I hear you. I've been there.
On paper, it looked like I was succeeding - my company had a good reputation and I received glowing performance reviews. But I felt like I was on a plateau - there wasn’t an opportunity for advancement in the foreseeable future, but I was definitely taking on more and more responsibilities.
I felt so exhausted ALL the time, and I wasn’t truly using my skills.
I mean, I was busy and doing a lot of work, but something was missing, and I wasn't sure what.
I started applying for a bunch of different jobs that seemed to align with my past experience. I received an offer that was a good fit for my background, moved into that role, and then, a few years later, those same feelings crept in. I felt undervalued, underutilized, and bored. Playing the apply-for-a-bunch-of-jobs game was draining me *even more.*
Here’s what I learned:
I was focusing so much on what was logical on paper, and not enough on my energy or what I actually enjoyed doing.
We may think the best way to get out of a job or toxic work environment is to send out dozens of applications until something sticks -
but actually the best way to move into a more fulfilling role is to first pause, figure out what you actually enjoy *and* what you want for your career, instead of continuing on a path because it seems to make sense.
I'm Krista
and I help people who are seeking a change in their professional life to figure out what could be next, and then to build towards that.
I've worked in multiple roles in higher education for nine years, including leading projects related to accreditation, academic initiatives, assessment, employee learning, and leading a team of administrative support professionals.
Before that, I was an executive assistant in the corporate world, juggling dozens of priorities and tasks daily, supporting a vice president and their legal team.
Now, I'm a Designing Your Life Certified Coach and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach - which means that I bring a combination of design thinking tools to help you get unstuck and gain momentum in figuring out what's next, along with a focus on strengths and revisiting what you're naturally talented at (which we can absolutely lose in the plateaus and valleys of life).
I've gone through cycles of applying to dozens of jobs that seemed like a good fit for my background, getting some rejections (or being ghosted), losing confidence, wondering if I should stay put where I was comfortable, and feeling like I was stuck on a never-ending plateau.
The truth is, more is possible.
and more is possible for you, too -
- to confidently articulate your strengths and experiences, and how those would translate into a new context
- to spend your work time doing meaningful work that gives you energy and fulfills you
- to feel valued for your contributions
- to actually enjoy work most of the time - it's not a fairy tale!
Curious about how I can support you?
Higher Ed Career Coaching
Executive Assistant Transition Catalyst
Executive Assistant Transition Catalyst
This is for you if you are a staff member in higher education, feeling like you're in a dead end role or thinking of making a change. (You may be thinking of leaving higher ed, or you may love it and know you want to stay.)
*This package is exclusively for higher ed.
Executive Assistant Transition Catalyst
Executive Assistant Transition Catalyst
Executive Assistant Transition Catalyst
This is for you if you are an executive or administrative assistant who is ready to transition out of a support role and into a different job and career path.
Designing Your Life
Executive Assistant Transition Catalyst
Designing Your Life
This is for you if you are ready to explore what is next so that you can make an intentional shift forward into a role you actually enjoy.
Four fun facts about me; I'm:
- An introvert (ISFJ-A) - yes, networking and public speaking have always been super challenging (and sweaty)
- a learner, maximizer, focus, individualization, and achiever (my CliftonStrengths top five) - so I have a ton of recommendations for books and podcasts, a lot of ideas. I approach coaching experiences with a goal of supporting you in finding a meaningful path as an individual, rather than taking a cookie cutter approach.
- a huge fan of national parks and exploring - and that's part of my secret, spending time in nature for a reset and silence. This helps explains why the pause (instead of continuing to apply for dozens of jobs) is so helpful - it helps you quiet the noise and get back in touch with what YOU want.
- always in search of good barbecue - it's all about the brisket *and* no, good brisket does not need sauce
And for the credential-focused readers, I'm an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. I hold an Ed.D. and M.Ed. in educational technology, a J.D., a B.S. in journalism, and a professional certificate in trauma and resilience. I've popped around a bit to form my career constellation. :)
I didn't realize it at the time, but I was creating new pivots for myself, gaining insights and getting more in touch with what I really wanted with each pivot - so I understand how challenging it is to build your path forward!
