In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining is joined by Marie Zimenoff, CEO of Career Thought Leaders and Resume Writing Academy, to unpack the real reasons career change feels so overwhelming—and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

They discuss the difference between role, company, and industry misalignment; how to use storytelling and branding to bridge a nonlinear path; and why blowing it all up isn’t always the answer (even if it feels like it should be).

Whether you’re exploring your options, mid-transition, or doubting if you even can change careers, Marie offers grounded, actionable advice to help you move forward without losing yourself in the process. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next in your career, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to identify what’s really not working in your current job
• A practical framework for thinking about career change (without burning it all down)
• How to reconnect with your “why” and leverage your existing experience
• Tips for career storytelling—even if your path has been messy or nonlinear
• Why clarity about your identity is essential before you update your resume
   

Guest Bio:
Marie Zimenoff is known as a pioneer on the leading edge of career industry trends and technology. She began her professional career as an advisor and recruiter in higher education while completing her MEd in human resource studies, career and counseling development. In 2008—the peak of the Great Recession—Marie left the university to start her business. Inspired by a passion to make a difference in the industry, as CEO of Career Thought Leaders and Resume Writing Academy, she releases an annual industry trends white paper and trains career professionals around the globe in resume writing, career coaching, and business development. She is also a sought-after speaker on technology topics in the careers industry at international events like the Asian Pacific Career Development Association, national industry conferences, and career and technical education events.

Connect with Marie:
https://www.careerthoughtleaders.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-thought-leaders-consortium/

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – Meet Marie Zimenoff: Her path into career coaching
04:57 – When changing careers feels impossible
06:13 – Four questions to figure out what’s really wrong
12:17 – What to do when you don’t know what you want
18:16 – Why “blow it all up” isn’t the best plan
21:30 – Telling your story when your career path doesn’t make sense
26:12 – How to fill career gaps with relevance and credibility
30:19 – Career storytelling vs. personal branding
37:10 – Trends in career change and nonlinear paths
42:14 – What successful career changers have in common
45:20 – Where to find Marie

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