and physical symptoms of career grief

05:30 – Why Entrepreneurs Need Permission to Grieve
How career grief manifests for entrepreneurs and the importance of permission to grieve

06:45 – Visible and Hidden Losses
While visible losses, such as job titles or salaries, are often acknowledged, hidden losses are frequently neglected. These include loss of identity, loss of community, and loss of purpose.

09:05 – Healing Through Ritual and Story
Laverne shares some practical strategies for processing grief, including rituals and storytelling

11:20 – Honoring identity shifts and letting go
A job or a business often gives you a sense of purpose, and transitioning away can leave you questioning your value and direction. Spend time understanding who you are outside of your job. This could involve exploring new interests or cultivating hobbies that bring joy.

18:03 – Rituals That Bring Closure
Laverne describes rituals like writing a eulogy, planting a tree, or designing a symbolic ceremony as ways to process career grief, reclaim agency, and make space for a new identity.

20:03 – Embracing New Growth
Redefining what success looks like for you can help redirect focus and energy, making the transition feel more manageable.

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